In my second instalment of #lessonslearnt, June Mineyama-Smithson is an artist/graphic designer on a mission to inject optimism into the world. Who doesn’t want to see more of that right now?

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June has a live installation at CULT VISION called ‘Barbican Geometrics’ which you should definitely check out as well as the beautifully joyful limited edition prints available on her website, MAMIMU.

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1. What is the problem that your business sets out to solve?

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My mission is to inject optimism into the world. Because we all need optimism, particularly in uncertain times. By optimism, I am not talking about just a lofty fluffy happy thoughts.

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Optimism is a choice: you can either dwell on your loss or find the inner strength to move on. The latter requires more energy but the outcome is much better. With bold solid colours and shapes, I hope to show the world my optimism and resilience.

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2. What is the solution you offer?

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I spread optimism through joyful colours with laptop tote bags and prints on my website. I’ve been doing lectures and workshops on the subject at UAL, YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP, and Ladies, Wine & Design.

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3. How did you find your first five customers?

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By approaching the most stylish select shop in town! I launched my laptop bags when I lived in Hong Kong. Kapok is a design-conscious lifestyle shop owned by lovely Frenchman Arnault Castel. I managed to make an appointment with him through my contact and landed on a wholesale deal accompanied by a launching party in the shop, which was not only fun but a great opportunity to invite journalists. As a result, I got published in 3 languages; Cantonese, Japanese, and English.

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4. What’s your top piece of advice for fellow founders?

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At the early stage, don’t invest too much financially nor emotionally. For example, if you are a product business, test the water first with POD (Print On Demand) instead of going full factory production. You don’t want to end up with boxes of products that nobody wants.

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5. Top lesson learnt in business?

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Don’t struggle alone. Collaborate, get help, and start a conversation. Whether you are just starting up or trying to grow your business, there are so many people who have already been the path you are about to take. Learn from them. There are plenty of entrepreneur groups like Found & Flourish. I am also working with a wonderful business mentor from the British Library Business & IP Centre’s mentorship scheme.

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June is spreading her optimism by giving away phone wallpapers for FREE. Because everyone needs a bit of sunshine for the mind right now.

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For more #lessonslearnt from startup founders, check out the wonderfully effervescent Jaz Broughton’s story.

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