Licensing International is powered by an incredible group of licensing professionals around the globe who take time to serve the industry they love. Each week we’ll be profiling one of these professionals in this ongoing series.

Tell us about yourself.
I’m Deidre June Manna Yoshioka. I’ve been in the licensing biz for 11 years in various capacities. At the moment I’m a solopreneur as well as a lover of fashion, house music, and cats! New adventures include volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and learning to speak Japanese.

How did you get into licensing (or how did licensing find YOU)?
Many moons ago, I worked as a schmatta hustler (apparel industry person) and my boss at the time secured the rights for Gossip Girl (Warner Bros), of which I ran point for curating the inspired-by licensed apparel collection! I was hooked and have always had an aspect of brand licensing in my career-DNA ever since.

What’s your biggest personal and professional accomplishment?
Tough one! I truly love and put 110% into everything that I do, but I think that my first licensing experience as an apparel licensee remains at the top. More recently, helping to launch the Licensing Expo events in Tokyo and Shanghai is also something that makes me extremely proud because I love this industry!

What keeps you up at night? What’s your biggest challenge nowadays? Or what is Licensing’s biggest challenge now?
My biggest challenge these days, which is probably felt by many, is the feeling from digital dependence. Being online and glued to my mobile and computer is nothing new, but this feels different…I’m still not used to it! Too much screen time these days to say the least!

What truly excites you?
LICENSING! Seriously! The process of taking an IP and turning it into something tangible and meaningful, in turn driving the ability to further connect with the consumer is something that truly excites me. Brand power is REAL and the ability to leverage it is an art form!!!!

The last licensed product I bought was…
It’s really been a while since I bought ANYTHING (cheapo alert lol) but last time I was in Japan I got a dress from Graniph from their Ultraman collection that featured a puffy Pigmon on it. 😉 Shout out to Tsuburaya Productions!