Today we’d like to introduce you to Satoru Yamaki.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Satoru. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My best friend and I established Ikigai Artifacts together in 2018. Since we wanted to have a meaningful philosophy behind our company, we decided on the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai (the reason for being) as a core of our business.
We were selling body jewelry and accessories at different events and street fairs in San Diego, Orange Country, and Los Angeles. We used to take pictures of customers with a Polaroid camera and had them write down their Ikigai on each picture to promote self-expression and acceptance. We have made a couple of albums (over 300 pictures) and always brought to different events to share them with our customers.
My best friend decided to pursue her passion and left the company eventually. It was difficult to go to events on my own after that but I wanted to keep Ikigai Artifacts Co alive and expand it to make a difference in society so I kept on going even after she had left.
In October of 2019, I have opened my storefront in Artist Alley Oceanside. Now, I work with local artists, musicians, and craft makers regularly to create opportunities and community for people to safely express themselves in their unique ways.
At the store, I sell handmade items from selected companies; representing their companies and philosophies behind them. I also host workshops with local artists so people can get together and discover their creativity. I’m planning on hosting more events and workshops to bring the people closer organically and help local artists’ work be recognized.
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s been very challenging especially after I opened the storefront. Even though this Artist Alley Oceanside has been here for a while, many people still don’t know about this place and I had no customers for the first few weeks. It’s also hard to find this location on Google Maps.
Please tell us about your business.
My focus is to connect people/artists/musicians/artisans with the community we live in. I do have several notebooks where people can write poems, draw something, express themselves in their unique ways. I also encourage customers to write their Ikigai in our Ikigai book to constantly encourage people to pursue their passion in life (Ikigai).
Customers like the atmosphere and vibe in my shop. We are getting more and more people coming by and hanging out and making friends with like-minded people. I’m very proud of being a company that does not judge anyone for what they love or who they are. I believe that our company encourages people in the community to be up who they are and discover more about themselves.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I like best about Oceanside is that we have so many creative artists/artisans. I don’t have anything bad about this city, to be honest. My favorite thing about Oceanside is that there are so many small businesses and people are very supportive of them.
Pricing:
- Standard size earrings – $10-$40 a pair
- Stretched size earrings/weights – $25-$300 a pair
- Bracelets- $25 each
- Necklace- $65-$85 each
- Pendants- $10-$40 each
- Hats – $25 each
- Body Jewelry – $6-$20
Contact Info:
- Address: 212 Artist Alley, Suite D, Oceanside, CA 92054
- Website: http://ikigaiartifacts.com/
- Phone: (442) 266-2178
- Email: ikigaiartifacts@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiartifacts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ikigaiartifacts/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ikigai-artifacts-oceanside-2
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