"Secrets of Shining Women" is a series that explores the radiance of women who excel in a variety of fields. For the second half of this 14th installment, we spoke with Kanako, the illustrator of "MY LITTLE PARIS."

--In the room of Fanny Peshoda (founder of MY LITTLE PARIS), there was an illustration of the scene where you first met Kanako. Please tell us about that time.

It was an illustration I gave to Fanny for her birthday. I came to Paris in 2005 and was living off work from Japan. I was invited to exhibit at an art event, and by chance, Amandine, the president's sister, happened to be there with a friend. A year later, she called me out of the blue and said, "I'd like to come to the cafe with my sister so that she can show me some of my paintings." At the time, I had no idea what they were talking about, but I thought I'd give it a try.

That's when they told me about their new business venture. At first, they said, "We can't give you any money, but if it goes well, we can pay you." My friends told me not to go, because I might get scammed, but I was just about to return home, so I decided to participate as a way to create some last memories in Paris.

I later heard that Amandine, who Fanny had asked to find an illustrator, happened to have a postcard of mine with her and remembered me. Looking back, it feels like a fairy tale that the job that completely changed my life started like this.

--Did you think this business would be successful?

I still sometimes ask Fanny, "Did you think it would turn out like this?" and it seems like she never expected it to get this far either. I was so engrossed that I got to this point. In fact, I worked nonstop for the first year, and I think that was the most fun I've ever had. Maybe my brain convinced me, "If I'm having so much fun without getting paid, then I must be having so much fun." I barely knew any French.

--At first, there were only three of us.

Back then, we would meet once a week over pizza at Fanny's apartment. This is our third office, and it's only since I arrived here that I've finally realized the environment I envisioned. It's rare to find such a great environment, even in France. I'm even allowed to draw on the walls, which makes me happy as an illustrator.

--Has anything changed since the company's founding?

Even as the business has expanded, not only has the outward appearance, like the atmosphere on our website, remained the same, as have the relationships within the company. The warm, homey atmosphere of the time remains. I think it's all thanks to Fanny's personality and abilities.

I've had my share of ups and downs with busy work schedules and wonderful job offers from other companies, but I'm glad I did it. I don't think I would have lasted this long anywhere else. I've never truly gotten tired of it.

Fanny and my teammates have always protected and produced me as a creator. I think it's amazing that we've been able to build such a strong relationship of trust. Fanny and I are completely different types of people, but I feel that they truly care about me.

For example, there was once talk of hiring a few illustrators to form a team, but I absolutely refused and opposed the idea. Then, I suddenly got busy and was feeling overwhelmed and worried, when they told me, "We all decided that Kanako would be the sole illustrator, so you don't have to shoulder everything alone. If you're having a hard time, just let me know." I remember feeling so relieved and happy when they told me. They also once sent a cleaner to help me when I was too busy to even clean my house.

--So many people go abroad, but what's the reason you've stayed in Paris?

There's only one reason: luck!

--Was there something that attracted luck to you?

I'm not good at giving up. I think there are people who give up and go home, thinking, "I'm not cut out for this" or "This isn't going to work," but I'm the opposite.

I also have a kind of wild instinct. For example, when I met Fanny, no matter how much other people opposed her, I always knew somewhere that "people would follow her" and "she was a trustworthy person." When we met at a cafe, she was dressed smartly, like a businesswoman, and she had brought her resume with her. "This is who I am, and this is what I want to do," she told me, and I felt her spirit and sincerity. I've met many people since then, but I don't think I've ever met anyone as sincere as her.

--What's the difference between Japan and Paris?

In Paris, even after leaving a company, I realize that the position of illustrator is respected in society just like any other profession. The city is overflowing with creativity, and life is full of inspiration. While waiting for a friend, or random scenes, naturally fill my head, and these lead to my illustrations.

--Will you continue to live in Paris?

Yes. I can't imagine leaving here. I've had experiences beyond my wildest dreams. Plus, even though I've been in Paris for nine years, there's still a lot I don't understand about the French. Until I understand that, I can't decide what to do next.

【Kanako Profile】
After studying at Tama Art University, she worked as an illustrator. She moved to France in 2005. In 2008, she met sisters Fanny and Amandine Pechoda, and after hitting it off, the three of them started MY LITTLE PARIS. Since then, she has been responsible for all of the illustrations. She is known as one of Paris's most popular illustrators, and in August 2013, her illustrations were exhibited in approximately 1,000 locations around Paris as part of "LES PARISIENS," a joint project with the city of Paris. A video has been posted on YouTube in which she talks about her upbringing along with her own illustrations.