After only three months of operations, Sazan Cafe, located in the heart of Kumamoto Prefecture, has closed its doors once again, leaving its new owner, Suzanne, grappling with the challenges of running a business marred by past misfortunes. Originally opened as part of the revitalization project of the former Ryokan, or inn, KAWACHI BASE, the cafe aimed to provide a welcoming space for local families. Unfortunately, just as before, difficulties have arisen, prompting another pause for the establishment.
Despite this set back, Suzanne, who had previously seen her first cafe venture crushed by the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, remains resolute about her vision and intent for the future. "I wanted to create space where local mothers could relax with their children," she says, expressing the driving force behind her initial inspiration to enter the cafe business.
Before this venture, Suzanne opened the cafe ‘8%’ within Kumamoto City only to watch it succumb to natural disaster just three months after. During the initial earthquake chaos, she recalls, "After the earthquake, we focused on helping our community more than anything else," highlighting the community-oriented philosophy she still holds dear.
Reflecting on the lessons learned from past events, Suzanne’s perspective on ownership and business has matured incredibly. Her mother’s advice echoed throughout her decision-making process when she said, "It doesn’t matter if it’s two hundred million or three hundred million; if it’s worth doing, you should do it, even if it means going deeply in debt." Yet, Suzanne is also cautious about getting overly entangled financially. She explains, "I don’t want to create debt, and I prefer to operate within my means," emphasizing responsible management rather than reckless financial pursuit.
While there is much uncertainty about the future of Sazan Cafe, the establishment's recent closure does not dampen Suzanne’s hopes. The cafe underwent extensive renovation plans, reforming the former Ryokan to adapt it not only as lodging but also as a communal space fostering relationships and experiences. The evolution reflects her belief about prioritizing human connections over material possessions, stating, "What matters most is the connections we build, not the profit we make." Through this troubled experience, her values drive her, shaping the new direction she aims to carve out.
Adopting strategic foresight, Suzanne remembers advice from the previous owner of KAWACHI BASE: "Think about work three years from now, not just immediate profits." This outlook encourages long-term planning and establishes her approach amid the uncertainty, emphasizing sustainability and growth instead of overwhelming pressure for immediate success.
Despite initial setbacks and the closure of Sazan Cafe, Suzanne’s commitment remains. Her past experiences enrich her perspective and inform her vision. Emphasizing the need for community wellness, she reflects on her desire to create not just profit but to offer value and insight for families and individuals who could benefit from her establishment. She dreams of curbing the regrets of launching too hastily, gradually piecing together what this new endeavor will entail and learning as she builds toward the cafe's next chapter.
Beyond the operational concerns, Suzanne embraces her personal development alongside community dynamics, reaffirming, "When thinking of investments, I want to focus on creating connections." Her philosophy holds firm, hinting at the balancing act of personal aspirations and obligations toward community-building, complementing her business acumen acquired over time. The experience gained through disappointment informs her resilience, and it's clear there is much more to come for both Suzanne and Sazan Cafe.
With new plans underway and thoughtful reflection guiding her actions, Suzanne’s desire to reopen Sazan Cafe bodes well, showing her dedication to not only her business but to the community she serves. The road may be steep, but if anything, her story demonstrates the importance of connection and resilience.