Tell us a little about yourself.
Hello! My name is Erina and I am co-owner of Y&E Bridal with my mother Yasuko. We started Y&E at the beginning of this year when both of us fortunately and unfortunately were laid off by companies going under. While it was sad that we were jobless and that those companies no longer exist, It was rather serendipitous that we were both in the same situation at the same time. My mother had studied fashion design in her native Japan before moving to America to marry my dad. Since then she had been working as a seamstress for the last 20 years, the last 10 on high end wedding dresses. I was/am currently planning my wedding and couldn’t find a lot of what I really wanted so with a lot of my crazy ideas and my mom’s amazing talents, Y&E was born. Also I know some people ask why Yasuko does not answer any of the convos or answer questions in interviews and it is because she is not fluent in English thus I answer all convos and take care of the business part of Y&E. =)
What special things do you create for weddings?
Right now we have been doing pillows, baskets and a few hair accessories but we are going to start into garters and shawls very soon.
Who or what sparked your interest in making wedding-related items?
I think the biggest reason was because I am planning my own and had wedding fever and my mom didn’t really know what she wanted to make but since she had the background and I had the mindset it just kind of fell into place.
What is a little known fact, or something unique about your work that is interesting?
My mom actually very much follows a Japanese aesthetic. Things in our shop may seem very simple but her craftsmanship is meticulous. If there is a barely noticeable glue spot or a stitch is out of place she either makes it perfect or we don’t sell it.
If you are married, what’s the one thing you wish you had for your wedding that you didn’t?
I am not married yet so hopefully I won’t have any regrets! I think my mom had once said she wished she had a professional photographer.
What is your favorite wedding song?
I know we are playing a different song at my wedding but I truly love the “Such Great Heights” cover by Iron and Wine. I always feel so warm inside when I hear it!
What is your favorite part of the wedding journey?
I don’t know. I think just getting to plan my life together with my sweetie. He is my sunshine so I guess my favorite part of the journey will be the outcome when we officially get to be together always.
What advice can you share for all the brides getting married this year?
Don’t take it too seriously. Being engaged is supposed to be fun! I see so many brides that get so stressed out but you just have to remember that it is about love and sharing it with your friends and family. No one will notice if your shoes are a couple shades darker then your dress or your bridesmaid had a little too much to drink lol. At the end of it all they are just going to love you and feel happiness for you.
What is your perfect honeymoon spot?
We are planning on spending a week in Tokyo by ourselves then meeting up with my parents in Fukuoka to have Chris (my fiancé) meet the Japanese side of my family.
If you could pick anyone famous that would purchase your items for their wedding, who would they be?
Oh wow. I don’t know! I guess if I had to pick someone I would say this Japanese actress named Anna Tsuchiya, she has a cool style.
If you could choose 1 item from your shop that you wish every bride could have, what would it be?
I know that our bestseller by far are the ringbearer nests but I want to go with the High Society basket. I think they are simple and pretty and work for any type of wedding.
Links where we can find out more about your work:
Y&E Bridal Etsy Shop
2 comments:
great interview!
Laurel
goagainstthegrain.etsy.com
It was so nice to read your interview and to get to know you better! :)
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