Let’s start from the beginning! Tell us a little about the journey that led you to where you are now.

I began my career by buying and selling used books, which eventually led me to travel extensively in search of other unique items for the home. My journey took me to many cities across the US and Europe, and during that time I discovered some inspiring lifestyle stores in San Francisco and London. I was particularly drawn to the aesthetic and atmosphere created by these shops. It was then that I knew I wanted to create something of my own, and the rest is history!

What is the story behind the name of your business, Fog Linen Work?

When I started my own brand, I dreamed of one day seeing my products sold in San Francisco and London, two cities I had quickly grown to love. Coincidentally, both are famously associated with fog. This is what inspired the name of my brand, Fog Linen Work.

In 2021, you wrote a book, “Simplicity at Home: Japanese Rituals, Recipes, and Arrangements for Thoughtful Living.” What inspired you to write this book and what do you hope it offers to its readers?

I used to work at a foreign bookstore in Tokyo, selling mostly coffee table books. My inspirations are Tricia Foley, Terence ContraConrann, Tricia Guild, Martha Stewart, and Lee Bailey. They remain my heroes to this day. So when a book agent approached me about creating my own book, it felt like a dream come true!

A few years ago, a friend from New York visited my home in Tokyo and was surprised by how different my life was from her expectations — busy streets, neon billboards, and cramped apartments. She instead found a calm, simple home with minimal possessions. I realized that many people have similar misconceptions about Japanese life.

This book is my opportunity to share a modern Japanese lifestyle — simple, minimal, and a blend of Japanese and Western influences. I hope it shapes the lens with which others create and enjoy their own homes. I recently moved into a house that my partner and I built together and I’ve been reflecting deeply on living richly with less. Ultimately, I hope these ideas bring clarity, joy, and inspiration to the life of readers.

From brass hardware to linen clothing, Fog Linen offers a unique variety of products. What would you say is a unifying theme or motivation that describes the assortment?

Each product is something I personally use on a regular basis. I took these ideas and elevated them to create a practical assortment of products that center both beauty and simplicity.

Tell us what a typical day-in-the-life looks like for you.

I wake up around 6:30am and feed my cats, take a bath, and eat breakfast. I then leave for work, where I organize the store and merchandise displays. Afterwards, I spend the day checking emails, developing products, editing product catalogs, and more. I leave the office around 7:00pm to head home where I eat dinner, take a bath, and go to bed. The days are quite full, but I am so thankful for the life I have created.

How do you seek to incorporate balance in your life?

I work long hours! Thankfully I genuinely enjoy most of my work, so I don’t feel much stress. Once a week, I take a long stretching class that lasts about four hours. This is a time for me to clear my mind.

Having dinner with my husband and spending time playing with my cat are also great ways to disconnect from work.

What is the best piece of advice someone has ever given you as a designer and business owner? Or, what advice would you share with others?

Do things to make others happy!

What’s next for you and Fog Linen? How do you hope to see the impact of your work take form?

I try not to make detailed plans for the future and instead focus on doing what I can each day. I hope the products we sell will find a place in someone’s home and be genuinely useful to them. I operate from this hope and trust that staying true to this simple vision will take us where we’re meant to be.

Favorite place to visit to spark inspiration?

India!

Colors or neutrals?

Neutrals.

Patterns or solids?

Solids.

Favorite space in your home?

My kitchen!

Favorite Fog Linen product to give as a gift?

Linen Kitchen Cloth.