We were lucky to catch up with Sayuri Tsukahara recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sayuri, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

Yes!! entrepreneurship has brought a whole new level of joy and fulfillment to my life as a mother of three little ones. You see, being an entrepreneur allows me to not only chase my dreams but also set an incredible example for my kids. They see Mommy working hard and passionately on something she loves, which, in turn, instills in them the importance of determination and following their hearts. Sure, it’s a wild ride with its ups and downs, but it means I get to be there for those precious moments in my children’s lives without the stress of a rigid work schedule. It’s not just a job; it’s a lifestyle that lets me balance both being a mom and pursuing my dreams.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello! Im Sayuri Tsukahara and I’m the founder of Boho Bela. I started this business as a way to channel my energy and creativity during a challenging period in my life. I struggled with anxiety and panic disorder, and crafting became my therapeutic escape. It not only helped me manage my mental health but also gave me a sense of purpose and accomplishment. As time went on, my passion turned into a business, and it has been an incredible journey. I’m proud to say that I’ve shipped my handmade creations to every corner of the United States and even internationally. It’s been a slow but steady growth, and I’m grateful for every customer who has supported me along the way.

What makes this journey even more remarkable is that I managed to grow this business while raising three wonderful kids. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship has been both challenging and rewarding. My children have been my greatest motivation, and they’ve seen firsthand what determination and hard work can achieve. They’ve also been my little helpers, occasionally lending a hand with packaging and shipping. It’s been a beautiful journey of personal and professional growth, and I’m excited to see where the future takes us.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Many people equate business success with income, but it’s essential to recognize that success encompasses far more than financial metrics. This is a lesson I had to unlearn when I struggle with high and low seasons. Success can be measured in various ways, including personal satisfaction, the impact you have on others, and the sense of purpose your business brings.

I learned that focusing solely on income can lead to burnout and a loss of passion for what you do. Instead, I began to appreciate the intrinsic rewards of my business—the joy of creating, the connections with customers, and the personal growth it offered. These elements, alongside income, form a more comprehensive and fulfilling definition of success for my business.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

Manufacturing my own products has been a rewarding but challenging aspect of my business journey. Crafting each item by hand has allowed me to maintain a high level of quality and a unique touch that sets my products apart. However, this process has also taught me valuable lessons along the way.

First and foremost, I’ve learned the importance of time management. Handcrafting products is a meticulous and time-consuming process. To ensure I meet customer demands and maintain a steady workflow, I’ve had to develop effective time management skills and create a production schedule.

Additionally, I’ve come to appreciate the significance of quality control. Each product I create represents not only my brand but also my dedication to craftsmanship. I’ve had to implement rigorous quality control measures to ensure that every item leaving my workshop meets the highest standards.

Another lesson I’ve learned is the importance of scaling wisely. As demand for my products grew, I faced the challenge of maintaining consistency in production. This led me to explore ways to scale without compromising quality, such as training skilled artisans or automating certain aspects of the process.

Lastly, manufacturing my own products has taught me the value of adaptability. The crafting industry evolves, and customer preferences change. Being open to new techniques, materials, and design trends has been crucial in staying relevant and meeting customer expectations.

In essence, manufacturing my own products has been a labor of love that has tested my skills and taught me valuable lessons in time management, quality control, scaling, and adaptability. While it’s demanding, the satisfaction of creating something with my own hands and delivering it to satisfied customers makes it all worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bohobela.etsy.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/bohobela?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==
• Facebook: Boho BeLa