Hello and welcome to Yoreki. My name is Danielle and I officially became the owner of my small business in April 2023. I started teaching myself how to draw digitally on my iPad during the pandemic in 2021; I had created lots of different Japanese themed designs because I am obsessed with Japanese culture. However, I had no idea what to do with them. I had always admired people who had made their living from their artwork and wondered if that was something I could do. After extensive research and watching hours of success stories on YouTube, I decided to buy some T-Shirts from a local supplier and used some heat transfer vinyl and my cutting machine, and made my first 2 designs – the Pink Mount Fuji and the Sage Green Bamboo T-shirt, which you can purchase on the website. I slowly developed a style, a vision and brand values. I wanted to create clothing and other products which were luxurious, eco-friendly, but also affordable.

I have always had an interest in Art. Ever since I was a kid, I was always drawing pictures and making cards for my parents. I grew up in a city called Coventry in the West Midlands in England and regardless of the difficult patches of my childhood, I always had family members encouraging my creativity. My nan would always sit and draw with me; she had a wonderful collection of ornaments in her living room, so I would choose one and we would both draw it together. My dad would always give me pocket money to buy whatever I wanted from the local craft shop – which was usually pipe cleaners, pom poms and googly eyes!

I did Art GCSE and received a B grade, which I was very pleased with and went on to do Art A level at college. I decided to drop out after the first year and go into full time employment, as I was told that I would never get a job if I continued to do Art. Since the age of 17, I have been an accounts assistant, Mental healthcare worker, a personal trainer and a biomedical assistant! Sadly, none of these jobs gave me the satisfaction or fulfillment I was searching for. I always believe everything happens for a reason and this was the journey I was supposed to go on. I did not return to my creativity journey until I met my Partner in 2020, who was also a creative person, who offered lots of encouragement. I decided to pick up my paintbrushes again and started doing water colour paintings of birds, just as a hobby. But the more I painted, the more it made me realise – this is what I want to do. I had buried my artistic side for so many years, I am so glad that side of me has come out again. So I combined my designs and love for Japanese culture together, and Yoreki was born.

I encourage everyone to follow their passion. Thanks to the internet, you can learn and research how to do anything. I didn’t have a clue how to create a brand, or market my products or create a website at first, but it is possible to learn these things from the comfort of your own home. I am still learning every day but I absolutely love what I do and I am excited to see the Yoreki journey. I am thankful for every single one of you, Yoreki wouldn’t exist without your support!