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Congratulatons to
SUMIN YU
2026 Blos Boss Recipient
Sumin
THIS YEAR WE SET OUT TO DO SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT THAN YEARS PASSED. IT IS VERY SPECIAL TO BE VOTED BY YOUR PEERS - ABSOLULTEY! BUT THIS YEAR WE WANTED TO RECOGNIZE WOMEN THAT OUR FOUNDER CHOSE, PERSONALLY. AS THE LEADER OF THE COMMUNITY, JESSICA SEES ALOT! SHE'S SEES THE WORK BEHIND THE SCENES, THE LONG HOURS, THE SACRIFICES AND DEVOTIONS THAT EACH MEMBER BRINGS INDIVIDUALLY FOR THE COMMON GOOD OF EVERYONE.
WITH THAT, JESSICA KNEW FOR PRETTY MUCH MOST OF 2025 THAT SHE WAS GOING TO CHOOSE SUMIN YU AS THE NEXT BLOS BOSS!
SUMIN IS AN EXEPTIONAL HUMAN BEING, WOMAN, LEADER, DREAMER, AND BUSINESS OWNER. WE ARE IN AWE OF THE RESTAURANT SHE HAS BUILT, THE TEAM SHE HAS GATHERED, BOTH THAT EMBODY COMMUNITY, FAMILY, AND THE ONE THING WE CAN ALL AGREE ON: YUMMY FOOD!
SUMIN CONTINUES TO BE ONE OF THE MOST DEDICATED WOMEN IN BLOS THROUGHOUT HER YEARS WITH US, GRACEFULLY BALANCING FAMILY LIFE WHILE RUNNING HER RESTAURANT—AND FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, DOING ALL OF THAT WHILE ALSO WORKING A FULL-TIME 9–5 CORPORATE JOB.
WHEN SUMIN SETS HER MIND TO SOMETHING, THERE IS TRULY NOTHING THAT CAN STAND IN HER WAY. HER DEDICATION, DRIVE, AND PERSEVERANCE ARE EVIDENT IN EVERYTHING SHE DOES, MAKING HER AN ICONIC WOMAN IN OUR COMMUNITY. WHAT INSPIRES SO MANY IS HER JOURNEY AS AN IMMIGRANT, LEARNING NOT ONLY A NEW CULTURE, BUT A NEW LANGUAGE AT A YOUNG AGE. THROUGH RESILIENCE AND DETERMINATION, SUMIN HAS NOT ONLY ADAPTED, BUT SHE HAS ALSO EXCELLED; SHE TRULY EMBODIES THE VERY ESSENCE OF THE AMERICAN DREAM.
ONE OF OUR FAVORITE MOMENTS WAS ANNOUNCING SUMIN AS OUR WINNER AND WATCHING FROM THE STAGE AS WE INCHED CLOSER AND CLOSER TO SAYING HER NAME. SHE SAT THERE WITH HER PHONE CAMERA READY, EXCITED TO SEE WHO WOULD WIN, COMPLETELY UNAWARE THAT THE SURPRISE WAS ABOUT TO BE HER. KNOWING WHAT WAS ABOUT TO HAPPEN MADE THE MOMENT EVEN MORE ELECTRIC, AND HER REACTION SAID IT ALL. WE WILL FOREVER HOLD THAT MEMORY IN OUR HEARTS.
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MEET
Winner...
INTERVIEW WITH A
"Thank you so much — I’m honestly so honored and grateful to receive the BLOS BOSS Award. This recognition came at such an important moment for me, and it truly filled my heart and gave me a boost I didn’t even realize I needed.
As the owner of Kazoku, this year has been tough. Business has been slow, and I’ve been in survival mode just trying to keep things going. Winning this award reminded me that even in hard seasons, showing up, leading with heart, and staying committed still matters. It gave me strength and reassurance to keep going".
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Q1) What was your reaction when you won the BLOS BOSS Award?
I was surprised and really emotional. I felt seen and encouraged at a time when things have felt heavy behind the scenes. It meant more to me than I can put into words.
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Q2) What does this award mean to you and what are some things you think you do well that helped earn it?
This award represents resilience and community to me. Even during a challenging year, I’ve tried to stay consistent, be honest about the struggles, and lead with kindness — whether it’s with my team, customers, or other BLOS members. I believe showing up with heart, even when it’s hard, is something I do well.
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Q3) If you help choose next year’s BLOS BOSS, what will you be looking for?
I’ll be looking for people who show up consistently, support others without expecting anything in return, and keep going even when things aren’t easy. Quiet leadership and genuine care really stand out to me.
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Q4) As the winner, how would you like to be involved in the BLOS community?
I’d love to support others by sharing my real experiences — the good and the hard — and helping people feel less alone in their journey. I’m always happy to mentor, encourage, or help however I can.
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Q5) Is there anything you want to make sure is included?
I’d love it to be shared that this award gave me strength during a difficult season and reminded me how powerful community truly is. I’m so thankful to be part of BLOS and surrounded by such supportive, inspiring women.
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BIO:
Award-winning sushi, anyone?
That’s what you get when you step into Sumin's restaurant, Kazoku in Edmonds, WA.
Every second Friday of the month, we gather at Kazoku for Sip, Sushi, and Socialize! We usually have between 12-18 ladies in attendance and while it definitely is a time for networking, it is also a more casual atmosphere and time for just enjoying sushi and everyone’s company! Ladies should do lunch with their friends, plain and simple- it’s a must!
Sushi. Culture. Community.
Kazoku is one of the most loved food & beverage stops in Edmonds. Kazoku is dedicated to providing high-quality food and exceptional service. Their vision is to connect people through authentic cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere, fostering community bonds. Kazoku was voted the best sushi restaurant in Snohomish in 2024 by The Herald, a testament to their continuous commitment to excellence!