Lifestyle

From Japan to Los Angeles Homes: How Kado Blends Tradition with Modern Taste

Published

1 year ago

January 9, 2025

Michelle Langton

Photo Credit: KADO

Byline: Katreen David

When the doors to Kado opened in Los Angeles, they did not just swing open to another retail shop inspired by Japan. With walls lined with handcrafted ceramics, bamboo trays, and elegant decor, the store transports customers halfway across the world into an atmosphere of quiet sophistication and timeless elegance.

Herbert Johnson, Kado’s representative in Japan, describes the store as “a labor of love.” The brand intends not just to sell items but to celebrate Japan’s unique ability to merge functionality with art. “Our goal,” Johnson explains, “is to make it a space where people do not just find beautiful items, but also feel connected to a deeper cultural experience.”

In Los Angeles, a city known for its fusion of global cultures, the novelty store has found an audience that craves authenticity in its home decor. However, unlike many home goods stores, Kado is intentional about each product on its shelves. The team’s keen eye for traditional and modern art ensures that every piece reflects the brand’s values: items that embody traditional Japanese craftsmanship yet cater to modern American tastes.

Crafting a Niche in a Competitive Market

The growing market for home goods from Japan and other East Asian nations is fierce. Yet, Kado stands apart by doubling down on what Johnson describes as “cultural authenticity.” While many competitors might lean on trends or commercialized versions of “Zen-inspired” decor, Kado highlights pieces rooted in genuine Japanese traditions.

“Every piece in our store tells a story,” Johnson explains, reflecting on the significance behind the brand’s curated selections. “Our customers appreciate that connection to Japanese craftsmanship—they can see the quality and feel it. When they shop at Kado, they are buying and owning a piece of that culture.”

Bestsellers like the Shinrin-Yoku AM・PM Mists exemplify this approach. The mists are named after the Japanese practice of “forest bathing,” designed to bring the calming essence of Japan’s natural scapes indoors. In these small bottles, customers find more than just a home fragrance; they discover a sense of calm, a nod to Japan’s reverence for nature, and an invitation to partake in a mindful experience, all within their own living spaces.

Japan to the World: Beyond the Threshold

As the brand establishes itself in Los Angeles, its ambitions do not stop there. The brand plans to expand its product range and build exclusive collaborations with Japanese artisans, bringing even more unique and high-quality items to the U.S. market. For this Asian brand, growth is not simply about scaling up; it is about deepening its commitment to preserving and sharing Japanese craftsmanship with a broader audience.

“Our long-term goal is to make Kado the go-to destination in the U.S. for authentic Japanese home goods,” Johnson shares. “We want to offer a variety of items that speak to different tastes and needs, from the design aficionados to those just discovering Japanese culture.” Beyond the physical storefront, the brand is also exploring the possibility of e-commerce, aiming to reach those who might not have access to the store in Los Angeles but still seek its unique offerings.

In a retail world often defined by the fleeting nature of trends, Kado mirrors the enduring allure of culture and craftsmanship, connecting the space between Japan and Los Angeles.

Lifestyle

Kelli Lewis and Her Inspiration Behind KelliWorks

Published

1 day ago

March 29, 2026

Michelle Langton

Kelli Lewis has made a name for herself through her virtual accounting firm KelliWorks which specializes in dealing with the finances of small and mid-sized businesses. The firm was established, keeping in mind the need for expert and technology-driven accounting services to cater mainly to small and mid-sized businesses. At a time when these small and mid-sized business owners were struggling with the inconsistencies in their accounting work, bookkeeping, and payroll management, Kelli came up with her firm that provided bookkeeping, financial strategy consulting, helping businesses to deal with their finances and giving solutions using technology, and payroll management.

Kelli uses her experience as a small business expert to help businesses still stuck with the conventional methods of accounting. Her firm, KelliWorks is remote and leverages the latest accounting technology and helps these small and mid-sized businesses find accurate and scalable solutions.

Kelli Lewis’ Inspirational Story in Being a Successful Small Business Expert

Born on April 5, 1985, in Orange, New Jersey, Kelli Lewis does not have any formal education, nor has she graduated from an educational institution. Kelli’s early years were spent on her mother’s recovery from a coma after a car accident. It was during that time while spending time with her mother at her rehabilitation, Kelli understood what it meant to be adaptable and perseverant. That, later on, went on to become the qualities she used in her business approach towards entrepreneurs. She built her career through hands-on experiences, an understanding of business operations and financial management, and mentorship.

Kelli’s story is inspiring because despite not having a formal degree, her business KelliWorks was created to encourage entrepreneurs to find their strength and build a team that compliments their workforce. Kelli’s understanding of how to sustain a business, future-proof business models, and implement financial safeguards have helped her guide businesses to navigate their obstacles.

She attributes her success at her business to the values she learned while growing up. She uses the experience gained through back-office management, business consulting, and accounting. That enabled her to understand the need to get rid of outdated accounting systems and come up with a modern one that was technology-based.

Her virtual accounting firm, KelliWorks offers a range of business and accounting consultations, and goes with the catchphrase, “KelliWorks, so you don’t have to”. They include:

● Bookkeeping and Payroll Management – This ensures accurate financial records and smooth payroll operations.

● Business Process Optimization – Helps to implement automated systems that will improve forecasting and financial decision making.

● Financial Strategy and Planning – Assists businesses with budgeting and cash flow efficiency. It reduces reliance on manual processes.

● Technology Integration – It utilizes cloud-based accounting software and financial tools to streamline business operations.

KelliWorks is dedicated to lessening the financial stress of small and mid-sized businesses by giving them support and proper financial guidance. The entrepreneurs are informed about the best practices they can adopt, the long-term successful financial strategies, and technology solutions. Their commitment to stay at the forefront of small business financial consulting is commendable. The firm deals with the financial aspects of the businesses and thereby helps the entrepreneurs concentrate on their business growth.

Running a successful business and managing a family can be a challenge. Kelli Lewis balances her family life with her work life by incorporating the systems that allow her business to function efficiently and effectively. Her boundaries between work and family are well-defined. Kelli sets a good example to those who are business-minded on how to cope with the pressures of being competitive and flexible when it comes to combining her personal and work lives together.