Interview with Representative Hori Keiko
We spoke with Hori Keiko about the background of starting Hokkori CLIP, her feelings now that two years have passed since the studio opened, and what she has felt through her activities so far.
From retirement to the decision to "start my own studio!"
Can you tell us about the background leading up to the opening of Hokkori CLIP?
Hori
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I had to retire from the photography shop where I had worked for 14 years.
Since it was a small privately-owned shop, I was involved in various tasks such as DPE (film photo development), sales, studio photography, product development, and public relations, and I learned a lot. Additionally, the atmosphere at work was very close, both with my colleagues and customers, so it was truly sad to say goodbye.
For a while, I couldn't sort out my feelings, and there were times when I felt down. However, I had actually been thinking, even while I was still at my previous job, that "someday I would like to provide heartfelt services on a scale I can manage myself."
Triggered by my retirement, I decided to "start my own studio!" and first took a job at a local construction company as a preparation period.
At the construction company, I had the invaluable experience of being involved in completion photos and residential photography, which I couldn't experience at my previous workplace. However, I felt somewhat unsatisfied because there were few opportunities to interact directly with people.
I realized again that I really enjoy work where I can see the "reactions" of customers by seeing their faces, talking to them, and photographing them, and making them happy on the spot.
So, I resigned after three and a half months and then spent about a month preparing to open my studio.
I think it takes courage to become independent, but what was the decisive factor for you?
Hori
To live happily as myself, I thought, "Let's just try it so I won't have regrets." If it doesn't work out, I can think about it then.
If I were a bit younger, I might not have had the confidence, and conversely, if I were too old, I might not have had the energy. I think it was just the right timing.
I believe that because I faced my daily tasks at the previous photography shop with all my might, I was able to make that determination, and I had a certain level of confidence due to my accumulated experience.
A studio in an excellent location guided by a connection with my grandmother
At the beginning of my business, I operated in a mobile style, and about two and a half years later, I established this studio. I live around here, and it felt like it suddenly appeared right in front of me one day. It's a very visible location from any road, making it easy to find.
Hori
Actually, this is the place where my grandmother used to run a diner.
She passed away before I was born, so I don't know her directly, but I received a character from her name.
Thinking about it this way, it might be some kind of fate that I ended up establishing my studio here. The land belongs to my father, and the studio was built by the construction company I worked at briefly before opening.
As for the location, it has good visibility, and many people have come to know about it just by passing by.
By sharing, customers who resonate with me come
It's been almost five years since I opened in 2020, and two years since I established the studio. Have you noticed any changes?
Hori
Little by little, more people have come to know about the studio.
With the establishment of the studio, the building itself serves as a kind of signboard, and not only locals but also people from a bit farther away have come to visit, which makes me really happy.
What purposes do the people who use your services usually come for?
Hori
Recently, I feel that many people come for profile photo shoots.
Some people read my blog thoroughly before coming. I often think, "I wonder who is reading this," but surprisingly, many people do read it.
Thanks to that, I end up having many customers who resonate with me. I feel that those who read my blog and think, "This seems nice," naturally build a comfortable relationship with me.
On the other hand, I think that if someone doesn't feel a connection from the start, they probably won't come, so I think that balance is just right. By sharing, a natural matching occurs.
I feel the importance of sharing.
Also, not only the blog articles but the Hokkori CLIP website is well-organized with necessary information. It has a calendar showing business hours, giving an overall sense of "being operational."
Hori
I'm glad to hear that.
At first, I embedded X (formerly Twitter) on the homepage for business hour announcements, but I have since removed it.
However, I continue to post updates like "Good morning" and "Thank you for your hard work," and since I run it alone, I update it as a way to switch my mindset, like punching a time card.
It's like a personal diary for me. Occasionally, some people respond to it.
The joy of being able to touch customers' smiles and positive energy
What do you find attractive about "making photography your job"?
Hori
I think many people feel nervous about being photographed.
But when I hear things like, "I felt safe being photographed," "I was uncomfortable but my mindset changed a bit," or "I was nervous before coming, but it was fun!", it truly makes me happy.
And above all, the moment when they see the finished photos and smile is the most rewarding.
Most people who come to be photographed do so with positive feelings, such as "to celebrate" or "I'm going to start something new."
That's why I can share that happiness and energy. I think that's a big appeal of this job.
What do you keep in mind and value in your work?
Hori
I hope to help create gentle moments that warm the heart and CLIP them in photos (to capture and preserve). That's why I named the studio "Hokkori CLIP."
It's a simple photo studio that doesn't have a wide array of costumes or glitz, but I strive to create a homely atmosphere that can draw out customers' natural expressions without being overly decorated.
I believe that taking photos is not just about recording, but also about gently accompanying that person's "now."
I want the time spent in the studio to be a space where they can feel at ease. With that thought, I welcome my customers.
"I want to value being happy myself"
Do you have any future plans or visions for Hokkori CLIP?
Hori
I think my style is to continue providing careful service. I don't think "I want to make a lot of money!" suits me very well.
However, when I interact with my heart, connections mysteriously come together.
I'm truly grateful and happy when people come through referrals or return as repeat customers.
I want to continue operating at a leisurely pace, valuing the connections that come naturally without forcing it.
Above all, I want to value being happy myself. I believe that atmosphere will be conveyed to the studio and reach my customers.
Please give a message to future customers of Hokkori CLIP.
Hori
Many people, especially those visiting a "photo studio" for the first time, may feel it's a bit intimidating. But please feel free to inquire without any pressure.
I would be happy if we could create a "photograph," a lifelong treasure, together in a fun and relaxed time.
After the interview - "When you think 'this is it!', go and check it out!"
The Hokkori CLIP website is well-equipped with the information you want to know, yet not excessive. From the design and color scheme, it appears light and breezy at first glance, but I was deeply impressed by how carefully it was made with the user in mind.
I heard that Hori herself created everything.
Hori humbly says, "I just used a template," but there are many sites that are hard to read and lack information, even when using a template. (Yet, during the interview, Hori mentioned, "There is still room for improvement.")
Furthermore, the blog is easy to read, and regular updates increase trust.
When I actually visited the studio, I was welcomed with a warm atmosphere that matched the image of the website.
When you think "this is it!", please first visit the studio. A relaxing and enjoyable time where you can be yourself is surely waiting for you.
Hokkori CLIP Data
| Organization Name | Hokkori CLIP |
|---|---|
| Industry | Photo Studio, General Photography |
| Representative Name | Hori Keiko |
| Year Established | December 2020 (Studio opened in April 2023) |
| Address | 2432-1 Nitta, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 070-8324-3504 |
| Website | PHOTO STUDIO Hokkori CLIP |
