We have exciting news to share. Fumi is going to have a home! We’ll be opening a brick and mortar shop in November of this year!!

My name is Mia Reiko Braverman and I am the creative behind Fumi. For new folks, welcome and thanks for being here. I started this business just over a year ago, after leaving my full-time job in the nonprofit sector and going in full hog. Starting something of my own had been a dream since I was a kid. I come from a family of artists, self-starters, and small business owners, and I always instinctively felt like it was also my path. I was 40 when I finally took the leap. It took some time to get here—but here I am, and here you are with me.

This first year of Fumi has been a dream. At its core, Fumi has been an important vehicle for me to stay connected to my Japanese roots (hence naming it after my Granny) and my biracial identity. My jobs in the past have not allowed me the time and energy to explore these things in the way I’ve wanted to and as work takes most of our time, my thinking was to make my work the plant I want to water.

Since starting Fumi, I’ve been able to deepen my connection with the Japanese community here in Portland and also in Japan. I speak more Japanese (not well but better than not!). I’ve learned so much about Japanese American history and culture locally. And am honored to share what I learn as I go. 

The next step in my dream has always been to have a brick-and-mortar space ~ for Fumi to have a home ~ to sell beautiful things, host events, and have a place to connect. I wasn’t expecting that to happen any time soon but the opportunity presented itself and I could not pass it up.

The space I will be moving into is one that carries a lineage of Portland legends, first Mississippi Records and most recently, the GOAT, Niles of Worn Path. Niles has been someone I have deeply respected for some time, as well as becoming a friend. He generously gave me advice when I first began my business and has been someone who has consistently inspired me with his business ethos and curation. I am truly honored to build a home in this space that has housed such legendary Portland businesses. I hope to make them proud. I hope to make you proud. I hope to make my granny proud. 

I’m so thankful to Niles for his support with this huge transition. I am also so grateful to all the folks who have supported me to this point. My first stockists, Alex at Storied Objects, Mike at Ship John, and Joe of Joe’s Authentic. My collaborators Amy and Joshua of Apa Kabar, Seiji at Electrica, Sakiko of Soen, Janet and Lucy at Golden Hour, Conner of Kizuna Tours, Jme of Sandy River Studio, Emily and David of Good Wood, Kyoko Shinohara on just about everything, and my sweet partner, Luke Wyland. So many more and so many more to come. 

Lot’s of planning to do but expect:

• A bumping opening party!

• My usual fare of handmade incense (will be moving my studio into the space!).

• Second hand homewares and clothing, work by artists, goods from Japan, books and periodicals, and more.

• We’ll host events ~ artists talks, music shows, and workshops.

• And like my granny did in her shop, I'll always serve a wee cup of tea when you come by for a visit. 

More to share as things solidify. Until then, thank you for your support and interest in what I am doing. My hope is that my offerings bring something positive to your life and for that joy to echo out into your surrounding community ~ and so on and so forth. 

I can’t wait to welcome you into the shop.