What if happiness isn't something we achieve but something we learn to notice? This profound insight lies at the heart of Madoka's remarkable journey from Kyoto, Japan to becoming a Japanese food cooking coach in Kent, England.

At 28, despite having all the external markers of success, Madoka felt suffocated by Japan's social expectations and yearned for the freedom to truly be herself. Her search led her to New Zealand where a chance meeting with an Englishman in a youth hostel would change the course of her life. Nineteen years later, she reflects on how this path brought her to create Petite Roll – a business named after her parents' bakery that offers Japanese cooking lessons both in-person and online.

But this conversation goes far beyond cooking. Madoka opens up about her struggle to find happiness despite building a successful business. Overwhelmed by juggling multiple commitments – working at a supermarket, running her business, studying for exams, maintaining a garden, and raising two daughters – she reached a breaking point where she realized something had to change.

Her breakthrough came through discovering human design and learning she was a "reflector" – someone who mirrors others' energy rather than generating their own. This revelation explained why she'd spent years feeling inadequate when comparing herself to her monk-like, perpetually kind mother. "I almost didn't like myself," she confesses, before describing the freedom that came with understanding her true nature.

Perhaps most moving is Madoka's reflection on surviving breast cancer ten years ago. Through journaling, she recently confronted her mastectomy scar – which she had somehow managed not to truly see for years – and recognized it as part of the second chance she'd been given.

Today, Madoka finds joy in simple practices: solitary walks in the woodland (notably not the beach), journaling, and exercise. She sees her cooking lessons as offering others "a piece of happiness" through food – a universal connector that builds community. Her wisdom reminds us that true happiness often lies not in what we achieve but in developing "the eye to see" the beauty already surrounding us.

Jenny Williams

Consultant for Calm- Helping You Find Calm in the Chaos

Founder of The Calm Collective & The Calm Connected.Host of the Unlock Your Happiness Series Podcast. Based in Kent, London & the South East, bringing women together through meaningful conversations and soulful networking. Mum, Wife & Freelancer: I’m navigating the chaos just like you, while learning to embrace the calm along the way.

Let’s connect, collaborate & create more space for YOU.

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Sending Love & Stay Happy x