We had the good fortune of connecting with Jon Kenzo Okeya and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jon Kenzo, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
My personal successes in my stationery business is to have someone that believes in you and pushes you to become greater. Luckily for me that would be my wife Audrey. I started business not having a single clue where to go and no means of using my imagination for the better. I was optimistic but very delusional in my own abilities. I thought I could do anything despite not having much in my skill set.

It wasn’t until I met Audrey that I realized that I could have so much more room to grow. When we partnered up she, quickly had me realize that as well intentioned I was my skill level just wasn’t strong enough to do anything in the professional world. She then helped give me training in illustration and since then I was able to have a stable foundation in which to grow an art business!

In short, I’d say surround yourself with people who can help you build a hard skill in which to build all your foundations on!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For those of you who don’t know, my name is Jon Kenzo Okeya and I make Illustrated Food / Asian inspired buildings called Tiny Worlds! Each world has a very special story dear to my heart! I hope to keep making more in the future! When I’m not designing worlds I’m usually with my wife Audrey selling stickers and art prints in our tiny wooden YATAI (Japanese ramen stall) Cart! Together we sell as Okeya Stationery Co. and go all around LA spreading Joy through stationery!

Our Journey to get where we are wasn’t an easy one! As many artists do, we spent our first couple of years making no income. I worked in a riceball restaurant while audrey slaved away making stickers that didn’t sell (yet!) It was only when Audrey’s sticker business started picking up that’s when I put down the chef’s apron and started making illustrations!

I’d say my biggest challenge was definitely my lack of skill in the beginning. I spent so many years thinking I could make a successful business without any tangible skill to work from. I had all the imagination but no way to realize those ideas. It was only with the help of my wife that I was able to grow into the artist I am today.

My biggest takeaway I’d love for people to know in doing art is to slow down and work with a GOOD HEART. Protecting your soul and heart is crucial in making amazing work. You may think it’s not important but I’d like to argue it’s the most important thing in your practice. Make good spirits and the business will eventually follow.

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.
Audrey and I mostly hang out at home but we do have a couple of spots we like to rest and relax in!

If you’re ever in the area I’d say The Sawtelle area is home to a lot of local fun Japanese American Spots! I used to visit this area since I was a kid and would get all sorts of delicious Japanese food!

Another area I could suggest would be either San Gabriel or Torrance area where they have a lot of good. Chinese / Japanese Food and boba spots to go!

If you’re into the PURE Californian Experience I’d say a fun place would be Balboa Island where you can ride a 8 min. Ferry across 2 different land masses!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to thank the entire Okeya family for giving me all the love I need to conduct my business with kindness. I want to also thank Luke and Michael of THE SHOKUDO series. Because of you guys I’m able to finally able to be a part of a team I believe in and love.

A big thanks to East West Discovery Publishing for giving me my first Published book opportunity

Rocky for letting me help with Taste of Japan and for being a great business partner

Keiko and my Sunny Blue family for building me into the positive and resilient force though Sunny Blue

and for Audrey for guiding and showing me the way though this amazing art world that we stumbled upon.

Instagram: Instagram.com/okeyastationeryco Instagram.com/kenzoillustrations

Youtube: https://youtu.be/p1Z3LfTuSRc?si=uFH5ocmk75imB7xd

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