Meet Jade Ikeda | Community Creator & Local-based Marketing

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jade Ikeda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jade, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My past events and experiences are deeply connected to my current business. About ten years ago, I moved to Los Angeles from Japan and found a little village in the city. The people here are incredibly warm and welcoming, the time goes peacefully, and everything you need is within walking distance. This little village quickly turned into my sanctuary.
With nearly two decades of experience in the fashion industry, I spent about five years honing my skills as a manager and PR specialist at a boutique in Larchmont Village. After that, I spread my wings and worked in diverse areas like Melrose Place, Beverly Hills, and Downtown. In a city as LA, where cultures intersect, each locale has its own unique vibe and clientele. I deeply understood the importance of crafting marketing, promotion, and business strategies tailored to each locale. Also as a PR professional, I obsessed with finding innovative ways to capture the essence of brands and tell their stories. I love spreading stories that connect with people on an emotional level. And because beauty inspires me, I also enjoy capturing special moments through photography and videography.
During the challenging times of the pandemic, I experienced again the sense of community and support that exists in Larchmont. Witnessing the warmth and resilience of the people here, I was reminded when I moved to this place and felt a renewed sense of gratitude. I was decided to give back to the community that had embraced me. With my experience and passion for the community, I started the Instagram account “Larchmont Neighbors.” Through captivating photos and videos, I aim to showcase the best of Larchmont and foster a stronger sense of connection among neighbors.
Although I didn’t initially start this as a business, but as I continued to share my love for the neighborhood, the community began to rally around me, offering their support and encouragement. Some local shops and businesses saw the value in my work, and step by step I’ve been receiving their offers in the form of sponsorships, marketing assistance, and promotional opportunities. With the help of many neighbors, I joined the Larchmont Business Association (LBA) last year. I’m now actively involved in local community building and marketing initiatives. I’m still juggling a full time job, but I’m finding the time to make a difference soon. My vision is to create a build a strong, sustainable community where jobs are created and wealth circulates within our own community. By living a local, sustainable lifestyle myself, I hope to inspire others to join me on this journey. This is my way of giving back to this special place.

What should our readers know about your business?
As mentioned earlier about my background and process, I’m currently building happiness and prosperity by connecting people and businesses through community-based local marketing in Larchmont, Hancock Park, and Windsor Square in LA. The Instagram community, Larchmont Neighbors, is a communication platform. I curate this platform with passion, sharing updates, promoting local gems, and sparking conversations that lead to real life connections. As a resident myself, I actively participate in the community by using local businesses, volunteering for weekly cleanups, and attending seasonal events, all while sharing my experiences to foster deeper connections and a sense of belonging. But it’s not just about connecting people. I also partner with local businesses to co-create unique products, menus, and events that celebrate our community’s spirit. Last year, I collaborated with local boutique “Customland LA” to launch a limited-edition hat. The design, which incorporated with their embroidery techniques and community feedback, was truly a product of our local community. Also I blend online and offline experiences by creating opportunities for in-store visits and engaging events. This hybrid approach that boosts engagement and driving sales for local businesses. My goal of the local marketing is that benefits everyone – clients, their customers, neighboring businesses, and residents alike. I view competitors not as rivals, but as partners in building a thriving, vibrant neighborhood. By understanding and support each other, we empower businesses of all sizes – from small shops to large corporations – to flourish within their communities, creating a positive impact for employees, customers, and the local economy as a whole. I’m confident that we will continue to share, respect, learn from each other, and grow together as a community.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Let’s explore the must-see places like Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and Malibu. We can soak up the beach vibes, admire the celebrity lifestyle, and immerse ourselves in the movie magic. For unique finds, let’s hunt for vintage treasures at flea markets and thrift shops. Also the experiences the excitement of NBA and MLB games together and escape into the adventure at Disneyland or Universal Hollywood would be an unforgettable day. Larchmont Village, Palisades Village, and Lido Marina Village are charming little villages that I love. We can wander through the quaint shops, enjoy delicious food, and soak up the relaxed vibes. In addition to that, I’d love to share a slice of LA’s daily life with friends. We can go on a refreshing hike or explore the vibrant Farmers Markets. If time allows, a road trip to a National Park like Joshua Tree would be incredible.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m incredibly grateful for the amazing neighbors, local businesses, and social media followers who have become my driving force. Their unwavering support and encouragement are my most precious sources of motivation and inspiration. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Larchmont Neighbors is not just my creation. It’s a vibrant community built by each and every resident and local business. I believe in the power of a close-knit community, where 1000 deep connections are worth more than 100,000 followers. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to give back to this incredible community.

Website: Under construction. Stay tuned!

Instagram: @larchmontneighbors

Other: Email: info.larchmontneighbors@gmail.com

Image Credits
Larchmont Neighbors