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

Hi Rachel, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
In 2014 I graduated with my MBA and began the search for an office space to run my brand Midori Bikinis from. My friend had an art studio in La Jolla, California, and shared that there were some openings near her. I went in to speak to the gentleman who owned the space, Don Allison; a man I’d come to gain considerable insight from. He was full of experience in business and imparted a quote often attributed to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe to me that I’ve never forgotten; “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.”

This quote has served as my motivation to persevere in both life and business since; to follow through on dreams I’d otherwise consider lofty and out of reach. I often hear friends and colleagues speak about ideas they’d like to pursue when they’re older. Instead of allowing those ideas to dim as time goes on, I always suggest beginning on them in even the smallest of ways- immediately. Often I’ve found that once they begin, the energy to continue moving, typically at an even faster rate, propels them onto a path they’d only recently thought had potential only years in the future.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Many of us grow up hearing that there aren’t limitations on what we can do or become. Along the way, circumstances commonly outside of our control can lead us to believe that life is best led within our comfort zones. While for some that may be enough, I stand firm in my conviction that ultimate fulfillment is derived from a life determined to be lived in a state of thriving over existing. From my experience, this translates to a life of intention. I strive to set not only myself but my brand apart by working and acting with calculated intention through both the small and seemingly mundane tasks as well as larger decisions. My story is a cumulative result of living with a vision that I critique and update daily, committing to a lifestyle that is not attached to the tangible and remaining flexible with a mentality that is always prepared to pivot.

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.
I have visited Phoenix a number of times, including for workshops which are one of my favorite excuses to travel. I am a fan of sushi and while good sushi is hard to find in Arizona, Yutaka was a favorite for not only great rolls but warm ramen on a cool rainy night. Rewined Beer and Wine Bar would be next on the list, only after ensuring that Trivia was in order for that night though! If it wasn’t, Chantilly’s would be the next choice, either their live music or pool tables would be entertainment enough. The rest of the weekend would be spent poolside or enjoying the spa- likely at the nearby Scottsdale Desert Oasis.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m incredibly thankful for the encouragement of my professors at Point Loma in San Diego, they were highly instrumental in providing me with direction and motivation as a Sophomore in college. While an entrepreneurial spirit is highly indicative of a life lived with passion, when the going gets rough even the simplest of gestures or messages serve to energize me; a simple smile from a stranger, a kind note speaking to a positive experience with Midori from a customer, a comment on one of our posts with positive feedback. This brand is truly a community endeavor.

Website: midoribikinis.com

Instagram: instagram.com/midoribikinis

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/midori-bikinis

Facebook: facebook.com/midoribikinis

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.