From Traditions to Legacy

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Krista Yamada, owner of Japanese Knives Select, located in Encinitas, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Japanese Knives Select sells authentic hand-forged kitchen knives, all made in Japan by Japanese master blacksmiths. Our customers are professional chefs, home cooks, and everyone in between.

Tell us about yourself

We started our business in 2014. When customers reach out to tell us that they love our knives and that they have changed their cooking lives, our motivation to continue working hard grows and grows.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is learning the needs of our customers and continuing to provide top-notch customer service. Our customers are everything. If it were not for them, we would not have a business.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

The hardest thing is managing staff. We value our staff tremendously, as they are critical to our success. Managing a group of people and encouraging their growth and continued dedication to the business is extremely time and energy-consuming. It is well worth that work, though.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Make sure you have a solid financial plan. Do not stretch yourself too far and spend more funds than you have. Loans are sometimes necessary. However, make sure you have a landing spot in case of difficult times.
Start slow. It takes time and experience to learn what works in your business and what does not. Consider the beginning as a learning process and be prepared to change things that you thought would work but ended up not.
First impressions are critical. Do not open for business unless you have thought all things out carefully. This is why starting slow is very important.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.japaneseknivesselect.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authenticallyhandforged
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japaneseknivesselectllc/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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