Issei Mochi Gummies Founder Mika Shino on Bringing People Together Through Cultural Foods
The Japanese tradition of eating mochi goes back millennia, and now, founder and CEO Mika Shino is bringing that tradition to the masses in the form of Issei Mochi Gummies.
The first-generation Japanese-American entrepreneur has reimagined the classic rice-based confection, often associated with celebrations and symbolizing health, prosperity and longevity, in the form of clean gummy snacks with tempting candy-like flavors. In addition to being sweet, chewy and delicious, they're also shelf-stable, vegan and kosher, as well as being free of any gluten, dairy, soy or nuts, and we just can't get enough of them. We got the chance to chat with Mika Shino herself to learn more about the brand and what makes it one of a kind in the interview below.
Name: Mika Shino
IG handle: @mochigummies
Hometown: Kyoto, Japan
1. Mika's loved mochi all her life.
"I was born and raised in Japan, where mochi is an everyday snack but is also considered a sacred food which we offer to the Shinto gods for health and prosperity for New Year, so I grew up eating mochi cakes. I had the idea of modifying the traditional mochi cakes, which have a limited shelf-life, to a small bite-sized treat that could be eaten like a gummy candy because of my kids. They love anything chewy—gummy bears, Sour Patch. I always felt guilty buying them gummy candies loaded with artificial colors, flavors and made with animal-derived gelatin."
-Mika Shino
(via Issei Mochi Gummies)
2. The name "Issei" refers to first-generation Japanese immigrants in the U.S.
"It symbolizes the hopes and dreams that all immigrants carry with them to this country in search of a better life. It is an ode to our heritage, stories and memories which are often told and shared through food."
-Mika Shino
3. Issei Mochi Gummies is all about bringing people together.
"Our mission is to spark joy, build bridges and celebrate the heritage of all cultures."
-Mika Shino
Also read about: How to Make THE Tastiest Coffee at Home, According to Clutch Coffee Co-Founder Darren Spicer
4. Issei's Sour Watermelon flavor is Mika's favorite.
5. The best advice she ever got was that when one door closes, seven others open.
"So don't be afraid to close a door and make a leap in life when something is not right for you. My former boss at the United Nations told me this. She was the most powerful female role model I had professionally."
-Mika Shino
Also read about: CEO Active Founder Victoria Nguyen Shares the Ethos Behind Her Viral Activewear Brand
6. Her strongest habits are what got her to where she is today.
"Don't give up. Be obsessive about detail. Be kind to everyone. Be a radiator, not a drain. Believe in your own ideas no matter what other people say."
-Mika Shino
7. The most rewarding part of her work is being able to share a piece of her culture with the world.
"To be able to create something completely new inspired by my heritage and introduce it to the world—which will foster more diversity, inclusion and acceptance of all cultures."
-Mika Shino
8. The most important thing Mika wants people to know about her is that she and the brand are here to spark joy and build bridges through food.
(via Issei Mochi Gummies)
For more insights from our favorite inspiring entrepreneurs, click HERE to read all about hairstylist and AIIR Professional Founder Jenny Strebe.