Challenging moms make Japan grow, the potential of housewife entrepreneurship

The term 'housewife entrepreneurship' has become a common term. The number of housewives who start their own businesses while raising children is increasing. In the March 2013 broadcast of 'Sakidori', several housewife entrepreneurs were introduced.

Moms who take on challenges energize Japan. It is active women like them who will have a great influence on Japan from now on. Overseas, women who start businesses while raising children are called 'mompreneurs' and it has become a trend.

So, this time, I researched about those who are active as housewife entrepreneurs.

1. Organization and Storage Advisor Ms. Ito

• Income : 200,000 yen or more per month
• Family : A family of four: husband and two sons
• Business type : Storage Advisor

Reason :

A blog started with the birth of her child. Because she posted organization techniques and storage tips, the blog's access numbers steadily increased, and she received feedback from strangers.

Ms. Ito's comment :

Starting a business doing what I love is a big factor, and I truly enjoy every day. I feel that my being able to smile is also a positive for my family.

• Homepage : http://re-style-t.com/
• Blog : http://ameblo.jp/re-style-okataduke/
• Source : http://www.nhk.or.jp/sakidori/backnumber/130317.html

2. Calligraphy Class Ms. Yamada

• Income : 60,000 yen per month
• Business type : Calligraphy Class

Reason :

My friend consulted me about wanting to improve their handwriting

What I gained from starting a business:

Despite successfully giving birth after a risk of miscarriage, my physical strength did not return for over a year. Amidst this, I gained a connection to society and a great purpose in life.

• Homepage : http://kaku-miru-penshuuji.jimdo.com/
• Source : http://www.nhk.or.jp/sakidori/backnumber/130317.html

3. Restaurant Management Ms. Shoko Hayashi

• Business type : Restaurant Management

Background leading to starting a business:

After marriage, I became a full-time housewife. Because I loved cooking, I obtained a chef's license.
I got a job at an insurance company, and 9 years later, I retired to care for my parents.
I suddenly remembered thinking, 'It would be nice if there was a place where women could relax after work,' and with the strong desire to challenge myself, I became independent.
Regarding opening and operating a store, I knew absolutely nothing, so driven by a blind desire to 'do it,' I researched information and managed to open the store.

Ms. Hayashi's comment:

If you wish for it, it will come true. If you want to do something, you work hard to do it, and you do it for someone else. People become your support, and you are helped by people.

Restaurant 'Michel' Kofu City Asahi 1-5-2 tel 055-254-7060 10:30-21:00 Closed Wednesdays
Restaurant 'Nasquino' Kofu City Chuo 1-1-9 tel 055-232-7050 10:30-21:00 Closed Wednesdays

• Source : http://www.pref.yamanashi.jp/challenge/interview.php?id=33

4. Production of Lifestyle Support Site 'Mogumogu Republic' Ms. Yuka Okada

• Business type : Operation of Lifestyle Support Site 'Mogumogu Republic'

Background leading to starting a business:

I was an ordinary housewife, but my child's egg allergy was discovered. I learned that allergy-friendly foods were sold, but I realized there was little information and that the services I sought did not exist.
Prompted by my husband's words, 'Why don't you do it yourself? (the service you're looking for),' I attended a startup support school and began studying internet online shops.
I was able to start moving, but initially, I couldn't find suppliers. Moreover, I was rejected daily with comments like, 'We can't entertain a housewife's hobby.' So, I challenged the Osaka Industrial Promotion Organization's support certification exam, and my business plan was certified by the Osaka Prefectural Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center.
From there, I started an online shop.

Okada's comment:

When you come up with an idea, act on it while the thought is still fresh. Don't set limits, believe in yourself. Knowledge and experience will follow later.

• Source : http://www.creo-osaka.or.jp/o-challenge/model/roll1.html

Summary

This time, we introduced four housewife entrepreneurs. No matter how small the beginning, no matter how trivial the trigger, it can transform into something that makes someone happy or achieves something great.

For example, it doesn't have to be a special ability that no one else has. It could be something everyone does, something anyone can do, but you're just a little better at it. Something you wish someone else would do for you. I believe that even the smallest ability can become a job and a business.

I think everyone feels that starting a business is difficult! It certainly is difficult and requires effort. However, there is income and stability gained by moving forward, and time with family that you can only get because you're not employed. Many experiences. There are many things there that you wouldn't have obtained if you hadn't taken the first step.