In Part 1, we explored the thoughts and work environments of Ms. Takahashi, Ms. Yano, and Ms. Matsuoka as they navigated their journeys back to work after maternity and parental leave. In this second part, we delve into how their approaches to work and values have shifted while balancing work, childcare, and household responsibilities. Additionally, they share their dreams for the future and offer advice for colleagues preparing to take maternity or parental leave.
How Balancing Parenthood Has Changed Their Approach to Work
– What does work mean to you?
Ms. Takahashi (Takahashi): In the past, my time and focus were overwhelmingly dedicated to work. These days, with a young child, I’ve come to value my time with family just as much. I’m striving to create a balance between work and family on a weekly and daily basis, finding what feels right for me. I want my family to support my efforts at work and my colleagues to understand that I have important priorities outside of work. My identity now rests on both my professional and personal life—a perspective shaped by my experience of childbirth and raising a child.
Ms. Matsuoka (Matsuoka): Right now, my child comes first, but I still want to work and show my child what it means to have a fulfilling career.
Ms. Yano (Yano): I see work as something that enriches my life. It brings new discoveries and experiences that I couldn’t have on my own. My family motivates me to give my best at work, and I love the version of myself that is striving in both areas.
Takahashi: When I was younger, I could stay at the atelier for days, pulling all-nighters to complete my work. But now, physically and mentally, that’s no longer feasible. With limited time to work, I focus on what only I can do as the representative of ith. That’s my ideal way of working right now.
– Has your approach to work changed since returning to the workplace?
Matsuoka: I’ve tried to maintain the same motivation as before my leave, but with limited working hours, I’ve become more meticulous about planning and prioritization. Also, I find myself less rattled by minor challenges, possibly thanks to my experiences as a parent!
Takahashi: Before becoming a parent, my life revolved around work, which didn’t bother me. Now, I’ve learned to clearly differentiate between tasks I need to handle personally and those I can delegate. This ability to concentrate on my core responsibilities is a significant change for me.
Yano: With limited time, I’m always thinking about how to organise and maximize my productivity.
Takahashi: My feelings towards our newer concierges have also changed. Watching them grow and take on challenges reminds me of the effort required to nurture a small child. I find myself admiring their determination to learn and embody the ethos of ith.
Continuing Careers to Make Their Families Proud
-Do you have any dreams that you would like to achieve in the future?
Takahashi: Professionally, I dream of seeing the children of our clients return to ith to create their own rings or even express a desire to work with us. I also hope to grow ith’s reputation to the point where our team and clients feel even more confident in our brand.
Matsuoka: As a concierge, I want as many clients as possible to feel happy about their rings. On a personal level, I’d like my daughter to see me working. I also dream of making clothes that people genuinely want, though I’ve yet to muster the courage to take that first step.
Yano: I want to continue excelling at work while showing others how to balance work and parenting. ith has few staff members who’ve taken maternity or parental leave, so I’d love to be an example for others. Personally, one of my dreams is to create silver anniversary rings with ith someday!
Expanding Career Possibilities Through Personal Strengths
– What advice would you give to colleagues planning for maternity or parental leave?
Takahashi: Returning to work isn’t something you can achieve alone. It’s a collective effort involving your spouse’s work style, your child’s temperament, daycare arrangements, and support networks. It’s important to acknowledge this complexity early on.
Matsuoka: For those planning to return to the atelier as concierge, don’t worry—everyone will support you. Come back without hesitation!
Yano: In my case, HR and management were incredibly accommodating and worked with me to determine my post-return schedule. While it’s natural to feel anxious, the company is committed to ensuring there’s a place for you when you return.
Takahashi: ith is still a small company with few precedents, but that allows for flexibility. If you have a specific vision for your return, don’t hold back—make it known.
Yano: Ultimately, it comes down to your mindset.
Takahashi: Exactly. Also, having multiple strengths can expand your options when returning to work. For example, Ms. Yano’s prior experience in administration allowed her to consider roles beyond a concierge, such as back-office work. By honing your skills now, you’ll open up possibilities for the future.
Photo (from left to right):
Ms. Yano [Strategic Planning Office]
Ms. Matsuoka [Omiya Atelier]
Ms. Takahashi [ith Founder]
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.
