2505 Lessons on Going Concern: Insights from My Shisha Business

In November, I took over a shisha bar business, knowing full well that it wouldn’t turn a profit immediately. Despite this, I occasionally feel the weight of the financial burden as the business continues to draw on my cash reserves. While this situation is manageable for another six months, I remain optimistic that the business could become profitable within a year.

At present, revenue falls short of covering expenses, but there’s a silver lining: the income is consistent and reliable, flowing steadily into the bank account regardless of my personal involvement. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of my excellent Gen-Z staff. Their efforts have allowed the business to maintain a stable operational rhythm, even as I focus on my other ventures.

The shisha bar is my first tangible portfolio outside of consulting, a field that heavily depends on my direct involvement and external factors. Unlike consulting, which often feels like chasing external validation, the shisha bar is an opportunity to build something concrete.

While the business has yet to reach sustainability, it is buoyed by a genuine demand for shisha and the loyalty of our customers. This has given me a deeper understanding of the concept of "going concern" in real-world business operations.

I believe the business has the potential to become sustainable, but I am acutely aware that success is not guaranteed. The future depends on the actions and strategies my team and I implement. This sense of control is both daunting and empowering. Unlike investments in stocks or real estate—where performance is largely out of your hands—the fate of a business like this is directly tied to your decisions and efforts.

I wouldn’t call myself a risk-taker; in fact, I lean toward the safer side. However, running a business like this feels more controllable and tangible compared to passive investments, where all you can do is observe their performance from the sidelines.

The journey has been a tremendous learning experience. I am still uncertain whether the shisha bar will grow into a major part of Growth Unlimited Corporation (GUC). However, it has already given me invaluable insights into the concept of "going concern" and what it truly means to invest your time, energy, and resources into building something from the ground up.

2504: Kenji's Decision for a Brilliant Endeavor

December 20th marked a memorable day for GUC. One of our shisha staff members, Kenji Okamura—a university senior—approached me with a bold proposal: to join GUC as a permanent employee starting April 2025. This decision came after he chose to decline an unofficial offer from a major recruiting company.

Kenji’s reasons for this significant decision were clear and compelling:

1. A Passion for Shisha Craftsmanship
   Kenji expressed his desire to lead our "Zerobase" initiative and drive its success, leveraging the deep knowledge and passion he has cultivated over three years of mastering shisha crafting and creating enjoyable customer experiences.

2. Expanding Business Acumen
   He saw an opportunity to grow by learning from GUC’s consulting activities and business network, gaining exposure to diverse ventures beyond shisha operations.

3. A Sense of Responsibility
   Observing my increased workload as I embark on new professional activities in Osaka, Kenji recognized the need for a permanent team member to ensure sustainable and profitable operations at GUC.

At first, I hesitated. It’s not easy to commit to such a significant change, but Kenji’s reasoning struck a chord with me. He has demonstrated a deep respect for his own strengths and preferences, valuing hands-on experience over conventional career paths shaped by post-1950 norms. His dedication to shisha craftsmanship and his understanding of customer-centric operations convinced me that he is ready to hone his skills and build a professional future at GUC.

Moreover, Kenji’s vision goes beyond shisha. He aspires to immerse himself in the broader business landscape through consulting and entrepreneurial ventures. This kind of hands-on, multifaceted growth is something he wouldn’t experience in a large-scale corporation.

GUC, like any venture company, is a going concern, facing both challenges and opportunities. I promised Kenji that GUC would provide him with platforms to explore uncharted possibilities. However, I also reminded him of the reality: his growth and success depend on his willingness to embrace challenges and continuously enhance his skills.

“You’ll be an average-income employee unless you take on challenges and expand your knowledge,” I told him. “But with effort and passion, you could achieve a six-figure income before you turn 40. It all depends on how you grow the business and yourself.”

Kenji’s decision to commit to GUC is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and his belief in our shared vision. I am confident that this partnership will lead to remarkable growth, not just for him but for GUC as a whole.

Here’s to the next chapter of GUC with Kenji leading Zerobase into a brighter future!

2503 Discovering the World of Shisha: A New Chapter in My Business Portfolio

Have you ever heard of shisha, also known as a hookah? While the younger generation might be familiar with it and perhaps have already tried it, many in their 30s and beyond might find it a completely new concept. Until recently, I was one of them.

As someone who quit smoking over 20 years ago, shisha was never on my radar. However, life has a way of bringing new opportunities, and as a business owner now stepping into the world of shisha, I felt it was important to understand and experience it myself. So, back in July, I visited a shisha bar franchise to try it out. To my surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed it—it was both relaxing and fun!

What Makes Shisha Special?

At its core, shisha is more than just flavored smoke; it’s an experience that engages your senses. The aromas of the flavors, which you get to select, create a personalized atmosphere that’s soothing and unique. Whether you prefer fruity, minty, or exotic blends, there’s something for everyone.

But it’s not just about the flavors. Shisha often fosters the same kind of vibrant conversations you might find in a smoking area, where innovative ideas and opinions tend to flow. What’s even better? Shisha is inclusive—it’s perfect for non-drinkers. Unlike social settings that revolve around alcohol, sharing a shisha allows everyone to enjoy fair, relaxed discussions without the effects of drinking.

The Art of Shisha: A Blend of Skill and Flavor

One of the most fascinating aspects of shisha is the art of blending flavors. A true shisha master—or as I like to call them, a “shisha sommelier”—knows the secret to creating the perfect mix from hundreds of flavor options. Their expertise in achieving the ideal balance can transform an ordinary session into an unforgettable sensory journey.

Then there’s the visual appeal. Watching the rich, billowing smoke and experimenting with different techniques adds a playful and meditative element to the experience. It’s both calming and captivating—a chance to pause and unwind in our busy lives.

Why Shisha?

For me, entering the shisha business isn’t just about running a store; it’s about creating a space where people can connect, relax, and discover something new. Shisha is a bridge—between generations, between drinkers and non-drinkers, and between the everyday and the extraordinary.

If you’ve never tried shisha, I encourage you to give it a go. You might just find yourself immersed in a whole new world of flavors, conversations, and relaxation. And if you’re already a fan, I hope to see you at my shisha bar soon, where we’ll strive to craft an experience as unique as each of our customers.

So, what do you think—ready to try something different? Let’s light it up and explore together!

2502 Leadership Missteps: Reflections on Nissan and President Yoon Suk Yeol

 

Nissan has recently announced a significant reduction in its workforce, cutting 9,000 jobs, due to declining revenue forecasts for 2024. Analysts attribute this downturn to strategic missteps by the CEO and COO, including flawed business planning and an unappealing vehicle lineup.

Financial Times

In a parallel development, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in an emergency address, citing threats from North Korea and political obstruction by the opposition-led parliament. This drastic measure, executed hastily, was met with widespread protests and parliamentary opposition, leading to its revocation within hours. Commentators now anticipate President Yoon's potential resignation due to the backlash.

The New Yorker

These incidents raise questions about the absence of effective counsel and communication within leadership teams. It appears that both Nissan's executives and President Yoon may have disregarded dissenting opinions, leading to detrimental outcomes.

Nissan, as a leading global automaker, undoubtedly employs talented professionals capable of offering critical insights. Yet, reports suggest that the company failed to meet sales targets and made misguided manufacturing investments. This scenario mirrors the early 2000s, when Nissan underwent restructuring under Carlos Ghosn due to similar issues of pride and oversight.

As a small business entrepreneur, these events prompt self-reflection. Recently, I decided to engage a major marketing firm, Recruit, to address our stagnant social media marketing efforts. This decision was made unilaterally, without consulting my team, due to their limited expertise in this area. While outsourcing aims to allow my team to focus on their strengths, I recognize that top-down decision-making can lead to issues similar to those faced by Nissan and President Yoon.

I now realize the importance of inclusive decision-making and plan to address this in our next meeting or through a regular video message. I intend to apologize for not fostering collaboration and to emphasize the value of team input in our strategic choices.