Entrepreneur Association of Tokyo
Featured Member - Carin Smolinski

Interview - July 2005


Carin Smolinski
A.B.C. International School

Interview with Smolinski:
1. When did you start your first business? What was it? What lessons did you take away from that experience?
A.B.C. International School in 1998. I started out by doing "Mommy and Me" playgroups and after school enrichment programs for children. I then started preschool classes one day a week with 6 children and 3 teachers which quickly grew to having 2 classes from Mon-Friday. The second year I opened a second school, and the third year a 3rd school. Two and a half years ago I emalgamated the 3 schools into one large location, and now am delighted to welcome 89 students a day with a staff of 35! Two months ago my husband and I started a new magazine called "Tokyo Families" which is an English language magazine focusing on family life in Tokyo. Last month, I opened the "Fun House" in Azabu Jyuban which is a huge indoor drop in play place for children and their adults.

2. What are some of the challenges you have faced in starting your business and how did you overcome them?
I think as a whole, securing locations has been the most nail biting process of all over the years. Being approved for the lease on my first location was quite a challenge. I think I had been to about 25 real estate agents who took one look at this 25 year old gaijin woman who wanted to have a big place which would be full of children and told me "muri desu" over and over. BUT, eventually I found a wonderful kind owner that was willing to give me a chance, and it helped pave the way for future leases.

On my second lease, I went back day after day and kept asking "why" I was being declined, and smiling and waiting. Eventually I think they got tired of me coming and figured it would be easier to submit my application! It's also been a challenge encouraging agents to offer low bids as often they did not want to. I think they have been more surprised than I have been when the bids were accepted!

3. How did you form your business? (Yugen Kaisha, Kabushiki   Kaisha, etc.) How long did the start-up process take?
Kabushiki Kaisha. It was quite fast to do the initial startup as I used a company to help me. I did find however that there was much they didn't tell me that I learned along the way. I think it's fabulous now that there are more companies and consultants helping entrepreneurs to set up their businesses.

4. Where do you see your business in 5 years?
OOooooh that's a fun one! Perhaps another school (our waiting list is a year long!) The Fun House full of happy children. Tokyo Families thriving. I have a few more ideas floating around in my head so we'll wait and see.

5. Do you see yourself as an entrepreneur? Why?
Yes I'd like to think so. I love the thrill of starting new businesses, and the whole planning process. There's nothing like an opening day or for TF the first issue.

6. What is your definition of an entrepreneur?
A person who takes an idea and makes it a reality.

7. What piece of advice would you give to a person wanting to start his or her own business in Japan?
Tokyo is the land of opportunity, there are so many ideas that are waiting to happen. Also, hire a consultant who knows the ins and outs of the system.

8. Can you recommend any resources such as books, websites, or support centers for entrepreneurs in Japan?
www.j-door.com is excellent! You can ask leading experts in a variety of feilds questions, and they will answer for free.

9. Who are your mentors in business?
My Mother and Father. They both have a very keen sense of business and drive, I have learned a lot from them. I also love how bullish Donald Trump is!

10. What makes you happy?
Having my family all around me.