IGN: DominoEffectzz

Preferred Name: Luci / Miu

Discord: satan_miu

Age (optional): 20+

OOC:

Why do you want a business on Echoes: 1984?:

As a whole, I want to start some sort of group where people could be performers and of the such nature. They could be in music genres, from idols to singers to dancers to making just sound tracks, performers as a whole. I wanna be able to make it happen. You might be asking why is it so important to have a roleplay server. It brings more opportunities for people to place their own characters. They wanted to play but never had the resources to do or had the means of starting on their own, due to fear of it being a flop or just in general rather than joining over making it.

This can open the flood gates. Different role players come together. This can be singers to people who prefer to perform, dances on stage actively while doing said performance. As a person that in general wanted such things to happen , I feel like it would be a great way for people to come together and I like to see that come togetherness and working together in such ways. 

Business Discord: Biggest WIP [https://discord.gg/KaR2Q2fHj9]

What will your business sell and/or do?

The business will sell music relating to things which includes instruments and other things like radios and microphones.

Though that's not the main focus there's going to be a small magazine of clothing for seasons or trends along having chances for singers/dancer/performers who wishes to be assisted by a manager or producer [Me ATM]

Provide the lore of your character, and how they came to open a business. Please attempt to limit yourself to more-or-less 1,500 words (maximum 2,500):

Ikuko was born in Kyoto, Japan, into a family with deep ties to traditional arts and culture within Japan and China. Her mother, a retired Geisha and her father, a calligrapher, ensured that Ikuko’s upbringing was steeped in discipline. From the moment she could walk, her path was clear.. She was groomed to become a Geisha-Geji.

Her childhood was full of training. She began studying traditional Japanese dance, singing, and tea ceremony. The okiya (Geisha house) where she trained became her second home over the years. Ikuko was a quick learner, but  the pressure to meet perfection was immense, and she often struggled with self-doubt.

Despite her structured life, Ikuko found an enjoyment in nature. She would often steal moments to wander the serene gardens of the okiya or visit the local Shinto shrine. These early experiences with Shintoism. She loved the camaraderie with the other Geisha apprentices and found comfort in their shared experiences. On rare days off, they would gather in the garden, exchanging stories and laughter. 

She performed at events, her poise and elegance captivating audiences. Yet, behind the painted smile and ornate hairpins, Ikuko grappled with the weight of expectations… feeling a deep fear of letting her family down.

When Ikuko was 17, during a private performance for a visiting foreign person, she overheard conversations. They talked about different cultures and freedoms, igniting a curiosity she could not ignore. She began to secretly study English, hoping to one day explore life outside the confines of where she was currently stuck in.. She wanted to eventually speak to someone in English and be free from the culture she was stuck to stay in no matter what.

At the age of 20, Ikuko made a surprising decision. She always had the feeling of the need for a deeper spiritual connection and a break from the relentless demands of Geisha life, she became a maiden at a Shinto shrine, it was close yet far from her own home which she found was refreshing. Although everything felt the same relatively, she felt free from her family putting pressure on her due to her being the next in line to ‘take over’ the family affairs as a whole.

As a shrine maiden, Ikuko learned the art of kagura and deepened her understanding of Shinto beliefs. She found joy in guiding worshippers and maintaining the shrine.. It was peaceful and better than training everyday to make sure she was perfecting everything she did, yet it was always helpful for her secondhand while making tea for guests, dancing the sacred dance to the Kamis.. She knew that dancing and the arts was important to people, she always had but thought it was the best idea to use it for other ideals, to be 'selfish for one'

By the time Ikuko turned 33, she felt a deep pull to start anew. The memories of the foreign person's stories about distant lands lingered in her mind, and she yearned to experience a world beyond Japan's borders. Encouraged by her aging parents, who understood her longing for change, and bolstered by her carefully saved funds, Ikuko made the bold decision to move to America, the land of new beginnings, where one could rewrite their story on a fresh page or embark on an entirely new career.

Adjusting to her new life was proved challenging. Though Ikuko had learned English, her knowledge leaned toward the formal, polished speech she had studied. Conversing with locals in everyday contexts was an entirely different experience. Her clear accent set her apart, often marking her as "other," and there were moments when she felt isolated by cultural differences due to the slang that was used amongst citizens. Despite these barriers, Ikuko remained firm. She committed herself to mastering fluent, conversational English, embracing every misstep and awkward interaction as a stepping stone to her goal, to at least be able to have someone fully understand her in any context.

Ikuko's background in dance and music became her lifeline. She began performing at cultural events, sharing traditional Japanese arts with audiences curious about her heritage. Her passion for connecting with others through art resonated, and she soon found herself teaching classes in towns and cities, traveling by bus to reach communities eager to learn. Whether it was traditional dance, musical instruments, or the cultural context behind each performance, Ikuko's dedication shone through. Her efforts were met with enthusiasm, as students were inspired by her authenticity and her willingness to share not just her knowledge but her heart.

At the age of 34, Ikuko took a leap of faith and founded Luminara, an arts and talent agency dedicated to nurturing performers across disciplines like singing, dancing, and other expressive arts. She chose the name "Luminara" to reflect her vision: a beacon of light illuminating the beauty of diverse talents and bringing them to the forefront. She wanted to foster a space where individuality was celebrated, artistry was honored, and performers could grow without the crushing pressure of societal expectations. Ikuko was determined to create a sanctuary where others would feel a sense of belonging and purpose.  From group rehearsals to one-on-one mentoring, Ikuko connected with each performer, offering guidance and encouragement tailored to their unique needs.

Seeing the potential for growth in smaller communities, Ikuko chose to base Luminara in East Falls... Staring from step one, again.

What would you do if someone came into your place of business and began to cause trouble OOC?

If someone came to my business to only cause trouble I would give them a light warning as I don't want people to be feeling uncomfortable in any situation or have any type of hate for other players because of how they act. In this case if they don't listen to my warning I will go to up to staff about it and be like "Hey this is happening and they won't stop even when I told them to", Afterwards I will let staff deal with that as a whole because it's not my place to make any further decisions because I'm not staff member, the most I can do is warn them a little bit and be like this is not okay.

What would you do if someone came into your place of business and began to cause trouble IC?

If someone went and caused trouble in character, my character will give them a warning though. This will give them only three times to fix their behavior. I would have to kick them out of the business as my character would not tolerate such behavior mostly because she wants her workers along with customers to be very comfortable in their headspace.

How would your business greet and provide service to customers (e.g. “Hello! What will you be getting today? *The man began to click into the register, getting ready to serve the customer.*)?:

"Welcome to Luminara!" Ikuko greeted with a warm smile, her hands lightly resting on the counter. A soft melody played in the background, "How can we assist you today? Are you here for a class, browsing our selection of instruments, or perhaps looking for a new microphone or radio?"

She gestured gracefully toward the display area, where neatly arranged shelves showcased traditional and modern instruments, alongside vintage-style radios and sleek microphones. Each item was carefully labeled, with handwritten notes.

"If this is your first time here, please take your time to explore! Whether you're looking to begin your journey in music or add a new piece to your collection, I’d be happy to help you find the perfect fit." Her tone was gentle but enthusiastic.

Ikuko stepped from behind the counter to guide the customer. "For instruments, we have a range of traditional and contemporary options. And if you’d like, I can recommend accessories or share tips on caring for your new purchase. If you’re interested in one of our classes or events, I can walk you through those, too."