Today we’d like to introduce you to Lilia Shibuya.
Hi Lilia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Lilia and I have moved to LA in 2017. I am from Honolulu, Hawai’i and lived in Tokyo, Japan for two years with my grandmother. I am 75% Japanese, 25% Irish and German. Growing up in Hawai’i, it was a whole different world compared to the ‘mainland’ (which is what we would call the States!) I went through many life struggles with the identity of being Asian and white, as well as dealing with toxic relationships at a very young age. I was diagnosed with Depression and anxiety when I was 13 years old. The healing process all began with my love for writing and books. I have always enjoyed writing – I have been journaling since I was six years old in my Hello Kitty diary! But the older I got, I began journaling to express my negative emotions, as well as writing poetry and publishing my writing on my blog: shebloomsinjune.com to spread positivity. Having a safe space to let out my thoughts have always been so helpful to work on my mental health. In 2021, I had the urge to finally begin a business that combines everything that represents me. November of 2021, I launched ‘Ocha Books’. I created Ocha Books to be a safe space that I can share with others.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I moved to LA from Hawai’i six years ago, and I’d be lying if I said it did not have its ups and downs! But finding my passion in having a bookstore has been the most exciting. I do not have a team; I am my own team. I research unique books for hours, curating every item by myself while working a full-time job in the retail business. Time management is the biggest struggle, but running Ocha Books is not a chore to me at all – it brings purpose and excitement in my life that I never had before. Knowing that I can shine light to the books I curate for others to enjoy brings me joy and makes everything worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of Ocha Books. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Ocha Books is a safe space for anyone looking to spend time with themselves. It is a one-stop shop to find unique books that mainly focus on poetry, fashion, and art. You can find yourself listening to our podcasts, music playlists and reading personal writings. Our purpose is for you to be able to sit back, grab a cup of tea, and create a bubble of inner peace with the help of Ocha.
With the love of reading, writing, fashion, and art – I want to spread my passions by creating a space that highlights me. Watching my grandmother brew a cup of tea every afternoon and pick up the novel she was currently reading inspired me with the name ‘Ocha’. In Japanese culture, drinking tea carries a lot more meaning. It represents purity, respect, and harmony. The time spent drinking tea is to create a peaceful space for yourself. Ocha Books is made to represent my passions, Japanese culture and bring light to mental health awareness, all in one place.
Ocha Books mainly focuses on vintage Japanese books in the subcategories of art, photography, fashion, etc. I curate what I personally enjoy for others to find joy in as well. Each item is a one-of-one exclusive as they are all mainly vintage and/or first editions. I carefully curate 5-10 books every month to create a more special space.
What are your plans for the future?
My big future plan is to open up an actual in-person Ocha Books location. But for now, I am planning on pushing pop-ups here and there to meet fellow book lovers. I also would love to have Ocha Books being carried in local coffee shops. The big news: Ocha Books will be having its first pop-up on July 22nd with Maum Market at the ROW DTLA! I am very excited to finally be able to showcase the books we have in stock and to spread my passion in real life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ochabooks.com
- Instagram: ocha.books
