Story & Lesson Highlights with Hiro Saito of Redondo Beach

Hiro Saito shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hiro, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Each day I get up between 4:30 and 5:00 am and briefly check the news to see what’s going on in the world. Next, I check my bank accounts and look in my planner at my schedule for the day. I then meditate for 10 minutes and do my stretches. Around 6:30 am, I head out on a walk with my dog Rocky while listening to Japaneses comedy. Then, on most days, I go surfing in nearby Huntington Beach for a couple of hours. I arrive home around 9:30 and eat breakfast. Following that I check my work emails and communicate with the managers of my stores. I will then often begin to bake and experiment with new food items. With my current schedule, I try to finish all of my work by early afternoon, however, as an entrepreneur I am basically always on and available to my managers as well working on other business opportunities.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I grew up in Japan and had always dreamed of moving to the United States. I was able to come to the US after graduating from high school and attended college on the East Coast. Throughout my time out East and then when I moved to California, I mainly worked in the food service industry. My family was in this business back in Japan and I knew it well. Finally in 2015, I was able to open my own bakeshop called ‘Kirari West’ (my family’s restaurant in Japan is named ‘Kirari’) specializing in gluten-free bread and pastries. While working in restaurants for so many years, I would often encounter individuals who had Celiac’s disease or were gluten intolerant sharing that it was difficult to find bread that tasted good and had a fluffy and moist texture. I made it my mission to create a product that was as good as bread with gluten. Over 10 years later, I have 3 stores, 2 in Los Angeles and 1 in Portland Oregon, and I feel as if I have achieved that goal.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
Growing up in Japan, my father owned several businesses, I saw him working long hours each day. When talking about his business, my Dad seemed so excited. I definitely felt the passion that he appeared to have for what he was doing. There is a culture in Japan, as it is in the sates, to go to college, get a job then settle down and raise a family. When I was younger, I saw many adults doing this and it never appealed to me. I wanted to feel more enthusiastic about a career path and seeing what my father had built was very inspiring to me. The plan to pursue career options “outside of the box” was adopted and I came to America to pursue the American Dream.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
When I opened my first store, I had an incredibly difficult first year. There were many times it felt like the store was not going to make it. The initial investment is spent and there is a belief, a hope, that it is going to go well. However, the reality is that many businesses close within the first year and even more close within the first 5 years. 10 years and 2 additional stores later, what I learned through those initial hardships was how to never stop trying to evaluate and improve. Also to have a mindset of looking forward with enthusiasm rather than back or around you with fear.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
Typically, I come up with ideas about my business on my own through following my instincts. However, I have learned through my years of being an entrepreneur that it is critical to have a few trusted individuals around you with whom you can consult and brainstorm. These people include my Dad, my wife, my business coach and the general manager of my stores.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
1. In bed at night 3 minutes before falling asleep
2. Floating on my surfboard in the ocean
3. Vacationing on the California Central Coast.
4. Being in Japan in the house I grew up in.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kirariwest.com/
• Instagram: kirariwest
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirariwest
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kirari-west-bake-shop-redondo-beach?osq=Kirari+West+Bake+Shop&dd_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yelp.com%2F

Image Credits
Patricia Becker