As ith celebrates its 10th anniversary, the brand has expanded to 15 ateliers both in Japan and abroad, with a growing team engaged in jewellery-making. To ensure employees can work with peace of mind for years to come, ith has been focusing on creating a supportive workplace environment. In this interview, we spoke with Ms Takahashi, the brand’s founder, Ms Matsuoka, a concierge from the Omiya atelier, and Ms Yano, from the Strategic Planning Office. They shared their thoughts about returning to work after maternity leave, balancing work with childcare, and the important lessons they’ve learned along the way.
The Role of Family Understanding and Workplace Support in Returning to Work
– Before your maternity leave, were you anxious about working while raising a child?
Matsuoka: When I started my maternity leave, there was only one other concierge who had taken maternity leave before me. That person returned to a different role after their leave, so there was no precedent for resuming work as a concierge. I felt uncertain, but when I realised I could return to my original role, I was overjoyed and excited because I love my work.
Yano: I was also anxious. The company evolves rapidly, so I worried about keeping up with the changes and whether I could balance work and childcare. However, once I returned, my family and colleagues supported me, and those initial concerns disappeared.
Matsuoka: I currently work three days a week as a concierge at the Omiya atelier. Like Yano, I am fortunate to have the full support of my colleagues.
Takahashi: The company provides support for both men and women returning from parental leave, adapting to each individual’s circumstances.
Matsuoka: That’s true. Having received so much support myself, I now feel it’s my turn to assist junior colleagues when they return from parental leave.
– Family cooperation is essential when returning to work. How has your family supported you?
Takahashi: My husband and I have always had different work schedules, which means we often miss each other at home. When our child was born, we decided to spend more time together as a family. My husband also took parental leave until our child was six months old. Since returning to work, our schedules often mean it’s just two of us at home—either my husband and the child or me and the child—but we try to align our days off to spend time as a family of three.
Yano: I requested weekends off and transitioned to a back-office role supporting ith. Recently, I started hosting online consultations during weekday mornings. It’s been rewarding to reconnect with customers and enjoy the job’s challenges. Although my husband’s long commute worries him, he encourages me to pursue my career. He also helps with housework, except cooking, so we share the responsibilities.
Matsuoka: In our household, whoever notices a chore takes care of it. For example, while I put our child to bed, my husband often handles the cleaning.
Takahashi: We don’t have strict rules either. My husband enjoys cooking and cleaning, so he willingly takes the initiative, which is a great help.
Rediscovering the Value of Connection and Time
– During your maternity leave, did you think about ith or your work?
Matsuoka: Although my colleagues handled customer enquiries on my behalf, I couldn’t help but check emails occasionally.
Takahashi: I avoided checking emails entirely because I knew it would be on my mind if I did (laughs).
Yano: I didn’t feel much anxiety during parental leave and focused on childcare.
– What strategies help you balance work and household responsibilities?
Matsuoka: I try to stay ahead by doing chores in advance. I finish laundry and cleaning at night and prepare meals for the next day before going to bed.
Takahashi: My approach is not to push myself too hard. It’s impossible to do everything perfectly, and trying to will only lead to burnout. I remind myself it’s okay to take easier options. I use the extra time to play with my child.
Yano: I also try not to take on everything myself. Learning to let go is important.
Matsuoka: Unlike the two of you, I have free time in the mornings on weekdays. I use that time for household chores, and whatever’s left, I spend making clothes for my daughter, which is a great stress reliever.
– After returning to work, how do you cherish the time you spend with your children?
Matsuoka: I focus on enjoying the time we have together and making an effort to talk a lot with my child.
Takahashi: To prioritise time with my child, I’ve stopped working at home. I also try to encourage my child to develop their own decision-making skills. For example, I’ll ask, “Would you like this or that?” so they can make the final choice.
Yano: I make it a point to express love when we’re together and always listen until they’re finished talking. It’s tempting to interrupt, but I try to let them complete their thoughts.
A Renewed Perspective on Work and Rings Through Parenthood
– What has been the best part of returning to work?
Matsuoka: Spending all day talking with a child means always communicating from their perspective. Returning to work made me realise how valuable it is to engage in adult conversations as equals.
Yano: Being welcomed back with open arms made me feel I had a place here too. Spending less time with my children has made me treasure our time together even more.
Takahashi: I’ve found a clearer distinction between family time and work time.
– Now that you have gone through the significant life experiences of pregnancy and childbirth, what does your wedding ring mean to you now?
Yano: To me, my wedding ring feels like a protective charm. Wearing it reminds me that I’m part of a family and not alone. It’s like having a growing collection of treasures.
Matsuoka: I feel similarly. In addition to my wedding ring, I wear a piece of jewellery I plan to give my daughter when she turns 20. She already wants it now (laughs), but I’m looking forward to the day I can pass it on to her.
Takahashi: I often think back to the time when we made our wedding rings. Before having a child, it was easy to respect each other’s preferences, but raising a family has highlighted our different priorities. When I look at my wedding ring, it reminds me to stay humble (laughs).
…To be continued in Part Two.
Photo (from left to right):
Ms. Takahashi [ith Founder]
Ms. Yano [Strategic Planning Office]
Ms. Matsuoka [Omiya Atelier]
Profiles
Ms. Takahashi
Since its establishment in 2014 at the Kichijoji Atelier, she has been actively involved in both customer service and ring creation. Currently, the founder still personally handles customer interactions at the atelier, leading ith at the forefront. The philosophy that "the wearer is the protagonist" has remained unchanged from the beginning, emphasizing a commitment to considering what can be done for customers.
Ms. Yano
Joined ith in September 2018. With a lifelong interest in the wedding industry and a passion for supporting people’s happiness, she transitioned from advertising sales in free magazines to ith. She began her career as a concierge at the Yokohama Motomachi Atelier, later serving as the chief of the Kichijoji Atelier, where she built a strong track record. After taking maternity leave in January 2021, she returned in April 2024 as a member of the Strategic Planning Office. Now, she balances work with raising her two children—a 3-year-old son and a 1-year-old daughter.
Ms. Matsuoka
Originally an ith customer, she fell in love with the brand’s philosophy, warm hospitality, and inviting atmosphere, leading her to order her own wedding ring. Inspired by the experience, she decided to pursue a career in crafting meaningful wedding rings alongside customers and joined ith in November 2018. Her hobby is hand-making clothing. She took maternity leave in July 2020 and, in October 2022, became the first concierge at ith to return to an atelier after maternity leave. Currently, she works three days a week at the atelier while raising her 4-year-old daughter.
