My Story

Life coaching is rooted in a deeply personal chapter of my life—one filled with fear, uncertainty, and ultimately, hope.

In 2001, just three months after welcoming our second child, my husband, Bill, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, facing a 50% chance of survival. As if this wasn’t enough, I learned that my father, who was battling cancer in silence to spare me during my pregnancy, had only a few months left to live. The weight of potentially losing the two most important men in my life was overwhelming.

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In the depths of despair, I found an unexpected source of strength. Our nearly 3-year-old son, sensing my anguish, offered comfort with a simple, heartfelt gesture: "It's OK, Mommy; it's OK." His empathy reminded me that I had to fight for my family. Searching for hope, I turned to the traditions of my Japanese upbringing, green tea.

Encouraging Bill to drink 10 cups of freshly brewed green tea daily became our starting point, but its bitterness proved challenging. Determined to find a better way, we discovered the potential of Organic Sencha Green Tea Powder. This innovation allowed Bill to consume the entire tea leaf in powdered form, maximizing its antioxidant benefits without the bitterness. This simple yet profound change marked a turning point—not just in Bill's recovery but also in our lives.

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Over time, as Bill embraced Sencha powder, his health improved dramatically. Today, he has been cancer-free for over 19 years. Our journey with green tea became the foundation of Yu Tea, driven by my passion for sharing the transformative power of tea with others. Along the way, our products have even contributed to groundbreaking cancer research, including a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, highlighting green tea's remarkable potential in health and wellness.

A Journey from Fear to Positivity

Bill’s recovery, and the possibility it brought to our family, taught me the importance of taking control of one’s health. Once, we feared Bill wouldn’t see our newborn’s first steps, but two decades later, he proudly walked her down the aisle.

The journey had its ups and downs, with many episodes of uncertainty, fear, and anxiety while scaling the business and growing our family. I experienced struggles, burnout, fears, and anxiety, which kept me from fully enjoying life. These experiences deepened my resolve to support others in their journeys to wellness and inspired me to pursue certifications as a Life and Wellness Coach and Tea Master.