Eiko's Open Road

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Eiko Okura Highlight (0:52)
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Interview (4:13)
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Quiet Place (0:37)
Interview Excerpt -
First Job (0:51)
Web Exclusive -
Mantra (1:11)
Web Exclusive -
Guided By Virtues (0:38)
Web Exclusive
EIKO OKURA
Interior Designer
I don't think that success is something you reach at one point when you're 88 or 92; it's an everyday, every moment practice.
INTERESTS:
THEMES DISCUSSED:
Experience Self-Reflection Acceptance Confidence Beliefs & Faith Courage Instincts Chance Opportunity Honesty Values Goals Inspiration
FOUNDATION:
BIOGRAPHY:
- Majored in aesthetics/art philosophy in Japan, but quickly realized her major was not particularly marketable in the job industry.
- While she was in this in-between state, she found herself constantly rearranging her furniture to calm her.
- Realized that this practice of designing her home was what she wanted to do with her life, went into interior design.
- Moved to the U.S. to pursue more design opportunities; got a stroke of luck, found a job right before her visa expired.
- Says that deciding to go into interior design was not a "long, philosophical conversation" with herself-her passion was obvious.
- Believes most of our interests should be obvious, but we complicate them; once you're grounded, you can "see what emerges."
- Says her "North Star" in her designs is her virtue; in her career and her personal life, she tries to do what feels right and honest.
- Doesn't believe that you should tune out others' advice, but says you should always put your own voice above the others.