Here’s your sign to lean into your story
Hi Reader,
Last month, I went to Japan with my mom and sister. Our goal was to connect with our relatives and better understand the Japanese side of our story.
You see, my mom is the epitome of a Peruvian woman, but she bears her parents’ Japanese last name, Sakata. People often ask why that is.
It’s a tale of immigration, perseverance, and dedication to family.
Long story short, my great-grandfather immigrated from Japan to Peru after a tsunami devastated his city and his business. He married, built a new life, and sent money back to his family in Japan.
Two generations later, my mom was born. When she was grown, she eventually came to the States.
And here I am today, married and raising 4th generation Japanese/Peruvian/Americans.
I’m keen on teaching my kids about our heritage because the more I get to know the Japanese side of our family, the more I learn about personal values that run deep.
For instance:
- Entrepreneurship is in our blood
- We’re fiercely loyal to each other
- We’re destined to be coastal people as very few of us live in land-locked cities
- We’re disciplined but also value moments of stillness
In a way, learning more about my literal DNA feels like establishing a brand DNA. But that’s a topic for another time.
For now, I’m relishing in memories of walking Wakayama’s calm, red maple-lined streets with my loved ones.
Those memories serve as a waypoint for what matters most, even when times get busy and that end-of-year bustle kicks in.
We all want to know what makes us us. Whether it’s connecting with your heritage or simply reflecting on your personal values, I hope you find some space to do so as 2023 winds down.
Talk soon,
Hazel
The Right Brain
PS: Speaking of values, guess what! Drio’s applications for Women's Business Enterprise National Council and Women-Owned Small Business certifications have been approved! This means we’ll be able to connect with and support even more women-owned businesses that share our values. 🥳
Check out our most recent website launches:
| Nichols Contracting |
| The Collective |
Hi! I'm Rachel, the Left Brain of Drio.
Hi Reader, The first time our website server had a serious security breach (circa 2012), damage control was a nightmare. I essentially had to manually rebuild every client website. Hours and hours and hours of work… If I hadn’t done that, however, I wouldn’t have accidentally become an expert in website security. I’ve been able to apply everything I learned to every other website project, which means we’ve avoided a ton of threats. While it’s much less of an ordeal to problem-solve nowadays,...
Hi Reader, I recently spoke at Loyola University’s event, Beyond the Algorithm: Human Insight in the AI World. As the name suggests, the conversations were about how we can keep leading the way with our human experiences, even though it feels like AI’s everywhere you look. I know many people, whether they’re young scholars or seasoned business owners, are reading the headlines about AI and wondering if they should be worried. And I get it. Some of the changes are nerve-wracking. While we...
Hi Reader, September reminded us just how powerful human connection and purpose-driven work can be. From Hazel inspiring the next generation of business leaders at Loyola to Rachel running in support of women rebuilding their lives at Marian House, this month was all about using our skills and energy for good, both inside and outside the office. Website Launch: IBEW Local 26 We’re thrilled to unveil the new IBEW Local 26 website, built for the hardworking electricians powering the D.C.,...