Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in Japanese comic books but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amelie Jean-Louis, Founder of O-Taku Bookstores, located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
O-Taku Manga Lounge is a 360 experiential business around manga and Japanese culture. Our customers are young adults and teenagers who are passionate about manga or interested in discovering Japanese comics. They can come to buy manga with the advice of expert manga booksellers, read in a comfortable and warm lounge among our private collection of more than 10,000 manga, taste Japanese snack food, browse for goodies, participate in one of our many manga-themed evenings (games, movies, maid cafe, show) or take a manga drawing class, Japanese language class or Japanese creative activities such as origami or calligraphy.
Tell us about yourself
I bought this company when it was 4 years old. I was a regular customer, and I heard that the founders wanted to close it and live abroad. I decided to take it over in order to maintain this fabulous place that gathered so many passionate people. My goal was and still is, that everybody who comes in will go out with a smile on their face, whether they are passionate customers, customers who browse for a gift for somebody else, employees, and partners of all kinds.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I consider the company growing up as my biggest accomplishment. I started alone in 2015, and now my company allows more than 20 people to earn their living. This is what makes me the proudest.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing as a business owner is constancy. Year after year, whatever may happen in the company or in the global market, you have to remain responsive and adaptable, challenge yourself all the time, put on the side of your private problems, and prioritize your company.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- No one is good at everything: surround yourself with people whose strengths complement your weaknesses.
- Always be conscious about why you want to start/run a business and make sure all your actions reach this goal.
- Be ready to work hard and reap the rewards of your work later.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://otakulounge.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Otakumangalounge
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otakumangalounge/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/otakulounge/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.