Career summary

Since graduating from Bachelor of Arts, Monash University in 2013 with majors in Political Science, Human Rights, and History, Rieko has demonstrated impressive entrepreneurial success. She is the founder of ISSHONI, which provides support to enterprise brands in Japan, and founder of Mindox, where she fulfils the role of life coach and resident therapist for her clients looking to heal from past experiences. In 2017, Rieko also served as part of the team that launched e-commerce platform, Shopify, in Japan.

During her time at Monash, Rieko explored her passion for causes involving education, human rights, and social services, through her extensive engagement in internship and international scholarship opportunities. Additionally, her interest in helping others lent her to be an exceptional mentor to Monash students in the alumni mentoring program.

More recently, Rieko spoke as part of a panel in the Digital Marketing World Forum, providing an opportunity for businesses to learn how to grow an e-commerce business internationally.

Career pathway

2020 – Present Founder & CEO, ISSHONI, Japan
2020 – Market Entry Advisor, Japanesis, Japan
2020 – Mentor, Monash University Arts Alumni
2019 – Head of Growth, The Dream Collection, Japan
2017 – Business Development Manager, Shopify, Japan
2016 – Market Consultant, Expedia, Australia
2015 – Market Consultant, Expedia, Japan
2014 – Partner, Uniqlo, Australia
2013 – Founder & Coach, Mindox, Japan
2013 – Community Development, RISE Refugee
2012 – Learning Support Program Tutor, Whittlesea Communications
2012 – Contributor, Settlement Youth Empowerment
2012 – Contributor, Play with a Purpose
2011 – Bachelor of Arts, Monash University
2007 – Contributor, Vietnam Support Program

Why did you decide to study a Bachelor of Arts at Monash?

I was looking to study a specific major when choosing universities. I considered a few other Universities, but they only offered studies in that particular area as a minor. I was looking at other alternatives and found Monash offered exactly what I wanted to study. I was born and raised in Japan and left at 18 to do Foundation Studies at a university in Australia, then studied the Bachelor of Arts at Monash.

What were some of your favourite Monash experiences?

I had the opportunity to go on a study tour to South Africa, Rwanda, Israel, and Palestine. The study tour especially to Rwanda changed my perspective on many levels. The academics and other speakers gave very valuable insights into social issues and the impact they draw on a day to day, which gave me an opportunity to think inwards about what I can do to contribute to others.

In 2020, I joined the Monash Arts Alumni mentoring program. I mentored a Monash graduate – she was working in the eCommerce business and interested in people’s well-being. I was happy to give her advice on how to integrate her interests and provide insights as to what was blocking her from moving towards her passion.

What impact have internships had on your career path?

I stayed in Australia for about 10 years, during which I worked at a few Non-Government Organisations (NGOs). Refugee issues became close to my heart, especially after my study trip to Rwanda where I learnt about the genocide.

I saw the effects of history, and also what human beings are capable of creating. The power of forgiveness and that could ultimately lead to well being of self.

I founded Mindox in 2013 and through that venture, began working as a coach to continue to grow my interest in wellbeing.

How have the opportunities you experienced translated into the workplace?

In 2020 I founded my e-commerce consultancy company ISSHONI LLC, in which I primarily focus on engaging and assisting enterprise, e-commerce retailers, and providing strategic advice on entering the Japan market. I also take pro-bono projects to help entrepreneurs who may not have enough capital to otherwise hire outside help. Having both Mindox (coaching business) and ISSHONI LLC (eCommerce business) allows me to engage with my wanting to support others, as well as using the other side of my brain to think strategies and numbers - which gives me the perfect balance.

How have the skills you learnt during your degree prepared you for your career?

Monash definitely trained me well, both from an academic and personal growth standpoint.

From an academic point of view, research and writing skills and critical and logical thinking - those things are not taught in Japan so it was definitely challenging at first - but I'm beyond glad to have acquired those skills during my time at Monash University.

From a personal growth standpoint - not being able to speak (nor read or write) English as fluently as a native speaker when I entered University, and usually being the only international student in the room at tutorial classes - it was nothing but tears for the first year. But what I've learned is to be resilient, embrace discomfort, be kind, and never forget to see the light.

All the things I've learnt are definitely a part of my career progression and always will be.

Written by Arts intern, Enya Martin, 2022