The Journey of Scissor Case Specialty Store BLINK to its 10th Anniversary and Beyond

It's March, and
the mornings and evenings near the BLINK workshop have become much milder, and I can feel spring in the air.

In a normal year, I'd be overjoyed to finally be free from the harsh winter cold, but this year, with the spread of the coronavirus, it's a situation where I can't honestly rejoice.

To avoid mass infections,
we're being told to refrain from gathering in large groups and going out unless absolutely necessary, and I feel it's important to follow these instructions, especially at this time.

However, it's impossible to stay at home entirely, and contact with people at work or when out and about is unavoidable.
(I sympathize with the difficulties faced by those working on the front lines.)

At times like these, it's always the case that "the freedom of those who express themselves is taken away."

Food and daily necessities are essential for minimal living, and in a situation like this, everything else becomes a luxury (entertainment).

But,
those who can express themselves can give "courage" and "inspiration" to others, and be a source of emotional support.

I believe hairdressers have such a wonderful job.

We are once again proud that we can help such hairdressers
through "scissor cases as tools."

It seems it will take a little more time for things to turn for the better, but while believing in a bright future, I want to take this opportunity to firmly consider the future and the world around us, especially at a time like this.

Approaching our 10th anniversary as a specialty scissor case store.

BLINK is approaching its 10th anniversary this August.

Looking back at my own journey,
after working as a hairdresser in Tokyo for 9 years, BLINK's scissor case production began when I turned a room in my home into a workshop to make scissor cases.

Feeling the limitations of self-taught production, I sought help and trained at a leather workshop in Aichi, then relied on a leather material store and my mentor, Otsuka, to learn the basics of leather crafting while continuing to make my own scissor cases.

And finally, I was able to establish a specialty scissor case shop and workshop at my current location (Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture).

The reason I've been able to continue my crafting activities is none other than the support I've received from many hairdressers.

Similarly, I believe hairdressers can continue for a long time only with the support of many customers.

There is always a "relationship of trust" with customers.

I started making and selling with almost no knowledge of leather crafting, and at first, I sold through hairdresser acquaintances, relying solely on my title as "former hairdresser."

Looking back at my work from that time now,
it was still in an incomplete state, much like when I first debuted as a hairdresser.

There wasn't the quality that exists today, and I think it was far from satisfying.

Nevertheless, it was because there were people who supported me and introduced me to staff and others that I was able to continue making scissor cases, and that's why BLINK exists today.

I've never once thought it was solely my own strength, so all the profits from scissor cases have been invested in equipment and study for making scissor cases.

By improving equipment, the production environment and quality undoubtedly improve. By gaining new knowledge, skills undoubtedly evolve.

Even though retailers tried to stop me, saying a personal workshop didn't need so much equipment... haha
I've unstintingly introduced new equipment.

Looking back, it was because I couldn't provide satisfactory products
that if there's a next time, I want the next scissor case to be one that will definitely satisfy.

I had that kind of frustration, and
I want the scissor case to enrich the salon work of new people I meet.

I want to proudly say, "This is a BLINK scissor case."

As we approach our 10th anniversary, these are my thoughts.

And especially at a time like this,
I gave a temporary bonus to my staff who work hard every day.

I believe that protecting valuable staff in various situations is also an important role as a business owner.

In uncertain times, we can move forward by working together.
BLINK wants to continue to be such a team.

Unaware of the commotion about corona in the world,
I gently arrange spring flowers, blooming proudly in their own way.

BLINK LEATHER WORKS Tanaka