From Florist to Lightweight Living Concept Founder with Chikae Howland

My Small Business & Me

#46 - Founder of Hikarui, Chikae Howland shares her small business journey. After working as a florist, she created her concept of Lightweight Living, Hikarui, which was born out of her own need to find ways to improve her lifestyle and overall well-being.
As a child, she was always creative and knew that she wanted to run her own business. In 2012, after graduating from university, she did a floristry course and set up a floristry business called Okishima & Simmonds (O&S), with her friend Jessica Simmonds.
From the very start, they invested in beautiful branding and photo-shoots. They specialised in Floral Creative Styling and created designs for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and London Fashion Week. Several years later, Chikae decided to take a three month road trip to Japan and America. She attended workshops with Beth Kirby from Local Milk, Sarah Winward, Sinclair & Moore and Ginny Au. On her return to the UK, a decision was made to no longer continue O&S.
Chikae's passion for photography grew, not only digital but also film. After spending time in Japan in 2017, she started to create the concept of Hikarui and developed it further when she returned to the UK. Then during the lockdown in 2020, she taught herself how to code and created her own website, including a concept store.
Chikae shares a typical day in her life, including her morning routine, weekly routine and tools she uses. She talks about being highly sensitive and her why, before discussing her plans for the future.

Listening to this episode, you'll hear how passionate Chikae is about well-being and self-care. At the end of the podcast, you'll discover her practical tips, which I'm sure you'll find very inspiring.
Show notes are available on the My Small Business & Me website: https://mysmallbusinessandme.com/episode46