A PASSIONATE businesswoman who brought Japanese culture to Leamington is now set to inspire others.
Laura Suominen, the founder of Ikigai, an eco-conscious and Japanese-inspired homeware store, has been announced alongside 14 other businesses as a Start Up Loans’ 2024 Ambassador.
Ikigai specialises in sourcing imported Japanese homeware items, yukata, and otaku products such as official Studio Ghibli merchandise.
Laura took out a £12,000 loan via Start Up Loans’ Business Support Partner, BizBritain, in early 2024. The finance helped her to purchase a company vehicle, develop a new website and further increase the inventory of items that are imported from Japan.
The annual Start Up Loans Ambassadors programme, now in its ninth year, celebrates inspiring UK business owners who have launched an enterprise using financing from the government-backed scheme.
The Ambassadors have been selected as they demonstrate the resilience, creativity, and determination required to make a smaller business successful and to provide inspiration for entrepreneurs across the UK.
Laura said “The finance from the Start Up Loans programme has been a huge help in growing our business and supporting our ambition to bring Japanese culture and homeware to Leamington. I run the business alongside my partner, James, and we’re proud to have been able to grow the business to a level which supports us both financially so we can work together on our shared passion.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without the support from Start Up Loans, so I am honoured to be chosen as the next West Midlands Ambassador.I hope we can continue to showcase the great work that can be achieved from a business idea and the support available to make it a reality.”
The 2024 Ambassadors will be introduced at a dedicated event in central London that marks the start of a year-long programme which will see the new ambassadors take part in a series of local and national activities, helping inspire and encourage aspiring start-up founders to take the leap into business ownership.
