【Executive Interview】The Challenge of Yushun Takebayashi, Competing with His Independent Leather Brand "YOUPHORIA"

A young man takes on a job he has never experienced before. What is the determination of this person, who is engaged mainly in customer service sales for the new leather brand "YOUPHORIA," as he moves forward without pressure but with perseverance?

Why did he decide to independently sell a leather brand?

Mr. Yushun Takebayashi is the sales agent for the leather brand "YOUPHORIA." In fact, he was an employee at an electrical company just three days before this interview. Why did he choose the path of selling a leather brand, and more than just changing jobs, independently managing a company? I asked him about the background that led to this challenge, and how he feels now.

BR Butterfly Co., Ltd.
CEO Mr. Yuuma Takebayashi
Born October 7, 1999, in Chiba Prefecture. After working at an infrastructure company and an electrical company, he became the CEO of BR Butterfly Co., Ltd. He manages a sales agency primarily for YOUPHORIA and also works as a multi-talent (such as a fashion model) concurrently.

The trigger for selling YOUPHORIA

The combination of leather and enamel materials forms the face of YOUPHORIA's bags.

"The trigger was when I was helping out as a staff member at the Korean select shop 'National Point.' That’s when I started selling 'YOUPHORIA' that was being displayed there."

I believe YOUPHORIA is still a brand that will continue to grow, but what aspects did you find appealing?

"Bamboo Grove: 'It's undeniable that we're using good materials (leather). Being able to carefully convey its quality face-to-face and having customers use it for a long time is very rewarding. I believe the brand concept of 'beautiful because it's unfinished' is also fitting for the new challenges I'm taking on.'"

"We use high-quality leather and create our bags by skilled craftsmen, which is why they are priced around 200,000 yen. What kind of customers do you hope will pick them up?"

Bamboo Grove: "YOUPHORIA values 'being oneself,' so it's hard to say definitively, but I believe it's a lineup that resonates with people who love leather. If customers who pick it up spread the word, I think the brand's appeal and recognition will increase, and from there, we should be able to offer even better products to our customers. I hope to be of help in that regard, even just a little."

Customer service, sales, management, in fact, it was all an inexperienced world.

― That being said, you had no experience in customer service, right? Given your limited experience as a shop staff, did you not have any anxiety about transitioning to face-to-face sales as your main job?

Takebayashi: "Indeed, since my previous job was at an electrical company factory, there were no opportunities to talk to people or meet outsiders. I didn't really understand the term 'sales' itself, or how that profession worked. I started from a place of not knowing what it was about. So, I thought I had to at least communicate with people."
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― Takebayashi's challenge began by honing his customer service skills daily. The Korean select shop "National Point" in Shinjuku, Tokyo, where he is currently selling, is the site of that challenge.

Takebayashi: "Now that I've become somewhat capable, I've lost my resistance to talking to people, but still, when I encounter aloof attitudes, I sometimes think, 'Did I say something wrong?' However, I have come to believe that might be what real sales are about. It seems that a certain strength is needed not to feel discouraged even when turned down. As I've been reaching out to various customers, I've been thinking that recently.”

――And he stands at the store every day as the CEO of a sales agency, neither working part-time nor as a company employee. He must have an aspect that is not just about his earnestness toward the customers in front of him, but what exactly is he thinking?

Takebayashi: "I quit my previous job intending to become independent, so I have a strong commitment to this work. For example, (to increase sales) I think it’s important to effectively utilize social media for promotions, and I believe those kinds of things are essential. Still, ultimately, I think it’s best if customers actually pick it up and use it; that’s when it spreads. Even if it feels like 'little by little,' I believe that eventually, through customer word of mouth, YOUPHORIA can grow into a big brand."

――His challenges have only just begun, but he seems to feel a sense of achievement as he spreads his dream through connections.

Challenges that can be made because of a love for leather fashion

――Mr. Takebayashi entered this world because he loves leather, but what kind of leather does he like?

Takebayashi "For example, when it comes to jackets, I think sheep leather is the best because it's soft and can be worn right away. If I want to achieve a bit more shine or want to develop my style, I also like horse leather or cow leather, but for me right now, sheep leather is the most comfortable and my favorite for fashion."

―― Takebayashi, who loves leather, interacts with people who seek good leather. It's somewhat enviable that he dove into that world simply, regardless of industry or occupation, and it's understandable.

Takebayashi "Honestly, I started selling without knowing anything at all, but at first, I think everyone faces countless unknowns and stumbles. So I want to be persistent, patient, and try various things. I want to research and experience a lot. Sometimes things go well, and sometimes I think I will fail, but I believe new ideas will definitely come up again. I want to cherish such ideas firmly."

―― If you love leather, you should definitely go meet Takebayashi Yushun. His dedication will surely move your heart.

YOUPHORIA is currently sold at the Korean select shop "National Point." As this store is currently the only source of information, it is recommended for those who want to get unique bags and other items.

The same shop offers rare goods available in Korea, as well as the luxurious brand "TOUR RECORD," themed around travel and memories. It's a fun shop to visit for those who like leather jackets, leather bags, and leather wallets, as it has a wide selection.

Dealers
National Point
5th Floor, Koito Building, 6-12-4 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
About a 3-minute walk from Toei Oedo Line Tochomae Station Exit A5
About a 3-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Nishi-Shinjuku Station Exit E4
Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (irregular holidays)
TEL: 03-6900-4713
https://shop.nationalpoint.jp/

Interview, Photography, Text / Masafumi Kakino