Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ayumi Shibata. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ayumi, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

Yes, I’m happier as a business owner. As a former employee Creative Director / Design Director in the Fashion field, my journey from working within a toxic environment to becoming a business owner has been both transformative and empowering. Before the pandemic, I was part of a fashion brands where the atmosphere often felt like high school, with a lot of toxic gossip and negativity circulating among the team. This not only affected my creative process but also took a toll on my overall well-being.

The turning point came when I realized that I wanted to create a space that nurtured creativity, collaboration, and positivity. I made the bold decision to step away from that toxic environment and start my own business as a wardrobe stylist and costume design for commercial / film industry. It was a leap of faith, but I was determined to build my new career that reflected my values and provided a healthier work atmosphere.

Of course, the transition wasn’t without its challenges. As a business owner, I faced numerous responsibilities and uncertainties, from managing finances and making a new connections to building a relationship with photographers, directors, producers, production companies and advertising agencies from scratch. There were moments when I questioned whether the stability of a regular job would have been an easier path.

One such moment occurred during the early stages of my new business. I was working long hours, juggling various tasks, and dealing with the pressures of building a new venture. I found myself reminiscing about the days when I had a stable job with a regular paycheck, and I wouldn’t lie if I said there were times when I felt overwhelmed.

During this reflective period, I took time to evaluate my journey. I reminded myself of the toxic environment I had left behind and the toll it took on my mental and emotional well-being. I realized that the challenges I was facing as a business owner were part of the growth process. Life is not all about making money and don’t compare with what other people do and how they live their life. I weighed the difficulties against the freedom to shape my brand’s culture, the joy of creating something meaningful, and the opportunity to foster a positive work environment for myself and my future team.

Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that the challenges I faced as a business owner were a small price to pay for the fulfillment and creative freedom I was experiencing. I understood that every path has its own set of challenges, and I was now in control of shaping my destiny. The toxic gossip-filled atmosphere from my previous job served as a constant reminder of why I made the decision to become a business owner in the first place.

Looking back, I am grateful for the journey I’ve embarked upon. The thought of having a regular job occasionally crosses my mind, but I quickly remind myself of the strides I’ve made, the positive impact I’m creating, and the valuable insights I’ve gained along the way. As a business owner, wardrobe stylist and costume designer. I’ve learned to navigate challenges, foster a healthy work environment, and cultivate my work that I am truly proud of.

Ayumi, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a wardrobe stylist / costume designer based on Los Angeles. I’m originally from Japan. I currently focus on working in more lifestyle commercials, brand’s advertisements and campaigns.
My style of the fashion is modern with tasteful vintage layers and bit of Japanese essence. I tend to stay away from styling with just named high-end brands.

My brother in-law was suggested that I should help company executives and personal speakers’s style who doesn’t have much time to shop and want to elevate their style for their business.
I was unsure in the beginning about this idea, but I started helping family members and some friends, they became confident in the clothing I choose and appreciated what I have done for them.

I realized that there is a good market as there are many public speakers and corporate executives who want to give a outward professional and successful appearance, but don’t have the time or knowhow to purchase clothing for themselves. I would like to add personal styling as my next step in growing my styling career.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

After spending 13 years in Tokyo working with high-end fashion designer brands that showcase their collections through runway shows in Paris, Milan, and Tokyo, I embarked on a new chapter by relocating to San Diego to explore fresh life prospects.

It might seem like my time in Tokyo was nothing short of remarkable – and indeed, it was! I gained invaluable experiences, honed my skills, and established a successful career in Japan. However, this success came at a price. I dedicated 12-14 hours to work each day, rarely enjoying weekends or holidays. There were instances when I even stayed overnight at the office, only for the next day’s challenges to begin anew. This was the lifestyle I immersed myself in throughout my entire twenties for a decade.

By the time I reached 30, I was already feeling drained and realized that I yearned for a life beyond work – one that allowed me to savor moments and not just focus on career-building.

At the age of 34, I made a pivotal decision and moved to the United States, landing in San Diego alongside my ex-husband, an American.

Life in San Diego didn’t unfold as I had hoped. Armed with a mere $160, I packed my car and headed north to Los Angeles, seeking a fresh start. Luckily, a dear friend required assistance with his business, and in exchange, I found both a purpose and a place to reside.

As I lent a hand at my friend’s renowned vintage store, “SLOW,” on Melrose Ave, inspiration struck. I began repurposing products into innovative new creations. Each day, I crafted reinvented pieces, and before long, buyers from across the globe – including Top Shop, Free People, Urban Outfitters, Planet Blue, and Hot Topic – expressed their interest in acquiring my designs. Thus began my journey into the realm of wholesale business.

Within a year and a half, with my initial $160 investment, I established my very own clothing line. By the end of the first year, I achieved my dream of generating six-figure sales. However, as any good roller coaster entails its ups and downs, I encountered a setback due to a troublesome business partnership that led to the downfall of my budding empire. I was left devastated and disheartened.

But true resilience surfaced from within, propelling me to rebuild with even greater strength. With the support and encouragement of close friends, I embarked on a new line. A golden opportunity emerged, leading me to participate in the WWD Magic / Galerie Lafayette in Paris Emerging Designer Contest, where I clinched 1st place for my presentation to Galerie Lafayette’s esteemed buyers. Simultaneously, I was honored with the title of Best Emerging Designer by the Fashion Business Institution in 2015.

This marked a turning point, launching me into design consulting, creative direction, and collaborations with well-known fashion companies across the United States.

The pandemic prompted profound reflection on my career trajectory, fueling a pursuit of newfound passion. My involvement with Los Angeles-based fashion brands exposed me to overseeing photoshoots and coordinating attire for these shoots. This ignited my interest in wardrobe styling and costume design, a natural extension of my creative inclinations.
Reinvigorated by this revelation, I embarked on a journey as a wardrobe stylist for commercials, advertisements, and brand campaigns.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

When people are successful, they are surrounded by support from those around them, and many individuals assist them in various ways. However, when someone is suffering, they might not receive a helping hand; instead, they could be ignored, subjected to gossip and drama, or even pushed away by others.

In the past, I successfully launched a clothing brand business for the first time in America and looked for investors and business partners who would share the responsibilities in finance and business strategy for global market. Unfortunately, due to my lack of experience, I ended up partnering with the wrong business associate, leading to the eventual loss of the business I had built and leaving me with nothing.

Through this experience, I gained the ability to clearly distinguish between those who can be trusted in my surrounding environment.

People tend to present themselves as good individuals during prosperous times, yet their true nature often emerges during adversity. Based on my painful experience, I resolved not to become someone with dual motives. Moreover, I aspire to empathize with individuals facing hardships, offering advice and assistance based on my own experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ayumishibatafashion.com
• Instagram: @ayumishibata_la
• Facebook: @ayumishibatafashion
• Linkedin: @ayumishibatadesign
• Youtube: @sparklarkbyayumi4709

Image Credits
Pic-1 : Photographer: Sam Grant
Pic-2: photographer : M.k. Sadler
Picture-3. : photographer : Sam Grant
Photo-4 : Photographer @ M.K. Sandler
Picture 5&6 : photographer : Dorit Thies
Picture 7&8 : Photographer: Dorit Thies