My name is Tom Inouye and I'm the founder of Lil Tokyo Beat, an independent art and apparel brand built around original designs, wearable art, and limited-edition prints. This is not just a hobby for me—it's the business I'm working to grow into a stable, long-term source of income and creative independence. Right now, I'm in the difficult early phase where I'm investing all my time, energy, and resources, but the returns have not yet arrived. Despite the challenges, I truly believe in this business and in my ability to make it succeed if I can survive this critical stage.

I have a four-year college degree in economics, know accounting and bookkeeping, and have worked for a small CPA firm. With my skill set, vision, and talent, I strongly believe my business will succeed if I can keep at it. But now money is short, and I am facing the reality of being homeless. If that happens, I would have to throw away everything I have been working on. I have already exhausted any possible help and cannot find any potential lenders, so GoFundMe is my only option. Donations to this fundraiser will help me stay housed and stable while I continue building Lil Tokyo Beat. Your support will also go toward essential business needs, including website hosting, maintenance, and tools; product development and design software; marketing and promotion to reach new customers; sample prints and product testing; and basic living expenses so I can continue working daily on the business. This support is not just emergency relief—it's an investment in helping me reach a point where my art business can support me long-term.

I'm asking for your support to help me get through this challenging phase and build a future where I can support myself through my creative work. Any contribution, big or small, will make a real difference and help me achieve my dream of becoming a financially independent artist. Thank you for believing in me and Lil Tokyo Beat!