Meet Kazuki Oiwake | Co-Founder @ Markester

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kazuki Oiwake and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kazuki, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In September 2022, life threw me a curveball when I was laid off from a tech startup. I found myself at an unexpected crossroads, feeling lost and uncertain about my future. The thought of starting my own business was both exciting and terrifying, and it felt like standing at the edge of a cliff, unsure whether to jump or not.

One evening, as I shared my fears with my wife, she looked me in the eyes and said, “You’ve got this. You have the skills and the passion. Trust yourself.” Her unwavering belief in me ignited a spark inside, and I knew I had to take that leap of faith.

So, with a mix of courage and trepidation, I set out on a new adventure, drawing on my experience as an IT consultant and workstyle reform expert. The early days were filled with challenges and sleepless nights, but I was determined to make it work.

The story took an exciting turn when Krystal, a talented entrepreneur I’d met at my Masters’s Degree in Boston, and I decided to join forces. Together, we created a creative design agency with a mission to empower founders and business owners by providing unlimited design options that would help scale their marketing and creative initiatives.

Our journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with risks, triumphs, and valuable lessons. As we worked tirelessly to offer services like website design, development, UX/UI, graphic design, and packaging design, we formed a bond not just as business partners, but as friends navigating the uncharted waters of entrepreneurship together.

My story is a testament to the power of believing in yourself and embracing the unknown. It’s proof that with determination, the right support system, and a willingness to take risks, you can overcome obstacles and turn your dreams into reality.

What should our readers know about your business?
At our creative design agency, we pride ourselves on helping a diverse range of clients, from startup founders and business owners to restaurants, elevate their design work. Our unique subscription-based service offers unlimited design requests, providing cost-effective solutions for businesses seeking an alternative to hiring in-house designers or freelancers.

The journey to where we are today hasn’t been easy. We faced several challenges in identifying our area of expertise and determining how our services could solve the problems faced by different companies. After pivoting numerous times, we discovered a market need for outsourcing creative work, particularly for clients who found it difficult to justify hiring an in-house designer at an $80K annual salary or searching for reliable freelancers.

What sets us apart is our adaptability and commitment to providing tailored solutions for a wide range of businesses, from tech startups to beauty packaging companies. Our unlimited design requests and subscription-based service ensure that our clients receive the highest quality designs while saving time, effort, and resources.

We’ve learned many valuable lessons along the way, such as the importance of perseverance, resilience, and always being willing to adapt to the needs of our clients. We want the world to know that our story is one of growth, collaboration, and a genuine passion for helping businesses succeed through exceptional design.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d make sure they get a true taste of the area. We’d explore hidden gem restaurants, soak up the sun at the beach, and connect with nature on hikes or bike rides. I’d introduce them to the local culture through museums, art galleries, and food tours, while also enjoying scenic drives, live performances, and farmers’ markets. In essence, we’d experience the perfect blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and delicious food, showcasing the best our region has to offer.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?Jumping right in, I wholeheartedly believe that our success in life is shaped by the people who support, mentor, and encourage us. With that in mind, I want to dedicate my shoutout to a few key individuals who’ve played a significant role in my story.

First and foremost, my loving wife, who was the catalyst for my entrepreneurial journey. Her faith in my abilities and her constant support have been my pillars of strength, helping me overcome my fears and doubts.

Next, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my incredible business partner, Krystal. Together, we’ve navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship and built a thriving creative design agency. Our partnership has been instrumental in pushing each other to new heights, and I’m grateful for her unwavering commitment and friendship.

In addition to the key figures I’ve already acknowledged, I would be remiss not to express my deep gratitude towards both my family and my family in law. Their unwavering belief in my aspirations has been a driving force behind my progress. I’m incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by such strong and supportive individuals.

My family has been my rock, constantly cheering me on and providing me with a sturdy foundation from which I can strive and reach for my dreams. I owe them a world of gratitude for their unconditional love and support throughout my life and entrepreneurial journey.

To my family in law, I am profoundly grateful. They have accepted me as one of their own, and their endorsement of my decisions has played a pivotal role in my growth. They have been a source of strength and encouragement, instilling in me the courage to face challenges head-on.

In essence, each one of these individuals has shaped my journey in a significant way, and their contribution to my story is immeasurable. Their relentless support and unwavering belief in me are what drive me to keep pushing forward. I’m extremely thankful to each one of them and would like to express my heartfelt appreciation for their continuous love, support, and guidance.
Lastly, I’d like to recognize the mentors and friends who’ve been there for me along the way, especially Gia Liu. His guidance and wisdom have been invaluable in building our business and helping me grow as an entrepreneur.

Each of these individuals has left an indelible mark on my life, and I’m incredibly thankful for their contributions to my story. They deserve recognition and appreciation for the love, encouragement, and mentorship they’ve provided.

Website: https://www.markester.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kazukioiwake/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kazuki-oiwake/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KazukiOiwake

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@markester

Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nSGxhJJ58uTf5TV5Wcnek?si=945bfba318d843bd

Image Credits
For dearaimii: (design: Markester) (App developed by: dearaimii) (URL: https://www.dearaimii.com/) For CASMA: (Design: Markester) (Website Developed by: Markester) (URL: https://casma.com.gt/)