Male Boss Babe - MAYUMI IZUMI

August 11, 2020

Babes Promoting Babes Interview Series – Gordon Tang of GT & Co

MY MISSION: To motivate and inspire Boss Babes in the making. To uplift, encourage, and promote male & female entrepreneurs and to share aspirations, goals and dreams with them, and you, my subscribers.

To provide and build a warm, loving, and supportive community of CREATORS. Creators of art, a business, or a NEW YOU …

I met Gordon Tang when I was 14 years old before he started his salon, GT & Co Hair Studio on East 2nd in North Vancouver. My Mom had her hair done by him and recommended him to me. She said he was, “sugoku jouzu (which means really good or skillful in Japanese)”.

And I have been going to see Gordon since then for over 20 years. Mom was right — Gordon is great! If you ask him to only cut 1/2 an inch off that’s all he will cut. And so talented in the way he cuts and styles hair.

Once I find a person, company or product that I like, admire and enjoy — I stay loyal. I am that “sought after customer” that businesses dream about. Not only do I stay loyal to the company but I also spread the word. I created a hashtag on Instagram #fortheloveoflocal with a heart emoji and without for this exact purpose. I spread the word about a Local Business through my love for them.

So without further ado — It’s my pleasure to introduce you to Gordon, Owner of GT & Co and my stylist since I was in high school.

M: What’s your story? Where were you born, where were you raised? What was your childhood, growing up years like?

G: I was born and raised in the Hong Kong countryside. My childhood consisted of lots of farming and lots of pets.

M: What did you want to do when you grew up?

G: I wanted to be a professional soccer player.

M: Did you go to college or university? If so, what did you study?

G: I studied business at Langara College and then I studied hair design at Vidal Sassoon in London, England.

M: When did you move to Vancouver? Why did you move to Vancouver?

G: I moved to Vancouver with my family in 1979 for a better education and more opportunities.

M: When did you start your business? What was your inspiration?

G: I started my business in 1986. I cut my friends’ hair in high school and it was then that I found my passion — I love to talk to people while hairdressing.

M: What do you love the most about being a Boss Babe?

G: The ability to control my own finances, hours and being able to learn from my customers; and to have the ability to implement their good ideas.

M: What would your advice be for Boss Babes in the making? If they are contemplating leaving a secure 9-5 job with benefits – what would you say to them? Should they take the leap?

G: If you believe in yourself and your dreams and are willing to work hard, you will find success

M: Any last words? What’s our favourite positive/motivational quote or book?

G: My favourite quote is, “nothing ventured, nothing gained“.

Gordon is old school and does not have any social media platforms or website for his salon. If you would like to make an appointment with him, please tell him that Mayumi sent you!

GT & Co Hair Studio is located at: 130 2nd St E, North Vancouver, BC and their phone number is: 604.988.9813. The salon hours are: Tuesday through Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

May 22, 2020

Babes Promoting Babes – Francisco of Tequila Cocina Restaurant

MY MISSION: To motivate and inspire Boss Babes in the making. To uplift, encourage, and promote male & female entrepreneurs and to share aspirations, goals and dreams with them and you, my subscribers.

To provide and build a warm, loving, and supportive community of CREATORS. Creators of art, a business, or a NEW YOU …

I first met Francisco Sonora, Owner of Tequila Cocina Restaurant at the Lonsdale Ave Magazine launch party as I did our first Male Boss Babe, Eamonn Duignan, when we were introduced by the magazine founder.

Francisco is affable, friendly and very easy to talk to. He is in the perfect industry …

M; What’s your story? Where were you born, where were you raised? What was your childhood, growing up years like?

F: I was born and raised in Mexico City and have an older brother. I grew up in an ordinary family, playing soccer in the streets and drinking water from the hose in the summer. Nintendo was also something I enjoyed playing back then.

I helped our family in a small restaurant, doing everything from washing dishes to cooking, and serving customers.

My mom who raised my brother and myself with a strong work ethic and morals, set a good example for us.

M: What did you want to do when you grew up?

F: Having my own restaurant was always one of my dreams because cooking is one of my biggest passions.

Also, I wanted to have my own family and I feel blessed now to have baby Ana, she’s my sunshine!!

M: Did you go to college or university? If so, what did you study?

F: No I didn’t.

M: When did you move to Vancouver? Why did you move to Vancouver?

F: I moved to Vancouver when I was about 20 years old and worked in construction for years (which I still do).

First, I visited on vacation and loved it and all the opportunities that are here. I’m lucky to get to live in this city.

Tequila Cocina’s live entertainment on Friday Nights – Mariachi Los Dorados

M: When did you start your business? What was your inspiration?

F: We first opened on May 31st, 2019 but it took us about one year to build and renovate the place.

We are going to have our first anniversary in a couple weeks. It falls on a Sunday and we will be preparing a lot of specials for our customers.

M: What do you love the most about being a Boss Babe?

F: Well, I’m just the face of the restaurant but there’s a team of many people involved who I appreciate and have to thank.

We have become a family at Tequila Cocina — from my business partner, Mami Matsumura, to kitchen and front staff and of course, my wife and baby who are my motivation to keep me going everyday.

M: What would your advice be for Boss Babes in the making? If they are contemplating leaving a secure 9-5 job with benefits – what would you say to them? Should they take the leap?

F: I’d say just go for it, everything is going to make sense down the road.

Vancouver is an open ocean full of fish and we are the fisherman. Martin Luther king once said, “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

M: Any last words? What’s our favourite positive/motivational quote or book?

F: There’s a quote that I like and it goes something like,

“The key to success is start before you are ready. Don’t look for happiness, create it …”

You can follow Tequila Cocina on their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tequilacocina/ and have a look at their menu — their first anniversary is just around the corner: https://www.tequilacocina.org/

May 7, 2020May 9, 2020

Babes Promoting Babes – Shane of Goodlad Clothing

I had the pleasure of meeting Shane Meier last year when I walked into Goodlad Clothing and introduced myself.

I chose to visit his store because I wanted to feature their Men’s Clothing in my First Annual Fashion Gala, “For the Love of Local”. And to my delight, Shane agreed on the spot. He was also a gracious host and gave me a tour of his store, barber & coffee shop — All contained in the one location.

Shane told me the reason he named his store Goodlad. It was his grandfather’s last name. Grandpa James Goodlad’s portrait was rendered by an amazing local artist, Kevin Keeler. It is hung in the center of Shane’s store & shown above .

A portion of my fashion show ticket sales will be donated to Not for Profit Organization, Harvest Project. Designer garments from their thrift store, Clothes For Change will be highlighted and 3 suits designed & constructed by VCC (Vancouver Community College) Fashion Design students will be auctioned and all proceeds will be going to help families in the Harvest Project program. Stay tuned, I will be announcing when and where the gala will be taking place when it is deemed safe to do so.

Goodlad Clothing Store – Men’s Fashion in North Vancouver

MY MISSION: To motivate and inspire Boss Babes in the making. To uplift, encourage, and promote male & female entreprenuers and to share aspirations, goals and dreams with them.

To provide and build a warm, loving, and supportive community of CREATORS. Creators of art, a business, or a NEW YOU …

M: What’s your story? Where were you born, where were you raised? What was your childhood, growing up years like?

S: I was born and raised in Saskatoon, Sask (Saskatchewan) but lived most of my life in the Lower Mainland.

Spent about 30 years in the Film/TV Industry both locally and in Los Angeles, as well as across most of Canada. Currently live in Yaletown but cannot wait to get to the North Shore where my business GOODLAD is located.

M: What did you want to do when you grew up?

S: I had ZERO clue. Lol … In FACT, I didn’t know what I wanted to do (for the rest of my life) until I was in my late 30’s.

Acting was a hobby and that was it. I was too small to play most sports as a kid so Film/TV performances were a natural fit for me and I was very fortunate to get work steadily as a kid.

M: Did you go to college or university? If so, what did you study?

S: I did not. I moved to LA when I was 17 and lived there for a year. THAT was my post secondary education.

M: When did you move to Vancouver? Where in Vancouver did you move to?

S: We moved from Saskatchewan around 1988. I lived and grew up in Coquitlam.

M: When did you start your business? What was your inspiration?

S: Goodlad was born about 2 years ago. We officially opened for business in August 2018 so we are still new!

Inspiration came just wanting to be a business owner. I’ve always worked for myself my whole life in the Film World.

I wanted to open something special where people would gravitate towards. I wanted each person that comes through the doors to have a great experience.

Goodlad's Coffee Shop — Goodlad’s Coffee Shop – drink coffee & grab a breakfast sandwich or snack

M: What do you love the most about being a Boss Babe?

S: If you ask ANY of my staff I DO NOT use the term BOSS in or around the shop. I am their colleague. Co-worker. Mentor. I just so happen to be the signing officer on their paychecks — That is it.

I do, however, like being able to do just that. Mentor and point people in the right direction.

I was once in their shoes. And learning from people with experience only helped push me in the direction I wanted to go.

M; What would your advice be for Boss Babes in the making? If they are contemplating leaving a secure 9-5 job with benefits – what would you say to them? Should they take the leap?

S: YES. Take the plunge. Commit. A lot of people get scared and stay in their 9-5’s and are miserable for most of their lives.

Goodlad - Barber Shop — Goodlad Barber Shop – get your hair cut, and a shave while you shop

Being an entrepreneur is one of the most exhilarating experiences I have ever had. Stressful at times, but once you see what you have created for people, there is no better feeling.

I may have brought this mentality from my performing days…

M: Any last words? What’s our favourite positive/motivational quote or book.

S: Never be afraid. Attack projects with KNOWING that you will succeed. Hard work always pays off in the end.

Motivating books?? Gino Wickman writes a ton of VERY useful books for running anything from 2 to 2000 staff business. Very useful for me when opening Goodlad.

And you cannot go wrong with Mr. Jordan Peterson’s “12 Rules of Life”. It’s a true game changer!!

Shane Meier is the Owner of Goodlad Clothing, North Vancouver’s premier Men’s Fashion store, barber & coffee shop all rolled into one. Very unique concept and a triple threat: https://www.goodladclothing.com/ and follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodladclothing/