Starting my Own Agency & the Japanese concept of Ikigai

Why did you decide to start your own agency?

Well, I have worked at other agencies for over 12 years and while I learned a lot about the work, I also saw a lot of business practices that I wanted to change and improve on. I have also always wanted to have my own business for as long as I can remember. There is something deeply appealing to me about creating something of my own and nurturing it and seeing what I can build. I have also learned an awful lot about what I enjoy about a job and I also understand people better than your average bear so I think I can also see what they needed from a career and what was often missing in other roles. So I wanted to offer work to good, talented people that would help them flourish in their career but also in their lives as a whole.

So what is different about your agency that you had not found in these other companies?

I am not putting down the places I have worked, they just begin with very different personality types and that trickles down throughout the companies. I have an enormous passion for people and my belief is that if I put the focus on the individuals I work with, both teammates and clients, then we will have a stand out organization that people will want to work for and with. It’s really that simple. All too often I see business decisions in all manner of places being made with only the money in mind. In fact, I may be a terrible businessman in many ways as I find very little motivation is financials and profit margins. Of course, I have to run a profitable company to offer the service I am talking about, but I am in the business of happy people. I learned about a Japanese concept called Ikigai many years ago and it’s something I hope to emanate through Creative Supply House.

Ikigai? What is that and why is it important to you?

First, I have always been enthralled by a lot of Japanese cultures, I find it fascinating. I came across this idea of Ikigai which means Iki (life) gai (reason) and translates as a reason to live. It is the pursuit of finding true meaning and motivation for an accomplished and fulfilling life. Now this means different things to different people and I suppose the start of that is figuring out what that means for you. For me, it meant serving people in a way that would bring them joy and help them find their own Ikigai. I believe the earlier meaning of the concept was more toward self-sacrifice which aligns with my understanding. I think sadly that this idea in modern Japan has in some areas skewed to create the epidemic of overworked and unhappy businessmen in Japan as they focused more on their selves and their own development. I think all people find deep meaning and peace when they spend time in the true service of others. So for me, I wanted to create a company that helps people find meaning and to focus on treating others with respect, honesty, and true care for their well being and success.

That sounds nice but shouldnt you be focusing on the business being successful first?

I suppose that the key here is defining what success means to you. I do have to keep us profitable but not at the expense of a relationship. I am looking for employee and client retention and I get regular feedback to be sure that we are doing all we can to have happy people to work with. I am also really passionate about giving people the very best work experience they can have. We have all had shitty jobs before and it really takes a toll. So giving my clients a great partnership experience and giving my employees the best work-life is my goal. That’s what success is for me.

I noticed your branding looks different from most agencies, why is that? Do you only work with edgy companies?

I have always thought it was strange that agencies had to create vanilla branding for themselves so as to not detract companies who could not see themselves in that branding. Again I know this makes good business sense and I probably lose potential clients from our look. I think companies should be authentically themselves as much as possible. That doesn’t mean you don’t take business and data into account, but again I believe each company defines success for themselves and then makes decisions based on that. For me I get inspired by my settings. I want to surround myself in spaces that inspire me, So my company needed to do the same. I have an aesthetic that i think best represents my company and I wanted to do the best job and presenting that.

However, I work with companies across all kinds of markets, genres and styles. We work law firms, insurance agencies, construction, E-Commerce, Medical Tech, Tattoo parlors, Fried Chicken restaurants, conventions and on. We just want to work with good people who share our belief in building good relationships, if we have that we can build the technology or create the design that these companies want.

What’s Next?

We are just going to keep growing and looking for more people and businesses that align with our ethos. So if you are looking for help with your business website, marketing or software give us a call and we can see if we are a good fit. And, if you are skilled and passionate and looking to work in an environment that is encouraging and respectful and dedicated to doing the best work of your life, then give us a call.