As we approach a new year, I feel a sense of relief, hope, and eager anticipation.
I’m excited to move into 2009. There are several things lined up, shows, meetings, lectures, new papers, more travel, however, more importantly, I am looking forward to confronting obstacles with a renewed attitude. Obstacles? Let’s say challenges.
With relentless news reports from our economist experts foreboding the worst, it’s easy to freeze up with anxiety over the unexpected. And no, I am not naïve, nor in denial over the realities of what’s going on right now. It’s just that I refuse to give in to any negativity that can stagnate my progress in this paper business, or in the “business” of life!
I look back over what I accomplished this past year. Of course, there are the errors, the not-so-great decisions, (I knew we should have ordered more metallic gold lokta..) Despite those mistakes that I could easily obsess about during the lost hours on the flight back to Japan, I instead turn my thoughts to how Paper Connection grew. One pivotal moment occurred back in April of this year (2008).
As many of you paper lovers know, we said goodbye to a forerunner of the washi (Japanese paper) business, Aiko’s of Chicago, who closed their doors after 55 years of unparalleled service to the paper community. The first washi store in the nation, Aiko’s was a pioneer in bringing handmade Japanese papers to American artists, who unquestionably appreciated the papers and created beautiful and wonderful pieces with them. You couldn’t just label Aiko’s as “retail”, because it was so much more than a store, but a place where all the intangible happenings of inspiration, community, and beauty transpired. 
As a colleague and supporter of Aiko’s, Paper Connection has gratefully accepted the baton of privilege and responsibility to provide the papers to their customer base. Their loyalty has steered us in a direction that has opened up even more avenues of expansion and still keep the legacy of Aiko’s alive and well.
Their customers have been amazing, which underlines the dedication the Aiko’s staff put in to assisting them over the decades. It makes me appreciate what I do have, and not bemoan what I do not.
Ok, so Paper Connection is not 55 years young, I am not 55 years young! But we do have quite a great “fan base” ourselves, if I do say so myself. Where would we be without our loyal customers who maintain the integrity of the independent retailer, and their loyal customers, who relish our papers? See!?, we all need each other. It is all about communication, loving what you do, and appreciating and respecting the people who help you continue to do it. Ok, to sound cliché, it’s all about the people.
During the Thanksgiving holiday, as I craved turkey with cranberry sandwiches on a roll, I hosted a dinner party in the little café called Titika, I frequent in my neighborhood in Japan.
I wanted to show my support and appreciation for the woman and her daughter (Tomiko and Fumiko Tozuka, owners of Titika Café) who share their passion for food and community (what better combo is that?). Plus give “thanks” to my new Japanese friends and neighbors, who have supported me as I slowly become integrated into my Japanese life. I thought a party with my favorite group can only bring in more patrons to this cozy café. Good folk attract more good folk; this is what is truly important.
By the way, 2008 is its 3rd year in business, and Titika Café now has the momentum to make it through the down turn in the ecomomy. The word is spreading through the town and business has been brisk!
Thousands of miles away, my staff put on the annual warehouse sale. Another success! It was great to see the familiar faces, and their delight to visit us, get their hands on discounted paper, and chat.
There will always be challenges in this business-as well as in 2009. Unexpected events, perhaps beyond our control-it happens. However, with the individuals who continue to look ahead with the same renewed attitude, I am sure it will be a divine 2009.
