Starting My Own Fashion Brand in Japan - 2 Years Later, What I've Learnt

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  • Опубліковано 22 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 175

  • @SwordOfJupiter
    @SwordOfJupiter Місяць тому +247

    These are the type of videos people wish to see from influencers/entrepreneurs I think. A real, candid look into these industries that doesn't sugar coat anything. A lot of what we see on social media is so glamourized and fake that it's refreshing and even reassuring to see that there's good and bad things that come with a line of work that so many people are considering getting into. Thank you for your honesty and bravery! It takes guts to share business flops/failures online. Kudos to you Mika 🙌🏻❤️

    • @treetop6877
      @treetop6877 29 днів тому +1

      i also love these types of videos( like everyone else hehe) and funnily enough was just rewatching your 1hr vid about starting a brand. or just regular day in my life vids after which i wondered how things are now. im glad its looking up.
      those cozy stay at home with me videos are insanely comforting to me. big sister mikan vid are amazing too.
      congratulations on two years! im in awe of you and hope to get the courage to chase my dreams too ❤❤❤

  • @zagrajek
    @zagrajek Місяць тому +127

    I love that those heart chairs behind vina are giving her little pink wings

  • @LLOROMANNICLOVR
    @LLOROMANNICLOVR Місяць тому +107

    AND THEN ONE OF THEM DIED MY JAW DROPPED 😭

  • @Ilikeoatmealmorethanyou
    @Ilikeoatmealmorethanyou 29 днів тому +41

    omg shut up - i have 1 of 12 heart apron dresses?? omg, basically original vina of the valley couture bayybiiiee! i'm SHOCKED it wasn't more popular? it's literally my favourite and the quality is insane???

  • @100akerwoods
    @100akerwoods Місяць тому +53

    That broke my heart , I remember watching that live stream and being excited. You’re amazing you’ve faced so much with your business but you still keep trying.

    • @mikanmandarin
      @mikanmandarin  Місяць тому +16

      Thanks for the kind words, means a lot to hear that! 💗

  • @smarties373
    @smarties373 Місяць тому +58

    'hehehe hohoho' Is probably the best descriptor for Mikan i have ever heard 💀❤❤

  • @learnelle
    @learnelle 29 днів тому +28

    40:20 GIRL WHAT 💀 !! The way my jaw dropppped

  • @lucianakii
    @lucianakii 29 днів тому +14

    I'm so proud of you that you were able to push through all of this madness, that sounds terrifying especially when it started to even negatively influence your connections to friends. So happy that all worked out for you💕

  • @jellystualy
    @jellystualy Місяць тому +80

    BABE WAKE UP MIKAN UPLOADED

  • @matildadavidsson1379
    @matildadavidsson1379 Місяць тому +59

    I'm so proud of you! Been watching you for years, and as a fellow Swede dreaming about living in Japan I am so impressed by how you've created a life for yourself over there! Starting a business is not an easy task, and especially not in a foreign country, and as a young woman. I'm very impressed by your hard work to reach your dream and the details you put into every piece for Vinna of the Valley! I hope I can own some pieces one day when I'm in a better position financially. Keep going girl, you're totally on the right path!! 💕🎀

  • @ladyn2309
    @ladyn2309 Місяць тому +26

    44:07 I totally get you when people complain about pricing. As an artist vendor I receive similar complaints and im like because I design those enamel pins, acrylic charms and many more. Im basically a one man show.

    • @Angel.aaa109
      @Angel.aaa109 Місяць тому +2

      People have become so entitled to cheap things then complain about decreasing quality...

    • @blancobunni1171
      @blancobunni1171 24 дні тому +2

      Then you have to pay for the vendor space right? And the shipping costs if you are selling a large quantity. I am watching a lot of videos because I would like to start my own art business, but the customers seem like the biggest issue you run into. You have to make art for a large demand. Then you have to set your prices fair for the demand you are trying to reach, but you still need to make enough money to make a living and pay your taxes. UGH! The taxes seem like the second biggest difficulty.

  • @TamTam-rq4nc
    @TamTam-rq4nc Місяць тому +29

    love how teddy was being a menace during the entire video lmao

  • @peach6200
    @peach6200 Місяць тому +7

    proud vina of the valley supporter since day 1. I remember preordering from the first bloom collection and I love seeing how much your business has grown and I hope it continues to grow cause you deserve it

  • @rimalixx
    @rimalixx Місяць тому +15

    So proud of everything you accomplished MIKAN LOVE 🫶🏼

  • @elenaoshino
    @elenaoshino Місяць тому +9

    This is so informative mikan like I have such high respect for you and your business! It sounds like it was a lot of trial and error, im glad you are somewhere stable with your business even tho it took a lot to get here, may your business thrive ❤

    • @elenaoshino
      @elenaoshino Місяць тому +3

      also it would be cute seeing you guys doing a couple qna

    • @elenaoshino
      @elenaoshino Місяць тому +1

      and I love all your vlogs 😀

  • @amurainyday
    @amurainyday Місяць тому +20

    its amazing seeing you change over the years but still stay the same wonderful girl 💗you've motivated me for many years and i still get so excited whenever you post on here! we're all so proud of you 💖💖

  • @thebingus7243
    @thebingus7243 Місяць тому +20

    Those guys were so shady omg??? to be shitting on influencers while actively working with multiple and relying on them for YOUR business is so insanely disrespectful.
    im so glad u have more autonomy again in your busines 💝

  • @nataliarose270
    @nataliarose270 Місяць тому +19

    This was eye opening in a lot of ways! I almost did buy stuff back then but the delays on your stories def set me back from actually buying I think! Im so proud of you even as a stranger bc I remember your cute lil fashion advice vids and boyfriend talks abt ur exs in ur studio lmao Ill def be buying in the future, and your content has become even better over the years! Id love another girl chat vid

  • @yasmineelouahi1950
    @yasmineelouahi1950 Місяць тому +6

    It’s like looking at Miwako Sakurada being brought to life, your style, brand, etc remind me so much of her❤❤

  • @cosmic_hz
    @cosmic_hz Місяць тому +21

    Aaa I still remember how you hinted in one of your videos before your brand was founded that you are going to try making your own brand!! Time flies and I didn't even realise it's been 2 years since! Was looking back at the old vid thumbnails and you've changed so much! You look way more "yourself" Ig? Way happier in your own skin and more confident. Love how far your brand has come too :) Maybe one day I'll be able to buy a piece from your brand because rn it's too expensive in my country's money haha.
    P.S. Love these chatty vids where you spill all the tea. Can't believe this is what you were going through in the background. Mad respect and keep on keeping on!!

  • @90svampirehrt
    @90svampirehrt Місяць тому +45

    I just wanted to say that it's thanks to you that im headed to language school next year and eventually fashion school! I didn't even know it was possible to go to college in japan as a foreigner until I found your channel❤❤

    • @mikanmandarin
      @mikanmandarin  Місяць тому +16

      Omg I'm so happy to hear that!! 😭💖💖💖

  • @flactera
    @flactera Місяць тому +11

    i can't believe how incredibly strong you are and that you didn't give up through this though time

  • @fairesmashysmash
    @fairesmashysmash Місяць тому +43

    I remember that livestream! Lmao at the time as a viewer I was like “oh that’s neat, I haven’t really seen someone promote their brand that way, oh well” - little did I know the dark lore behind it! That couple sounds like extreme bad news bears, allegedly and in Minecraft.
    It’s super interesting to hear about the ins and outs of building your brand. Do you feel like running your own business and being self-employed is easier or harder than a more traditional job/career, as like, a young woman with ADHD living abroad?

  • @royalreveluv
    @royalreveluv Місяць тому +11

    THE NOSE BOW IS SOOOO FREAKING CUTE!!

  • @Ladyclara
    @Ladyclara Місяць тому +5

    Being a customer that buys from at least every other collection, this has been fascinating to hear behind the scenes. ty for the lore drop uwu

  • @Alicewatcheseverything
    @Alicewatcheseverything Місяць тому +13

    Your cat just there annoying you every two seconds but you still love them to death is so relatable haaha

  • @Malice_Mantis
    @Malice_Mantis Місяць тому +6

    MIKAN IVE MISSED YOUR VIDEOS!!! I am finally planning my trip to Tokyo in the spring after 5 years of watching your videos and being inspired !

    • @mikanmandarin
      @mikanmandarin  Місяць тому +3

      Yayyyyy I'm so excited for you!! 💖💖💖

  • @oshawott946
    @oshawott946 Місяць тому +6

    Mikannn, it sucks you had to go through a nightmare like that, and I’m happy you’re able to finally tell the entire story in one video for others to be wary of. I love love your brand and personality, excited for what’s to come next aaaa🎉

  • @its1haruka1dayo
    @its1haruka1dayo Місяць тому +6

    AAAHH the video idea that i suggested this makes me soooo happy :')
    I love yaps i love yaps i love yaps and also i love the fact that yasu's job has been "pick up teddy"
    I just wanna say that I LOVVVEEEE everything you do and I think you are incredibly inspiring, and I LOVE that around every corner i see a new post about a new release it makes me soooo happy
    You look so happy doing what you do and i love that!!

  • @fleesducha
    @fleesducha Місяць тому +5

    Tbh any topic is fun to watch for me but some ideas I have: your favourite places in Japan, room tour (or just show off those cute stuff we see in background), trying different clothes combination with your current wardrobe (can you use those cute clothes to bring different vibe or something), clothes update, another wiki topic you got into, I liked the magazine video too even tho it was problematic - maybe there's other magazines or books in Japan which would be unique for us, my day but with your cats (maybe some fun voice over from you when we watch your cats), what inspire you to make designs you make, few favourite things (like food) from nations you have connection with, btw did your ACNH island looks different now? You can just play board game and I probably would enjoy watching it. Thank you for all those years of great videos

  • @ylzzez6796
    @ylzzez6796 Місяць тому +4

    I’m so proud of how far you come! I’ve been watching you since the beginning and I just love to see your success. I know there is so much more in store for you !! Keep up the great work!!!

  • @Reia_Shi
    @Reia_Shi Місяць тому +4

    I’ve been in the hospital all week, and god this upload just made me able to forget how much pain Ive been in 🤎 love your little story time/yap videos

  • @latiflamess9205
    @latiflamess9205 29 днів тому +2

    I’ve been watching you since you were in the small one room apartment, I am so proud with how far you have come, watching you grow into the adult your are and being with you with starting the business is really inspiring, I wanted to go to Japan to study like you but I ended up studying engineering in my country but you’re still a role model❤

  • @stephachow
    @stephachow 29 днів тому +1

    This video was so informative, I loved your honesty about your hardships with managing your own clothing business. I have only started following your accounts about a year ago, so I didn't know how far you had to climb in order to get your business going! Thank you for all your hard work 😭🙏 Your style and the aesthetics of Vina of the Valley truly inspired me this past year to evolve in my personal style.
    Even though these are just ordinary things in your daily life, I (and it seems your audience in general) really enjoy hearing your perspective on any topic hahaha. Plus you and Yasu are so funny together, your relationship has a wonderful dynamic.

  • @jasse3360
    @jasse3360 Місяць тому +3

    Love that you're so open about the good and bad things. Your clothes is the ones I'm saving my money for and will probably in some time fill upp half of my warderobe. Knowing that you actually pay your workers, unlike some big brands that should not be named, makes it so much easier to pay for it even tho money is tight right now. And wouldn't be mad if you raise it a bit, so you actually go plus and can live on it.

  • @Telltalesign
    @Telltalesign 29 днів тому +2

    I’m so happy for you. Im glad you get through all that. Thank you for sharing your journey. 💗🌸

  • @AerinK97
    @AerinK97 29 днів тому +1

    I've seen some of your video's through time and I have nothing with fashion design and mostly wear black. This was still very interesting, glad you were able to cut all that stress and negativity out. Love your honesty about the hard times and decisions you regret. You make really lovely designs and even though I only know parts of your journey I think you should be proud!

  • @Magicalmoomin
    @Magicalmoomin 24 дні тому

    I’m so glad you follow your story and so excited for you change the story about your brand, sometimes we throughly things to gain experience and then know you know better

  • @OtherSideofSorrow
    @OtherSideofSorrow Місяць тому +4

    I preordered the swimsuit the first time around and wouldn't have minded receiving it late but I appreciated the way you communicated the issue. I got it this year and it was worth the wait 💕

  • @brownpile1764
    @brownpile1764 Місяць тому +2

    Omg you look drop dead gorgeous in the sponsored segment I watched the whole bit in awe

  • @Mayaa42
    @Mayaa42 Місяць тому +1

    Yippeee! 💖 I haven't watched this yet, but god, my favorite videos when Mikan talks about her business and fashion! These are always super informative and fun to watch videos! 💖

  • @jamahzea
    @jamahzea Місяць тому +3

    I would love to see a video of Mikan working with the Chinese manufacturers

  • @mahoupunk
    @mahoupunk Місяць тому +2

    In August I started working as a designer for a large corporation and it really is interesting seeing how production works from the inside. It’s like being able to see the matrix in terms of the apparel industry.

  • @greeky0gurt
    @greeky0gurt 20 днів тому

    hollllyy shit the tea is piping hot 😭 following you throughout this i would've never guessed this is what was going on behind the scenes so big props to u for real!!! wishing all the success in the future

  • @Melody_Ethereal
    @Melody_Ethereal Місяць тому +3

    Omg the tea

  • @Dorar47
    @Dorar47 Місяць тому +3

    I wish I had a close friend like you. Lots of love 💙

  • @flower_skies
    @flower_skies Місяць тому +1

    Wow, I had no idea you went through so much stuff, thank you for sharing it with us! I've been following your brand since the beginning and I'm so happy to see where you are now!! Keep up the amazing work!! 💪💕

  • @soultanaslives
    @soultanaslives Місяць тому +5

    Oh my god you were legitimately in the trenches with these people you were paying to "help" your brand. That is wildddd they sound so shady I am glad you are not dealing with them anymore!! Side note my Vina of the Valley dress is one of my favourite pieces I own and get compliments on it all time 💕💕

  • @oddlyozel
    @oddlyozel Місяць тому +1

    Wow, you are a strong person to not throw the towel in when things got super tough.

  • @zoulara1012
    @zoulara1012 Місяць тому +3

    On my 45 min lunch time to watch this 45 min video let's gooo 😎

  • @AnimeAde
    @AnimeAde Місяць тому +1

    Ugh I just love watching you😫you’re such a hard worker 🥺💜

  • @s.k.henkle
    @s.k.henkle Місяць тому +2

    That is an insane totally made up story..! So glad that you could still pull through and continue your business with integrity and more genuine creative freedom in the end. I love your stuff!! Thank you for sharing 💕

  • @JulesSunny
    @JulesSunny Місяць тому +1

    these videos are my faves to just listen to while doing stuff around the house! love this type of content 🥰 Also, the way my jaw dropped when you said one of them died?!?!? 😨

  • @sahithiyoutube
    @sahithiyoutube Місяць тому +2

    Love your channel!! I would love to see more vlogs and also love sit down videos like this 🥰

  • @sofiam.g6505
    @sofiam.g6505 Місяць тому +4

    I’m so sad Mikan got scammed like that, she’s my favorite

  • @A_ngelle_
    @A_ngelle_ Місяць тому +3

    You should do a house/apartment tour when you get the chance

  • @zoobie002
    @zoobie002 Місяць тому +3

    i love mandarin as a language, good luck on your tone

  • @flactera
    @flactera Місяць тому +2

    love those long videos!!! part 2?

  • @parfaitcat
    @parfaitcat Місяць тому +2

    omg your Chinese pronunciation is so good whatttt

  • @jiliciar.1423
    @jiliciar.1423 29 днів тому +2

    I would love a yearly update on this.

  • @erinkeenan8217
    @erinkeenan8217 Місяць тому +3

    Literally nothing prepared me for the sheer amount of vendor/mill/supplier drama when I started working in the apparel industry. You get worried about catty coworkers but they're nothing haha

  • @justaydontstray2002
    @justaydontstray2002 Місяць тому +2

    It feels like you opened your brand very recently, can't believe it's been this long already.

  • @manicantsettleonausername6789
    @manicantsettleonausername6789 Місяць тому +3

    I really enjoyed this video, what a crazy fucking story omg. So glad you got rid of those people and the business is doing better now!

  • @lolanola1783
    @lolanola1783 Місяць тому

    I'm so proud and happy of you Vina!! You truly are one of my biggest inspirations

  • @rammie4342
    @rammie4342 Місяць тому

    I LOVE that chair you're sitting on, the queen is on her throne!!!!!!! I want one in lavender.

  • @savannahd.4293
    @savannahd.4293 Місяць тому +1

    Ugh I’m so sorry you had to go through all that!! What a nightmare!!!! Glad you took control and are much happier now!!

  • @fluffymilkcandy
    @fluffymilkcandy 29 днів тому +1

    I want to see a kitchen tour!! You are so cute ♡ do you think you'll ever do sizes larger than a 3X 🥺

  • @danid3534
    @danid3534 Місяць тому +5

    Teddy in background is sending me 😭

  • @fraumd
    @fraumd Місяць тому +13

    The bow in your nose is so cute 🎀

  • @BuckleBunny30
    @BuckleBunny30 Місяць тому +3

    love the bow on your nose so cute I love your fashion style you have great style

  • @arwenbo9518
    @arwenbo9518 Місяць тому +3

    omg shes posting againnn

  • @QueenToken
    @QueenToken 27 днів тому

    Please share more content like the theme picnics with your friends/bf! It’s great to see everyone’s looks plus we get to follow you around Japan and see different areas parks/cafes etc much love from Texas 💗

  • @milkbread9984
    @milkbread9984 25 днів тому

    i know this probably wont mean anything to u coming from a stranger but girl i still remember ur bunka days this is insane i love u and im so proud of u

  • @gAbbYrOckzz
    @gAbbYrOckzz 29 днів тому +1

    Oh I saw your brand at the Anime Expo 2022 (or was it 2023?) fashion show and I was like waaaaaiiitt, that was from Mikan, a UA-camr 😂 Wow thanks for sharing the experience, it was really interesting to hear about especially since no one really talks about the behind the scenes of their business. Extra interesting because it's based in Japan. And I did wonder how so many people are able to make their small businesses in Japan, and it sounds like the government is more kind about their loans and stuff. Do spill more tea about the other issues 👀🍵 it's juicy. Hahaha Subscribing now!😂

  • @natkat4381
    @natkat4381 Місяць тому +1

    I 100% agree with you about the prison labor problem in the US! I’m still so upset that we didn’t ban it in California this election…

  • @BubbleChuTea
    @BubbleChuTea Місяць тому +3

    woah what a rollercoaster you’ve been through. i’m so proud you never gave up 🩷 you’re such a big inspiration for me after all these years 🥹

  • @sarahdekeyser
    @sarahdekeyser Місяць тому +3

    Hi! Love your videos, but miss seeing the "what I wore" and more outfit focused ones (if you need ideas! :))

  • @hayleyjo_co
    @hayleyjo_co Місяць тому +2

    “Too early for swimwear.” I’m a swimwear designer…that’s high season for the factories. 😂

  • @eliontheinternet3298
    @eliontheinternet3298 24 дні тому

    Your little nose bow is so cute!!!!!!

  • @Ella-wb1lm
    @Ella-wb1lm Місяць тому +1

    this would go crazy as a TikTok story time whilst u do ur makeup

  • @Sancty
    @Sancty Місяць тому +13

    The thing about the livestream idea is he had NO background or experience in social media, but you do ? So it was incredibly arrogant of him to keep insisting he knows best lol

  • @ottiannatrabertina
    @ottiannatrabertina Місяць тому +1

    I love your energy!

  • @redhead_ravenly
    @redhead_ravenly Місяць тому +3

    I love to hear your experience with making your own brand in Japan because I'm thinking about making an accessory brand at the moment!
    Currently designing my first items and brand logo and such so I'm still in the creative part of making the brand.
    After watching your video I'll definitely try my best to make everything or most of it on my own (which I actually think I'd prefer) 😖
    I'm definitely scared of getting scammed so hopefully once I launch my brand everything will go smoothly 🥹

  • @osooso6027
    @osooso6027 Місяць тому +1

    thanks for this! I plan to move to japan next year and to make some clothes to supplement income and fund my animations

  • @angellia4279
    @angellia4279 27 днів тому

    I would looooove more videos about the fashion biz tea and all

  • @rethoricalquestion853
    @rethoricalquestion853 25 днів тому

    Also because you asked what videos we would like to watch. i enjoyed your videos where you talked random stuff and sew your cloth for uni. They were so cozy and ... like playing animal crossing feels like, it took the stress away. i do not know if i explained it good :D or where you pretendet to be the "Big sister" and give advice to your followers.

  • @lolahbell
    @lolahbell Місяць тому +3

    Funnily enough I saw one of your heart aprons at a recent lolita bring and buy and really considered it! I'm sorry they didn't sell well initially.

    • @mikanmandarin
      @mikanmandarin  Місяць тому +1

      Omg lol like one of 12

    • @lolahbell
      @lolahbell Місяць тому

      ​@@mikanmandarin a rare find

  • @ytuseracct
    @ytuseracct Місяць тому +1

    China has sooo many resources for manufacturing that's why they're so good, only important is you know where to find a reputable supplier

  • @fraumd
    @fraumd Місяць тому +3

    Hi everyone!

  • @Choco_Latte.v
    @Choco_Latte.v Місяць тому +1

    An you film a video on things to know when starting a fashion brand , how to find a manufacturer, tips, and promotion tips. 🍡🍥

  • @ravenfaebowie
    @ravenfaebowie Місяць тому +3

    That random bow on your nose.....
    I couldn't stand that. I would keep going crosseyed staring at it 😂

  • @BarneyT6774
    @BarneyT6774 5 днів тому

    This video was really great

  • @misseckart4
    @misseckart4 Місяць тому +1

    About the vegan leather thingy, you can get a copywriter to cater to these things. Or you can also learn it yourself. Just adding my two cents ❤ love ya

  • @magicmyth2635
    @magicmyth2635 26 днів тому +1

    Hey Mikan, 1 really liked the video.❤ but do have some questions. you talked a lot about the negative side of owning a business and ypu experiences. Would you maybe talk about the other mire positive when things where going the right way. Like how did you find someone in China to produce your items. Better question how did you come with idea to produce in China. How did you find a pattern maker. And how did your learn all the things you do know like photo shooting , marketing enz. are these things you learnt in fashion schools. I know this text is long😂. But i am just really curious because nobody ever talks about this stuff. And would really love hearing your opinion about it😊

  • @kkuudandere
    @kkuudandere Місяць тому +3

    You already exposed a billion (allegedly!) red flags about That Couple, but that bit about them being weird about you and Yasu not drinking... oooohhhh I HAAATE people that do that! Even I enjoy drinking and I never wanna make my friends feel uncomfortable if they just want to drink literally anything else. Pressuring people to drink is icky to me, instant red flag lol

  • @kami.UvU.
    @kami.UvU. Місяць тому +2

    The cat casually trying to destroy everything

  • @softerthandough
    @softerthandough 20 днів тому

    two mins into the video and mikan calls out usa for prison labor 🗣️🗣️🗣️ love u so much!!!

  • @PulfaNimeme
    @PulfaNimeme Місяць тому +4

    I love your style :D

  • @angelflower176
    @angelflower176 29 днів тому +2

    How’s your mental health and what life lessons have you learnt so far? How’s your relationship going:)?

  • @shiopiii
    @shiopiii 24 дні тому

    can we please get a day in the life of lala and teddy video 🥺