(Photo courtesy of Shop Oki Local Directory)
In the heart of Okinawa’s military community, a unique initiative has taken root, bringing SOFA, base-approved small businesses together in a way that has never been done before. The Shop Oki Local Directory (SOLD), led by Crystal Zinn, serves as both a resource for the community and a support network for business owners facing the challenges of operating on this island. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Crystal to learn more about her journey in creating this vital directory and the impact it’s having on the local business landscape.
From Idea to Reality: The Birth of SOLD
When I asked Crystal about the inspiration behind SOLD, she shared the personal experiences that sparked the idea. “Running a SOFA, base-approved business in Okinawa is really challenging,” she explained. “Our small businesses face unique problems with shipping products and goods to Okinawa, marketing to the military community, and running a business while abiding by military rules and regulations.”
Crystal’s own journey began in the spring of 2023 when she was searching for a small business to create gifts for her clients. Frustrated by the difficulty of finding and connecting with local businesses, she realized there was a gap that needed to be filled. “I wanted to create a single stop where the military community could easily discover and connect with small businesses that would help them solve their problems,” she said. Thus, the idea for the Shop Oki Local Directory was born—a platform that would not only make businesses more accessible but also feature those who were base-approved and active in the community.
Community-Driven Success: The Response from Local Businesses
As Crystal shared with me, the success of SOLD didn’t happen overnight. Before the community could embrace the directory, Crystal had to engage the small businesses themselves. “The directory was just an idea at that point, without any adopters,” she recalled. Determined to bring her vision to life, Crystal began reaching out to local businesses, inviting them to meet for coffee and inviting them into the directory.
One of her first meetings was with Tiffany Brady from Crea-Tiff Designs in May 2023. Tiffany loved the idea and enthusiastically connected Crystal with many other businesses in Okinawa, kickstarting the entire project. With the help of these businesses, Crystal officially launched the Shop Oki Local Directory to the community on September 8, 2023.
(Photo courtesy of Shop Oki Local Directory)
Mission-Centric Growth: SOLD’s Vision for the Future
As we talked about the mission and vision of SOLD, it was clear that Crystal’s focus is on empowering the small business community in Okinawa. “At SOLD, our mission is to empower SOFA-approved small businesses within the Okinawa military community by providing a platform for networking and collaboration,” she explained. “We foster creativity and mutual support, enabling our members to discover new opportunities and overcome shared challenges together.”
Crystal envisions SOLD growing into a vital resource that not only supports its members but also builds strong relationships within the wider community. “I’d love to see SOLD grow to 100 members by its second year, although that’s an ambitious goal,” she shared. “We’re currently at 30 members, and as we grow, we’re implementing systems to maintain professionalism, communication, and transparency.”
Navigating the Journey: Challenges and How They Were Overcome
No journey is without its challenges, and Crystal was candid about the obstacles she’s faced along the way. “Maintaining the directory has been relatively smooth, thanks to the system we put in place from the start,” she noted. SOLD sends out a monthly “listing verification” email to ensure that all businesses in the directory are still active and operating in Okinawa. This helps keep the directory up to date and reliable for users.
One of the most exciting developments Crystal shared with me was the collaboration between SOLD members and the Kadena Main Store Exchange. “This partnership has opened new doors for our members and exemplifies the power of community and collaboration,” she said. It’s clear that SOLD is more than just a directory; it’s a platform that fosters real growth and opportunity for its members.
Building Community Trust: Engaging the Local Audience
Engaging with the local community is a priority for SOLD, and much of this engagement comes from networking and building relationships. “We’ve spent a tremendous amount of time building relationships
within the community,” Crystal told me.
Fostering Collaboration: How SOLD Supports SOFA-Based Enterprises
SOLD isn’t just a directory; it’s a chamber of commerce-like organization for SOFA-based businesses, offering networking opportunities and a platform for sharing experiences. Crystal shared an example of how SOLD members support each other: “At a recent meeting, one member offered to guide others to a local packaging store to learn about packaging options available in Japan. This spirit of collaboration has really helped foster an ‘everyone wins’ attitude within our organization.”
To join SOLD, businesses must be SOFA-approved, base-approved, and operate in Okinawa. There’s no fee to join, but members are expected to actively participate in the organization, contributing two volunteer hours per month. “This can include creating opportunities for other members or collaborating on projects,” Crystal explained. The onboarding process ensures that all members are aligned with the organization’s goals and standards.
(Photo courtesy of Shop Oki Local Directory)
Personal Insights and Reflections
As our conversation came to a close, I asked Crystal what she found most rewarding about running SOLD. “First and foremost, the people,” she answered without hesitation. “I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of the most amazing business owners who approach the unique challenges of our market with tenacity and professionalism. What started as a directory to solve a problem has grown into a community of small businesses passionate about supporting each other’s success.”
For those looking to start a similar initiative, Crystal had some valuable advice: “Stay tenacious and committed, even when the journey is difficult. Building something new from the ground up is never easy, but the sacrifices you make now will benefit the community in the long run. Remember that the loudest voices may not always represent the views of the entire group, so seek out and listen to the quieter perspectives as well.”
On the Horizon: Exciting Plans for the Future
With the one-year anniversary of SOLD approaching, Crystal and her team are excited about the future. While there haven’t been any official plans made for the anniversary celebration due to the busy fall season, there’s no shortage of ongoing collaborations and opportunities for members.
“Our members are participating in gift corners across Okinawa, which have recently reopened after the summer,” Crystal shared. “If you want to discover a variety of products offered by our members, be sure to visit the Kadena Gift Corner, Fleet Gift Shop, or Marine Gift Corner.”
Additionally, the fall vendor season is upon us, with numerous events hosted by Kadena FSS, School PTOs, and other on-base organizations where SOLD members will be showcasing their products.
Some upcoming events include:
September 27th/28th: Oktoberfest hosted by Kadena FSS
September 28th: Esports Market Day hosted by Schillings
October 5th: Crows Nest Vendor Event
October 12th: Craftchella hosted by Kadena Arts and Crafts
October 25th: Friday Night Market Day hosted by Kadena FSS
Stay tuned to SOLD’s social media channels for more updates and exciting announcements as this dynamic organization continues to grow and thrive.
Directory and Contact Information
For more information, visit the Shop Oki Local Directory’s website: www.shopokilocal.com. Save time, discover something new, and support the Okinawa, SOFA, base-approved small business community. You can follow SOLD on Instagram at www.instagram.com/shopokilocal
About Crystal Zinn
Crystal Zinn is the founder and president of the Shop Oki Local Directory. She has a deep passion for building connections and empowering small businesses within the Okinawa military community. With a background in both business and service, Crystal leads SOLD with a collaborative spirit, helping SOFA-approved businesses thrive through networking, mutual support, and shared resources. Outside of her work with SOLD, Crystal is also a professional photographer. You can follow her photography work on Instagram at www.instagram.com/crystalzinnphotography
About the Blogger: Venerando Cortez is an avid blogger who owns multiple online businesses. He specializes in helping businesses leverage AI to get more customers. Based in Okinawa, Venerando enjoys exploring the rich cultural landscape of the island and sharing the inspiring journeys of its residents. When not writing, Venerando can be found coaching bodybuilding or enjoying the local cuisine at FOGO Brazil Restaurant.
