Masami Ishida stands proudly in the doorway of her new store, Sakura Mart Japanese & Asian Grocery on Second Avenue.
She is happy to have made her dream of opening her own business a reality, she says.
"I have always thought about how I could contribute to the community in some way," she said.
Now, I am very happy and grateful to participate, even in a small way, and ... be at the starting line."
Behind her, her market is stocked with items from Japan which locals used to have to drive to the city to purchase.
They also sell quick meals for camping, as well as fresh grab-and-go items for lunches.
The store has been open since March, and is meeting its stride now, says Ishida's daughter Alanis Mackay.
Ishida and her husband came to Canada from Japan about six years ago, working previously at Sushi Sen.
"They finally got their permanent residency and she really wanted to do something on her own," said Mackay, who translated for her mom at times.
Ishida decided on an Asian market, because there wasn't really anything like that in town, forcing their family, and, they guessed, many others, to drive to North Vancouver or Whistler for supplies.
Even something like authentic Japanese rice was not readily available in Squamish, but now the store stocks large bags of it, direct from Japan.
They also have brown and mochi rice.
The plan is to branch out to offer more bento boxes and other grab-and-go items.
So far, the reception has been good, the mother and daughter say.
The store was certainly bustling the afternoon The Squamish Chief stopped by, with locals dropping in to take a look or ask about a particular item they wanted to cook with, such as rice vinegar.
"A lot of people I find here have gone to Japan for snowboarding and skiing. So, [they] really like the convenience stores in Japan," said Mackay.
"A lot of people are like, 'Oh, this reminds me of when I was in Japan,' and they seem very excited."
With the cost of groceries going through the roof everywhere, the store aims to offer affordable items for all budgets, Ishida said.
"Simple food, simple life," Ishida said.
While she is talking, her son and his friends are chatting or helping customers. This is the vibe she wants: family-friendly and community-centred, she said.
"Like a post office, for food," she said, with a laugh.
Mackay added they want it to be a comfortable place where people can hang out.
Sakura Mart Japanese & Asian Grocery is located at 38136 Second Ave.
*Please note that this story was modified after it was first posted to add an additional quote from Ishida that was originally missed due to a language barrier.
'Squamish business beat' is a series that arose from feedback from locals who wanted to see more business-related news. The focus is on openings, closings, or interesting changes to local establishments. To be considered for this series, please email [email protected].
