Actia is the maker and retailer of ‘Bandana-Cap’ what is the bare necessities for chemotherapy patient. I want to tell you why and how to start my business.
The role of an entrepreneur had never entered my mind. A Home Economics major, I taught at a middle school. After marriage, I joined my husband’s household as a housewife. When my husband embarked upon his own business, I joined him as his office assistant.
Then years ago, my mother-in-law was diagnosed with cancer. This was the turning point in my life. Having a close relationship, it was almost unbearable to watch her deteriorate. I struggled to find a way to help?chemotherapy had made her bald. Being adept at sewing, I took her scarf and created a cap for her head. A smile returned to her face.
At this particular time, an International Modern Hospital Show was being held and I was invited to participate creating pajamas and accessories. I concentrated on functional but fashionable designs and included the cap. The popularity of the cap far exceeded my expectations. Realizing the need and demand, I assembled a team of capable help to make them.
For me, the cap became a symbol of help. A commercial or profit making venture had not entered my thoughts. Seeking advice from hospital staff, I continued to improve upon the caps.
My dream is to provide and convey to women of the world suffering from cancer, my “attakai kokoro” or “warm spirit” with “akko’s Bandana cap”. My heartfelt desire is that future research will annihilate cancer. It may diminish the need for my caps but that would be a wonderful goal.
The Stevie Awards Blog : https://blog.stevieawards.com/blog/topic/atsuko-matsumura