#003: Time to PIVOT!

As I’m writing this in Seattle, WA in 2026, it’s important to note that the USA is going through some very historically unprecedented challenges. Our current administration is, putting it extremely nicely, not doing the American people any favors right now… So during a time where we have lost much of the safeguards of democracy; had countless friends and family imprisoned, deported, or worse; had a plundering economy full of unnecessary tariffs; and entered into a war that nobody asked for that serves only the purpose of distracting the public from even more heinous crimes— needless to say, it isn’t exactly easy to start a small business, especially one that would depend a lot on the import of foreign goods and merchandise.

Ideally, these things will improve in a few years under a different government administration (hopefully). So until things can become more sustainable, I’m working on PIVOTING to some side-hustle ideas to help fund for my bigger future projects.

I’m currently thinking of setting up a sort-of Cottage Food side business, selling niche baked goods and distributed through local vendors, and then applying to be amongst various vendor markets. I was inspired to consider doing this when we attended the recent Georgetown Carnival, and met a newly minted (only 20 days old) business owner who “broke off from Corporate” in order to set up his Thai tea business. He told us that he went on a trip to Thailand and was able to partner with a Thai tea plantation owner, getting directly sourced and culturally legitimate tea ingredients. Let me tell you, that tea was truly delicious!

So it might not really relate much to Hanabi Matsuri right now, but I’m hoping this side business (name TBD) will help launch the success of what Hanabi Matsuri will become one day. Stay tuned as there will be more to come!