Daily Inspiration: Meet Betty aka BJ Inouye

Today we’d like to introduce you to Betty aka BJ Inouye

Hi Betty aka BJ, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Seems like I’ve been a crafter all my life – mom taught how to knit, crochet and sew before I was old enough to start school. Dad taught me how to fold origami cranes about the same time – iIwas lucky to have so much talent to learn from at such an early age! 4-H and scouting helped me use some of those ‘talents’ all though my school years, gave me a little competitive spirit (mostly in 4-H with annual fairs) and make my own clothes, especially in high school – it was hard to buy clothes that were fashionable like my friends when one has a ‘chunky’ figure! It was also a way to make spending money throughout HS and college – minor alterations, crocheted clothing, some sewing….. seems like paper and fabric have been a part of my life forever, and a ‘fall-back’ whenever I get involved in another craft. I’m probably on my fifth or seventh ‘career’, depending on how one counts. I’ve worked union and non-union jobs thoughout my life, helped on the farm (grew up on a vegetable farm), taught school K-college, was part of corporate America, and always seemed to have my own little ‘craft’ business on the side. Thanks to all the people I’ve met along the way, including my friends and family, I’ve been able to meet all kinds of challenges, business and personal to become the crazy person I am today. I’ve been the family ‘caretaker’ all my life – I think my dad must’ve figured I’d be the one to watch over the family and kinda trained me in that direction. Helped with aunties and grandmas, both blood and adopted, and with my dad when he became ill and now, my mom, which gives you a whole new perspective on life. I had hoped to be retired at this stage in life, but, as I mentioned earlier, have always had a business of some sort ‘on the side’, that keep me pretty busy and in the process, back to textiles. I started doing machine embroidery about 30 years ago (started with hand embroidery), graduated to a commercial machine, and now have a business that pretty much keeps me hopping, rather than lazily crafting and cruising along life as I had anticipated. What a whirlwind it’s been! As long as it’s still fun, I’ll keep on with it!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
If one think the road has been smooth, than you’re lying! Things weren’t bad early on – when you’re young, you just go along with the flow. Later, when I became a corporate drop-out and went part-time, partially to help caretake my dad, it got a little more stressful as I didn’t have a steady income. My business went back and forth from being a hobby business to a ‘real’ business, according to Uncle Sam. Now the biggest struggle is finding enough time to get things done, in between taking care of my mom. It gets frustrating sometimes, but I have a wonderful support group of friends and family! I’m still struggling with what I want to be when I grow up! 🙂

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I own a commercial embroidery machine and specialize in small quantity orders (less than a dozen), unlike many shops that require an minimum quantity per order. I’m known for quality work at a reasonable price, being reliable and doing a great job for the customer – taking on design challenges and creating a quality product. I take great pride in the work I do, and it’s appreciated by my many customers. i’m also focused on my own craft business, participating in numerous craft shows over the years, in particular, those focusing on Japanese/Asian themes. I’m known for the variety of Japanese themed crafts and designs that I sell, be it clothing, towels, or gift ideas. I’m not sure what sets me apart from others – just luck, I guess! 🙂

How do you think about luck?
Wow, great question………. feels like I’ve been pretty lucky throughout my life, with the jobs I’ve had, the people I’ve worked (for the most part – who doesn’t have that!), and the things I’ve learned along the way. Life lessons from my folks (and whole lot, with a definite reality check when working at a nursing home when just out of HS), draft and technical skills from others around me, it’s been pretty good. About the only bad luck would be that I didn’t learn all this earlier in life! I have many business associates/clients that have helped me along the way, ensuring the wonderful luck I’ve had along the way, making some wonderful memories, awards, and friendships.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bgsjapanesedesigns.com
• Facebook: BG’s Japanese Designs

Image Credits
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