Hey Mom, "How was the world created?"

I would like to not be typical and treat this blog post like a Time Magazine 2009 Year In Review, but I feel an internal urge to recap ftw just happened. Do you ever have those days where you feel like you woke up, went to work and didn't stop working until you fell asleep in your clothes on the couch? <-- that was my 2009. My new years resolution is to change into my pajamas at night. 

Bento 415 was the outcome of many a night falling asleep spooning my laptop with my lights still on.

I met my business partner (Chris Beerman) on Easter 2009 at the "Bring Your Own Big Wheel' Race in Potrero Hill. Rewind one week prior to that: I was perusing my Twitter Feed and saw a post by a girl that had made her very own artistic bento box lunch and it made my heart skip a beat. I remember the feeling of excitement the photo had incited in me and I wanted to pay it forward. Over the next few days, I made way to many trips to Ichiban Kan and other such stores to collect the necessary tools and accessories to make my very own bento boxes. 

With my heart beating fast caused by the happiest anxiety..I walked briskly up the steepest hills in Potrero <--- late as NOT usual. The race was just about to commence and I had two options... the second option, I did not know existed  until after completing option 1. Option 1 consisted of maneuvering down the curviest street in SF and no it's not Lombard, while looking over my shoulder every 2 seconds to make sure I am not swept off of my feet by some oversized man riding a big wheel in a Mario Brothers costume. I found my friends and finally unveiled the cause of my tardiness. Everyone including Chris Beerman were as surprised and intrigued by the bento box concept. Chris gave me his card and said we should talk. He was starting a market. My first response! "Just so you know, I am no chef!" I'm sure he believes me now. :)

A month later, I called, we met and about 5 months later we made our first dollar doing business as Bento 415. I have since quit my security blanket aka. my full time job and am working full time at our retail location in Potrero Hill. <-- where it all started.

Just when I start to feel overwhelmed, tired, consumed or unbalanced from what it takes to get your own business started,  I get a question from my daughter like, "Mom, how was the world created?" ... and she reminds me that her imagination and curiosity is what I do all of this for.