Blogs by Allison

They say the best way to make a change is by taking small steps. And we’ve been doing so since we made the announcement to close our Showroom come March 2025. The team and I have been making small adjustments and taking steps towards a new way of doing business.  My husband shared the analogy of steering a canoe: everyone paddling must stay in sync to move forward and make each turn effectively. If one person’s timing is off or communication falters, progress slows. Similarly, our team of eight needs to be aligned and prepared to navigate this major shift. As an entrepreneur, I’m used to making quick decisions. But with a team, it’s essential to take the time to communicate, plan, and adapt together. And for a team of 8, we need the time to adjust, grow and learn. I’m sharing this with you so you’ll know why we’re making these small yet significant changes as we enter the new year.  Adjusted Showroom Hours Starting in January, our Showroom days will shift to:Fridays: 11 AM - 5 PMSaturdays: 10 AM - 4 PMSundays - Thursdays: Closed This change gives our team more dedicated time to focus on the behind-the-scenes work that will support our business in its next phase—designing, patternmaking, production, photoshoots, marketing, and everything else that makes our brand what it is. These are the building blocks for sustaining and growing Allison Izu as we transition. End of Showroom Pick Ups Additionally, we’ll phase out In-store pick up at our Manoa Showroom by January 31, 2025. As part of our move to online-only operations, we’re planning to increase our manufacturing in California and keep the majority of the inventory in the mainland U.S. That means we’ll be making the transition to have orders shipped from a third-party logistics partner, who will handle storage, packing, and shipping. This shift is essential for scaling our business and providing a streamlined shopping experience in the future.  Why These Changes Matter So we’re taking the beginning of next year to learn, practice, improve, and refine the systems that will give you the best service possible. We understand that these changes may feel like an adjustment, but we hope you’ll see that our focus is on – long-term growth, sustainability, and continuing to deliver the thoughtful designs and service you’ve come to expect. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

It’s a strange thing—inspiration. I’ve realized it only comes when I can clear my mind of the clutter that usually takes over: the overthinking, the worry, the fear. When I’m in that frame of mind, there’s no room for creativity or inspiration to shine through. This journey, for me, is about learning to quiet my mind enough to be inspired—and then trusting myself to see it through. As I navigate this new chapter, letting go of parts of the business, old ways of doing things have all become a part of the path. It’s like a hot air balloon—shedding weight to soar higher. And I'm excited to see what this "extra" space and room for clarity will create. It's already opened doors to sourcing better fabrics and creating custom colors and prints—something I mentioned in my last journal entry. The Next Phase: Leveling Up The next phase is being built on a foundation and method that’s been brewing inside me for a long time. If you’ve been with me for a while, you might remember Live Your Letter—a series of body shapes (based on the letters of my name) designed to help women dress for their bodies. While it was helpful, it was also a bit complicated to communicate online, so we simplified it into our Fit Crystals, which became building blocks for creating a wardrobe tailored to your shape. Looking back, that was about 60% of the vision. It took trial and error, but now the pieces have finally come together into what we’re calling the IZU METHOD. This system is designed to help women build a successful, simplified wardrobe—making styling and getting ready in the morning easier than ever. The method is still in its infancy, but the pieces are falling into place. Those custom colors and prints I mentioned? They’re the foundation. One day, it hit me: a system of colors—my own Allison Izu rainbow—where every shade would mix and match effortlessly. No more guessing what works together. From there, we’re working to create a method of wardrobe pieces that match seamlessly. Depending on how dressed up or style type you like to follow, the IZU METHOD will be your guide to what pieces work best. And it'll show you how every outfit can be “leveled up.” Think of it like building a house. The foundation? That’s your perfect pair of pants—great-fitting and versatile. Once you have that, you can build any outfit you want. The rest is style: the “windows and walls” are your tops, and the finishing touches—like shoes, accessories, and third layers—make it your own. These are the details that transform a wardrobe into your personal style. So stay tuned! We’re excited to test out the IZU METHOD with you in the new year. Thank you for your continued support, for your purchases, and for sharing our brand with your friends. It’s because of you that we’re able to dream bigger and create better—for all of us.

One of my favorite books is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. In the story, Santiago embarks on a quest to find his purpose, and along the way, he discovers himself. For me, the power of the story lies not in the destination but in the journey. As I reflect on my own path, the decision to close our Mānoa Showroom feels like one chapter in a much larger book. It’s not the beginning and it’s not the end. It’s a pivotal moment—where there’s a horizon full of possibilities. Like Santiago, I’m learning to embrace the uncertainty, to stand in awe of what’s ahead, and to move forward with hope, even when the road feels dark. What’s truly incredible is that the moment I committed to closing the Showroom—after months of going back and forth—a new possibility revealed itself. Almost as if by magic, a new “method” of creating unfolded before me. One that felt deeper, fuller, and truer to my vision. The first spark? The idea of creating our own custom colors. The Journey So Far As a small brand based in Hawaiʻi, designing has always been a dance between creativity and resources. In the early days, I worked with what I had: leftover fabrics and prints aka “deadstock” from bigger brands. I turned those “lemons” into lemonade, making the best of what was available. As the business grew, so did our options. I began working with suppliers who offered a wide range of colors and fabrics, opening up new opportunities for the brand. This evolution brought a noticeable shift in the quality of our designs and the elevated feel of our colors and fabrics. But even then, something was missing. The colors and materials available were still limited and didn’t fully embody what I envision as Allison Izu. We’ve ventured out and created a few custom colors and prints and bit the bullet of higher costs. And as a business owner, I constantly balanced my creative dreams with the price point our customers expect. A New Horizon When I finally made the decision to close the Showroom, something shifted. It was as if a part of my brain unlocked, and suddenly I could see glimpses of the future of Allison Izu. Colors and prints no longer felt like constraints; they became opportunities. I envisioned designs that were 100% us—custom colors, unique prints, and premium-quality fabrics. One of my goals has always been to offer premium fabrics and designs at a more affordable cost. And while some people may still think our price point as “too expensive,” they often don’t realize the level of care that goes into each piece: the hours of design work, patternmaking, fittings on top of a higher quality fabric. These details all go into making our styles feel special when you wear them, even if they’re not immediately visible. And now, I’m focusing on our next horizon: Elevating the quality of our fabrics even further. Creating all of our own custom colors and prints. This vision is about more than just clothing. It’s about building a system of dressing and styling that simplifies your life while bringing you comfort and confidence. A Preview of What’s to Come Our upcoming Holiday Collection offers a small taste of this new direction. Every piece is a reflection of colors and prints that are 100% Allison Izu—deep, rich hues designed to mix and match seamlessly, paired with timeless, unique prints. It’s a window into what’s ahead: a wardrobe system that’s versatile, elevated, and truly one of a kind.  As we move toward this horizon, I want to thank you for being part of this journey. Your support has allowed me to dream bigger and create better. Together, we’re walking toward something new, something exciting. And I can’t wait to share it with you every step of the way. With gratitude,Allison

"It’s not goodbye—it’s “see you in a new way next year.” This is a big one for me — the announcement of the decade, really. After much reflection, I’ve made the decision to move on from retail. Our Mānoa Showroom will officially close in March 2025. But before I explain why, let me say this: Allison Izu is not going anywhere. Our “store” will live on, online, at allisonizu.com, where you can shop 24/7. While we’re saying goodbye to the Showroom, the heart of our brand will continue on. So, if you’re shopping for Christmas gifts for yourself or a loved one, we’ll be here at Mānoa Marketplace through March 2025. There’s still plenty of time to stop by, chat with our team, and experience our space before we close. And don’t worry about your gift cards—they’ll still be valid online after the Showroom closes. My incredible team will stay with me as we make this transition. I’m working hard to ensure they remain part of this next chapter. Their dedication and talent inspire me daily, and I feel so fortunate to have them by my side. Why am I closing the Showroom? The short answer is that it’s time. Time to embrace the next chapter of the business, the brand, and myself. Our lease at Mānoa Marketplace is ending, and while I’ve loved every moment of welcoming you into the Showroom, it feels like the right moment to pivot. This year has been full of change, spiritual growth, and unexpected clarity. It’s reminded me that life is a constant evolution and that I’m allowed to dream new dreams. It’s funny to think that as a young child, we always imagine who we’ll become as we grow up. But who says I have to stop dreaming and “growing up” just because I’m an adult? As I approach my 48th year around the sun, I feel there’s so much more I want to create, explore, and share with you. Closing the Showroom gives me—and my team—the space to dream bigger and build something new. This is not an ending but the beginning of an exciting new chapter. I don’t have all the answers yet, but I’m leaning into this change with joy, curiosity, and hope. And just like always, I’ll take you along for the journey, sharing updates, ideas, and moments of inspiration as they come. If this year has taught me anything, it’s to stop forcing things and let life flow. Call it God, the Universe, or whatever feels right to you, but I’m learning to trust in something bigger. It’s not always easy, but it’s freeing to live in alignment with my purpose. Here’s what I know for sure: I love this brand. Creating for you has been the most rewarding part of my journey. I love my team and you! They are the heart and soul of Allison Izu, and you are the reason why we exist.  I’m excited to grow, learn, and evolve with all of you as we navigate this next phase. What’s next? I’ll be sharing journal entries to keep you updated as I figure out this new chapter. And while the Mānoa Showroom is closing, this isn’t goodbye. We’ll find ways to connect again through pop-ups, events, and maybe even more face-to-face moments. If you’re on Oʻahu or planning a visit soon, I’d love for you to stop by before March. Let’s make this final Mānoa chapter a memorable one. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your love and support. This journey wouldn’t be the same without you, and I’m so excited to see where we go next—together. Here’s to new beginnings, not goodbyes. With gratitude and love,Allison

Black Friday . . . As a consumer, it’s a great time to find deals, save money, and kick off holiday shopping. But as a business owner, it means something entirely different. The term “Black” stems from the hope that this time of year can turn “red” or negative revenue into “black,” meaning positive revenue. The landscape of retail is so much more competitive these days, and consumers are constantly wooed for their attention (and money). For us, this season isn’t just about sales and deals (although we’re thrilled to offer exciting discounts and new styles for Black Friday!). It’s also a time of possibility. Black Friday gives us the momentum to set ambitious goals and start preparing for a successful 2025. The goals we set together as a team let us dream big and ask, “Can we expand our collection? Keep everyone’s favorite styles available all year? Add more colors and prints?” This time of year gives us the means to think about growth. And as a small, privately-owned business, we self-fund every new collection, style, and development. Each new style takes time and money, and white not all designs make it to production, they’re like little pieces of our dreams. The things I think up when I experience a mutual problem with you, whether it be a fit issue, or an (eek) “body issue” - my mind goes into problem-solving mode. And I want to make it right, connect with you and hopefully have an opportunity to fix it in some small way.  Having a successful Black Friday gives us the opportunity to bring to life the designs we’ve dreamed up, each one crafted to help you look and feel your best. Whether it’s your favorite pants that make you feel like a million bucks or the top that you always get compliments on - these are the pieces we’re dedicated to creating. This is what keeps us going, what keeps us inspired. We want to continue crafting designs, building connections, and spreading joy however we can. Thank you for shopping with us, for your support, and for being part of this journey. We appreciate all that you’ve done—and continue to do—for our brand and our team. -Allison

We believe in intentional design, in everything we do, starting with our Logo and Brand Name. When I first started my clothing line, I chose my name, Allison Izu, which was special to me because "Izu" is my middle name, given by my grandfather. He was a graphic artist who loved the beauty of the Izu peninsula in Japan, and it’s always been a part of my identity. In 2022, after shifting the brand’s focus to online and downsizing our physical space, I wanted a logo that would symbolize this new direction. I found a company that created a logo using the letters of my name. The design incorporated spiritual elements—shapes like the circle, triangle, and square—that align with Zen philosophy, representing the interconnectedness of all things. The Circle is for Unity, the Triangle for Ascension, and the Square is Solidarity. Earlier this year, I felt it was time for another change. I consulted a friend and intuitive guide, realizing the logo needed refinement. The original design's line in the middle felt divisive, so I reworked it into a stitch, symbolizing both the craft of clothing and the way we, as a brand, connect people and ideas. The last piece that was missing was the beginning of this story, the IZU, placed in the bottom right side of the logo, as a sort of Hanko or signature. The name is derived from the place, which is Izuru - meaning "spirit" and having a deeper connection to the hot springs that pop up around the Izu peninsula.  This new logo not only honors the past but also embodies our brand’s future intentions of unity, ascension, and solidarity. -Allison

"When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. And when life is bitter, say thank you and grow" - Shauna Niequist 16th birthdays are usually celebrated as a “coming of age” and that really resonated with me. As the team and I discussed what collection would come out and how we’d celebrate our 16th “Alliversary,” I realized it was an opportunity to step into a new outlook. The brand's “coming of age” is also happening as we grow, explore, and really hone in on our purpose and what the core of this business is supposed to be.  This year’s challenges and moments of growth have given me a fresh perspective on moving forward. I shared this visual with the team, and it really resonated with all of us. Instead of focusing on the daunting valley ahead, I’ve chosen to look up and recognize that I’m standing at the base of a new mountain. While the journey may seem intimidating, I’m grateful for how far I’ve come and equally excited for all that’s still to be discovered. I’m hopeful that these lessons have strengthened me to not only survive but thrive in the journeys ahead. "What you do is only ever as good as why you do it". Through all the growing pains, I’ve been reminded of the WHY behind my business. For a time, I lost sight of it, getting caught up in the WHAT and the HOW. But the WHY is my guiding force — my North Star — and it keeps me rooted in my intention: giving women the opportunity to feel good about themselves, to feel beautiful, powerful, relevant, and valuable. As I’ve aged, and especially after having kids, my body changed and continues to do so. I initially set out to design clothes that would ‘hide’ the areas I didn’t like. But as I evolved, I realized the purpose of clothing isn’t to mask or conceal. My purpose isn’t to change society’s viewpoint on women’s bodies. My purpose is to shift my own mindset, freeing myself from the limitations society imposes. That's what I want this brand to stand for: a guidepost for all of us. That we truly are perfectly, wonderfully, amazing AS WE ARE. That’s the reality I’m choosing to weave into the fabric of my brand.    That’s what clothing and confidence can do — help you see yourself clearly, to recognize your unique beauty. This is the WHY behind this business: to help us all, myself included, feel relevant in this world. To feel special enough to dress up, even if it’s just to go to market. To wear what you like because it feels good to you and not for anyone else. To know that we’re special and beautiful, and to live our lives for ourselves and our own joy. So as we celebrate our 16th anniversary, I'm also redefining my purpose - to heal through clothing. It's something I've been too timid to express, until now. By acknowledging my own wounds, I can channel my creativity and voice into healing. I openly embrace the healing that fashion and life's journey offers me, and I hope you will too. Because we all deserve to feel seen, heard, and valued in every aspect of our lives — to look in the mirror and see ourselves as beautiful AND amazing. -Allison 

It’s Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month and I was thinking about what it means to me . . . It takes me back to a moment when I was walking through the Japanese American Museum in Los Angeles and I read a quote that said, “We are our ancestors' wildest dreams” - I got chicken skin reading it. It was on a huge board of quotes and for some reason my eyes went straight to this one and it’s stayed with me ever since . . .  This month and that quote makes me think about my grandparents - did they have dreams and aspirations? And if they did, could I somehow help to fulfill the ones they didn’t achieve in my lifetime?  My grandpa was a fine artist and made his living as a graphic artist - back in the day when typography and logos were drawn by hand. My grandpa could write and draw anything. At our Christmas parties, we’d always play a game where he would draw famous logos (without the names) and we’d all have to guess the company. I remember how he could recreate any logo - Pepsi, Coke, Hawaiian Airlines, anything. My sister and I would sit for hours trying to re-create and copy what grandpa did. While my sister went on to become an art teacher and artist herself, I wasn’t as gifted with pen and paper. I didn't find my creative passion until later when I decided to go to school for fashion design. I was fortunate enough to have shared this part of my life with my grandpa before he passed away. There were some crossing over points in our lives that brought us closer in the last chapters of his life. I went to design school in New York City and I think this made him very proud as he also went to NYC to go to design school.  He never got to experience or know the brand that I eventually created - Allison Izu. But he was around when I started and was dabbling with vintage obi belts, kimono fabric, and muumuus. He saw one of my designs where I put a Tsuru (crane in Japanese) on the back of a tank top. It must’ve stirred something within him. Soon after, he handed me a few papers of his art. It had sketches of clothing designs with kanji and drawings of his art.  I still have these papers, it’s a direct connection to the impact he’s had on my life. It was like a personal letter that he wrote just to me, for only me, filled with love. This memory still brings tears to my eyes. I’m literally bawling as I’m typing this. And whenever I feel like I want to give up or I can't find it within me to muster up the strength - I pull these papers out to remind myself that his spirit is always with me.  The groundwork that our ancestors laid down for us is important to remember. Not because we need to give up our lives to live theirs, but because we should honor the struggles and sacrifices they went through to give us the opportunities we have today. I realize that it’s a way of connecting his legacy of graphic art to my passion for fashion design. Those drawings, my memories with him - I keep close to my heart. Keeping his creative spirit alive through me. As we celebrate AAPI month, I honor my grandparents on both sides of my family, for their strength, for their resiliency and for their bravery to live their lives. I can only hope to fulfill their wildest dreams . . . -Allison

This year's theme for International Womens month is INSPIRE INCLUSION - “When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment.” And we totally agree . . . (​​https://www.internationalwomensday.com/) When I think about why these “honorary months” are created - it makes me so grateful for the women who’ve paved the way. I think there’s a lot that can be said about women’s rights, the inequality we faced and still face today. The fact that we have a month dedicated to celebrating our accomplishments is a sign that we aren’t celebrated enough in our day to day.  So as we head into March, I hope we celebrate our achievements, raise awareness about ALL discrimination, and create the inclusion humanity needs. I’d like to use this month as a reminder to celebrate our accomplishments every time they happen. Not just once a year.  At Allison Izu, we’re fortunate to be supported by a team of all women. It’s not that a man could never work here, but as we build our team, we focus on candidates who want to champion this brand and already live out our 4 pillars in their own lives.  And as a mom, business owner, and designer, I feel a responsibility to create a different norm for women. I want to design for people who’ve felt outside, felt unseen, and under-celebrated. To create a space where we feel supported and so we can go out in the world and empower someone else. Because I truly believe when we feel good, we do good. So let’s use March as the launching point to celebrate women and celebrate you! I’d love to hear your stories and accomplishments and hope you’ll share them with us. Send us an email or DM us on IG with your stories (and photos) so we can share them with our community. That’s how we want to celebrate and live out our 4 pillars - to empower, to connect, to accept and to live vibrantly. That’s what I want for myself, for you and for my children.  HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S MONTH - Let’s get into the habit of celebrating women (and ourselves) everyday! -Allison  Share your stories! Choose a question below and send us your story. PS: We’d love a photo of you in your favorite Allison Izu outfit so we can feature it on our social media.  QUESTIONS: Have you ever been the victim of discrimination for being a woman, or the “other” Share an accomplishment of your life. It can be personal, professional or emotional. Do you have a story of inclusion - where someone extended inclusion to you or you to someone else? What is one piece of advice you would pass onto another woman in your field to support her or encourage her? Share a story of feeling unseen or unheard in your life.