I help conscious professionals elevate their lives and leadership through the timeless wisdom of simplicity, calm, and clarity—available in person or via Zoom.
I’m Kiyomi Koike, founder of Yu Tea (formerly SEI MEE TEA®) and Kominka Life Coaching. I help evolving leaders and professionals build new patterns through simple, mindful self-care practices—unlocking their hidden potential to cultivate uplifting energy, clarity, and joy in their lives.
Why choose me as your guide?
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Professional Expertise, Authentic Care
With over 20 years of entrepreneurial success and certifications in wellness coaching and tea mastery, I bring both expertise and heartfelt care to every session, ensuring your journey is meaningful and impactful.
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​A Unique Fusion of East and West
Rooted in Japanese traditions and informed by science, my offerings blend timeless wisdom with modern strategies to help you cultivate balance, purpose, and success in your personal and professional life.
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My Story
SEI MEE TEA® began with a simple passion for high-quality, organic teas, but over the years, it has blossomed into a profound mission of empowerment and transformation. Witnessing how our teas positively impacted people’s lives inspired me to expand my purpose, becoming a Certified Wellness and Life Coach dedicated to helping others unlock their potential and live a life of freedom and fulfillment.
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This journey is rooted in a deeply personal chapter of my life—one filled with fear, uncertainty, and ultimately, hope. In 2001, just three months after welcoming our second child, my husband, Bill, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, facing a 50% chance of survival. As if this wasn’t enough, I learned that my father, battling cancer in silence to spare me during my pregnancy, had only a few months left to live. The weight of potentially losing the two most important men in my life was overwhelming.
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In the depths of despair, I found an unexpected source of strength. Our nearly 3-year-old son, sensing my anguish, offered comfort with a simple, heartfelt gesture: "It's OK, Mommy; it's OK." His empathy reminded me that I had to fight for my family. Searching for hope, I turned to the traditions of my Japanese upbringing—green tea.
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Encouraging Bill to drink 10 cups of freshly brewed green tea daily became our starting point, but its bitterness proved challenging. Determined to find a better way, we discovered the potential of Organic Sencha Green Tea Powder. This innovation allowed Bill to consume the entire tea leaf in powdered form, maximizing its antioxidant benefits without the bitterness. This simple yet profound change marked a turning point—not just in Bill's recovery but also in our lives.
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Over time, as Bill embraced Sencha powder, his health improved dramatically. Today, he has been cancer-free for over 19 years. Our journey with green tea became the foundation of Yu Tea, driven by my passion for sharing the transformative power of tea with others. Along the way, our products have even contributed to groundbreaking cancer research, including a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, highlighting green tea's remarkable potential in health and wellness.
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​A Journey from Fear to Possibility
Bill’s recovery, and the possibility it brought to our family, taught me the importance of taking control of one’s health. Once, we feared Bill wouldn’t see our newborn’s first steps, but two decades later, he proudly walked her down the aisle.
The journey had its ups and downs, with many episodes of uncertainty, fear, and anxiety while scaling the business and growing our family. I experienced struggles, burnout, fears, and anxiety, which kept me from fully enjoying life. These experiences deepened my resolve to support others in their journeys to wellness and inspired me to pursue certifications as a Life and Wellness Coach and Tea Master.
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Science-Backed Success With Expansive Calm Energy
Through my coaching and tea mastery, I offer a simple, science-backed approach to cultivating lasting well-being—because success should feel fulfilling, not draining. The Positive Intelligence® program demystifies the mind-body connection in a way that’s easy to understand yet profoundly transformative. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or leader, these tools empower you to show up as your best self, creating ripples of impact in your home, workplace, and community.
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Success Is Bigger Than Just You
This isn’t just about you—it’s about the people who count on you. When we lead with authenticity and well-being, success follows—not just for ourselves, but for those around us.
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Creating a new pattern based on knowledge and awareness is the key to unlocking your hidden potential—bringing uplifting energy, clarity, and joy into your life. Try it for yourself and be amazed at how a simple approach can create such a profound transformation.
Let’s connect, inspire, and transform—together.
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Kiyomi Koike
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Bio:
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1994: After six years of serving as a full-time public high school teacher in Japan, which required passing a national exam, left the security of her position to pursue further studies in the U.S.
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1995-7: Earned both basic and advanced certifications in Teaching English as a Second Language in Seattle. Founded an English school, faced numerous challenges, and returned to Japan. Married her husband.
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1998: Relocated to Northeast Oregon with her husband and welcomed their first son, marking the beginning of a new chapter in family and adventure.
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2001: Welcomed her second daughter while navigating the profound challenges of her father’s and husband’s cancer diagnoses.
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2004: Founded SEI MEE TEA® (now Yu Tea Co.), providing premium, health-promoting teas.
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2010: Embraced a new chapter by becoming a U.S. citizen.
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2019: Became a Certified Holistic Wellness Coach through the International Association of Wellness Professionals, to further deepen her commitment to guiding people toward better well-being.
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2023: Transitioned to a Consultant for Yu Tea Co., focusing on business development with authenticity and purpose-driven success.
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2023: Achieved Certified Life Coach status from The Life Coach School, combining personal growth and professional achievements.
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2024: Earned the title of Certified Tea Master from the International Tea Masters Association, specializing in the transformative potential of tea.
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2025: Became a PQ COACH™ for the Positive Intelligence® program, empowering others to unlock their full mental and emotional potential.
Arleta Arnspiger, WA
A Blessing--I was looking for inner peace when I met Kiyomi. I wasn’t exactly sure what inner peace felt like but knew that I needed something to setle me. You see, I had been on an emotional roller coaster ALL my life. One of my daughters suggested that I change directions from the mental health treatments, and I believe the universe brought Kiyomi into my life. I had the pleasure of meeting her and her husband, Bill. I saw the calmness in her being, her aura. She just beamed of happiness and contentment. She opened her arms to me, and I wanted that. No, I needed that! I have been texting and zooming with Kiyomi for a few months now and have found what I was looking for. Inner peace is now visible to me. I can feel it and it is real. It is an inner peace that allows me to let others walk their own path as I walk mine. There is a radiation in my chest that is full of positivity, a fullness of happiness. I can honestly say that I am happy today. Kiyomi has been the support that showed me path to process life on a different level, with love, kindness, and gratefulness. She has gifted me! Her methods have worked for me, and I now understand that inner peace was in me all the time, she just helped me to bring it to the surface. I am truly blessed that she is in my life today and she will always be an angel who touched my life in a remarkable way. Arleta Arnspiger
Talia, OR
My weekly visits to Kominka Life Coaching have helped me unlock my potential, enhanced my creativity, and break through limiting and stunting beliefs. My sessions provide an opportunity to gain clarity about my aspirations, values, and overall purpose in life by thought process remedy. Working with Kiyomi has put me in touch with my genuinity and gaining tools, confidence, and clarity that have positively weaved their magic through my relationships, work-life balance, and sense of self-worth. Since I began my sessions, I've become more confident in my choices and eager for what each new day brings. Talia
Bob Hector, OR
At first, I was hesitant about using a coach but I realized that I needed to cope emotionally with my late-onset Parkinson. Through Kiyomi’s coaching, I learned that I was not defined by my degenerative disease and that my personality did not change with my diagnosis. She expertly guided me to understand that I needed to learn to live to the fullest with my limitations. Bob Hector
Thao Phan, CA
Kiyomi’s coaching is transformative. She creates a safe space to share. I trust her with all my problems and do not fear that she will judge me. I feel so much love from her. Through her coaching, I have improved my relationships with my kids, husband, parents, siblings, mother-in-law, coworkers, and especially my relationship with myself. For the first time in my 45 years, I woke up with the thought that I love me and it feels amazing! I have much more peace, love and joy in my daily life these days. Thank you, Kiyomi. Thao Phan
Crystal, WA
What I've learned from this program is so important for ongoing personal growth, motivating me to keep practicing it. I now possess a sense of empowerment and the tools required for significant transformation. As I continue honing these newfound skills, my sense of freedom and self-evolution will keep growing. I am excited as possibilities are endless! Though the program presented substantial challenges, they were helpful and I'm grateful for the experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking life-changing opportunities. Crystal
Michael, OR
My therapist sympathizes me and Kiyomi gives actionable steps.
Madeline Lau, OR
Working with Kiyomi has given me access to so many new perspectives. She challenges my limiting beliefs and opens my eyes to new avenues I didn't recognize before. Kiyomi is completely nonjudgmental and utilizes a compassionate, empathetic technique to work with clients from all backgrounds. I can't recommend her highly enough.
Vim Jillson, WA
Kiyomi has been an uncommon source of wisdom and guidance to me during a complex transition in my life, at 40 years of age. I met her at a tea festival, and she she presented her tea business, her tea house lodging, and her coaching options in a generous way. More than a year later, she came to my mind when I was going through a difficult transition. I set up the life-skills coaching track with her because I needed help to make progress. She is optimistic toward the future and her tenacity instills true empowerment - I became emotionally grounded through discernment and taking action. She provided unique directions in session, email, and provided written exercises to help me discern what matters most in my situation and to take action based on what I believe is best.
Satomi Deguchi, NY
I often find myself trapped in the past, overwhelmed by strong feelings of anger, making it difficult to move forward. In an effort to overcome this, I have studied on my own through books and other resources. However, despite gaining knowledge, I struggled to put it into practice. At times, I would respond in the wrong way, failing to grow as a result. I decided to receive coaching because I needed a push to take action. Kiyomi firmly reassured me that with practice, I would be okay. She listened attentively, engaged with me sincerely, and offered her support with great care. What proved most effective was learning to separate events into facts and emotions, then putting them into writing. This process made me feel lighter. Kiyomi took the time to review what I had written and provided guidance, allowing me to practice daily. Compared to when I was working on my own, I became better at observing myself objectively. Even when strong anger arose, I no longer let it linger. One of the most challenging aspects for me has been organizing my thoughts in the morning, planning my day, and writing things down. Making decisions, committing to them, and choosing a course of action have never come easily to me, so I continue to practice daily. I've realized that my physical well-being is deeply connected to my state of mind. However, when my condition worsens, it becomes like the classic "chicken or the egg" dilemma, making it difficult to untangle what is causing what. This is why I believe it is essential to take care of both my mind and body with intention. That, too, has been an important lesson. Each day is a practice.