"Yes, it's possible..."
Mimi's story, part 3/3
(3/3) “This is my second storefront in downtown Charleston and that’s an accomplishment. I don’t think our Southern city is very accessible to minorities. My Dad is Black and my Mom is Japanese. I make it a point to carry other Black- and Asian-owned brands. Having this space is nothing for me if I can’t use it to help these brands grow.
My former 50/50 business partner was white and ten years older than me. People entered our store and assumed that I was a student working there. I used to put myself in a bubble and think, ‘This is not affecting me.’ But it was. Now I seize the opportunity to show, ‘Yes, it is possible for a young woman of colour to own a successful business here.’
There is a microscope on my business because I am young, Black and in Charleston. With everything I do, I’m calculating, ‘Is this the right thing to say? Will this make clear where I stand on race and gender equality?’ I want my store – our team, our products and our brand – to fully represent my values. At the same time, I want people to support us not just because we are Black-owned, but because they love our products and appreciate our brand.
I’m blessed right now. Unless there is another pandemic, we’re in good shape. My biggest obstacle is not playing it too safe. Last holiday season, when we sold out of a certain product, I asked myself, ‘Will we really sell another 50?’ I’d order less and we’d sell out again in a day or two. I’m learning to think strategically and invest in the business.
Many of my goals have been achieved sooner than expected. Now I am catching up and considering the future. I would love for my store to be a staple in the neighbourhood, one that brings customers back, again and again. While I’m not aiming to expand or earn millions, I am learning how healthy financials can serve as a foundation to allow me to focus on impact.
My hope is to set an example. I want to show that you can be young, Black, Asian, with big curly hair (or whatever), and own a business and live a full life with peace in the space that you’re in. One day, if a kid enters my store, gets inspired, and says, ‘Mommy, I want to have a store like this,’ that’s what it’s all about for me.”
What are your values? What is it all about for you?