feature story / 15 body is disappointed when they come in. The same works for Kokoro.” As they’ve settled in, Onuma and Salaskar have gotten to know each other’s merchandise, too. They coor dinate some of their purchases, keep an eye out for items the other might like and have found that their inven tories work well side by side. “Almost everything in our stores is more com plementary versus competitive in na ture,” Onuma says. Inside their shared storefront, Onuma and Salaskar have discovered another similarity: both have always stocked their stores with things they genuinely love. “For me, my store was always a collection of my favorite items,” Salas kar says. “Susan is like that as well. If it’s something she likes and enjoys, she wants to bring it to everybody.” Onuma sees an even stronger sim ilarity in the way they treat people who walk through their door. “What really attracted me to Kimaya was that she has the same philosophy: the customers come first,” she says. “More than selling to the customers, although we enjoy that too, it’s really talking to the customers.” Sometimes, their youngest cus tomers arrive with only a few dollars in their pockets. “They come in be fore Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and holidays to buy a mug for mom or dad and they’re counting their coins,” Salaskar says. “They’re like, ‘Oh, but with tax, it’s going to be so much more.’ ” Her response is often simple. “I’m like, ‘Listen, don’t worry about it. How much do you have? It’s fine.’ ” For Salaskar, who grew up in India, those relationships carry an additional meaning. “For my husband and me, living so far away from our families, our friends, neighbors and custom ers have become like family,” she says. “They’ve given us that sense of belong ing, of feeling at home even when you’re far from where you grew up.” Onuma understands that pull. “If this were someplace else, I may not have reopened,” she says. “Maple wood is just such a special place.” What began as a practical part nership has also become something more personal. Onuma describes their relationship as “very symbiotic” and “harmonious.” Salaskar agrees. “Susan and I are alike in so many ways,” she says. After more than three decades of owning Kokoro while continuing to practice law, Onuma has plenty of practical advice for anyone dreaming of opening a business. “Be conserva tive about projected revenue, expect expenses to be greater than anticipat ed, and have enough savings to with stand the difficult periods,” she says. But the lesson she returns to most isn’t about a spreadsheet. “I’ve always felt that if you follow your passion, then the money will follow,” Onuma says. “If you really love what you’re doing and you do it well, then the customers will come.” For both women, that has meant never letting the transaction become more important than the relation ship. “It’s not all about the money,” Onuma says. There is something fitting, then, about the 14-year old Kokoro cus tomer who arrived shortly after the store reopened carrying the hand made paper flower. After everything that brought Onuma and Salaskar to this moment, perhaps a little good luck found its way through the door after all. “It’s been a very nice partner ship,” Onuma says. Salaskar agrees. “It just feels right.” Amy Lynn-Cramer is a career, leader ship and “let’s make sure you’re living your best life” coach with a soft spot for reinvention, unexpected next chapters and stories that remind us it’s never too late to make room for something new. Kimaya Salaskar still carries a selection of tunics that she sold when she first opened her store. The Jennifer McManus Team (917) 837-2192 jennifer.mcmanus@cbmoves.com JUST LISTED IN MAPLEWOOD! UNDER CONTRACT IN MAPLEWOOD! Multiple Bids Over Ask SOLD IN MAPLEWOOD! Represented Buyers SOLD IN WEST ORANGE! Multiple Bids Over Ask SOLD IN WEST ORANGE! Represented Buyers UNDER CONTRACT IN MAPLEWOOD! Represented Buyers The Jennifer McManus Team Has Been HARD AT WORK. Thinking of Selling? Don’t wait. Start NOW NOW so you’re prepared! Let the Jennifer McManus Team get you MOVING. Read Jen’s most recent 5-Star Google Review: “Jennifer recently helped us sell our beautiful home and buy a new home within the same area. I cannot empathize enough how amazing she was. She was our voice of reason, fierce advocate, and true partner in all aspects of both transactions. From literally helping us plant new plants into our yard for staging, to her extraor- dinary responsiveness and negotiating power, she ensured our voice was never lost even in the most complex moments. Not to mention her expert knowledge of the local market and dream team of referrals. We had multiple offers on our home in the first weekend and she masterfully advocated a fair deal for our new home. We absolutely couldn’t have done this without her. Thank you, Jen!” 9/29/2026
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