Did you know that I was once featured in a Grammarly commercial video? To my surprise, it has garnered over 30 million views to date. But I'm not here to boast about it. I want to share the story of how it came about and its impact on my life and others.
The scene is set in a stunning custom kitchen showroom with exquisitely designed quartz surfaces. A small group of five people eagerly watches as I prepare to wield my Sashimi knife—a Yanagiba knife with a thin, 9" blade often called a willow leaf knife.
On the cutting board lies a beautiful block of deep translucent red Tuna. I carefully move my knife and slice a perfect 1.5cm cut of Tuna sashimi. "Sashimi is the most challenging technique I'll be showing you today," I remark.
Learning to make Tuna sashimi is deceptively simple. It's all about slicing the fish with a knife. At first, it may seem easy, but doing it well is an art. This reminds me of writing. People often assume it's merely stringing words together to form sentences. But those who have tried writing know it's far more complex than it sounds. Making Sashimi is the same. Only after attempting it do you truly grasp its complexity.
After the class, one of the participants, Rene, approaches me. "Kaz, that was an incredible class," she says. "I work at Grammarly in the marketing department, and we plan to create commercials for Grammarly. I've read your profile and story, and I believe you'd be a great fit to be featured in one of our commercials. Are you interested?"
Without hesitation, I reply, "Yes, I would be delighted."
After several months of emails, questionnaires, and interviews with the marketing team, I was chosen to be featured in one of the four commercials that Grammarly produces. The series is called "Write the Future," each commercial highlights different Grammarly users and how they use the platform to achieve their goals.
Months pass, and the commercial is finally released. I saw it on the Grammarly YouTube channel, and it looks fantastic. I share the link with acquaintances, business partners, and on social media. And then, unexpected things start to happen.
People from various walks of life approach me, asking, "Hey, didn't I see you on TV or in a commercial?" Even six months after the video's release, this phenomenon continues. Strangers recognize me, sparking conversations that bridge the gap between unfamiliarity and recognition.
Among these encounters, there is one that stands out. During a sushi catering event, a man approaches me with his mobile phone, showing me a screenshot of "me" in the video. "Hi. Is this you?" he asks. I responded quietly, "Yes, that's me." It's a strange feeling—part of me enjoys the recognition, while the introverted and shy side finds it awkward.
This "Hey, I've seen you in a commercial" experience persists. Even now, four years after the video's release, people recognize me and ask the same question.
In a remarkable turn of events, I receive an email from Sara, who is planning a team event for the Grammarly operations team. She mentions that the group consists of seven individuals who all love sushi and want to participate in a cooking class with me.
"Great," I reply. "I would be happy to host the class. Grammarly holds a special place in my memory." I also shared the Grammarly video link with Sara, asking if she knew it.
Her response surprises me. "Wow! I had no idea!" she exclaims. As a new company member, she had yet to come across the video. She adds, "This is for the executives, including the CEO. He referred to you as a 'Grammarly YouTube Star.'"
On the day of the class, I warmly welcome the Grammarly executives. It's a small group, just like the previous Grammarly class I hosted. After creating a few rolls, we move on to Sashimi, as we did before.
"This is the most challenging technique I'll be demonstrating tonight," I mentioned.
However, this time, there's a difference. I'm signing my book, a memoir I didn't have last time. "I wrote this book using Grammarly," I shared with the CEO and the executive team.
"The best part about being featured in the Grammarly video wasn't about becoming 'internet famous.' It brought immense joy to my clients, friends, and business acquaintances. Everyone who saw the commercial was thrilled to see me in it. For that, I am truly grateful."
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(with Grammarly executive team, including CEO Brad Hoover)
It's been four years since the Grammarly video's release.
I find an email from Sara. The email tells me she is planning a team event for the Grammarly operations team.
"It's a small group of 7. They all like sushi and want to do a class with you," Sara says in her email.
"Great. I am happy to host the class because Grammarly holds a special place in my memory," I reply.
Then, I email her the Grammarly video link saying, "BTW, did you know about this video?"
"Wow!!! I had no idea!" she responds. It turns out Sara is new to the company. "This is for the executives, including the CEO. He says you are a 'Grammarly YouTube Star."
On the day of the class, I welcome the Grammarly executives. Like the last class I hosted for Grammarly, it's a small group. After making a few rolls, we are about to do Sashimi, just like the last time.
"This is the hardest technique we are showing you tonight," I say.
Just like the last time, I explain how difficult it is, despite how easy it looks.
Yet, there is one thing that is different this time. I am signing my book. A memoir, which I did not have the last time.
"I wrote this book using Grammarly," I tell the CEO and the executive team.
"The best part of being featured in the Grammarly video was not about me being 'internet famous.' It brought so much joy to my clients, friends, and business acquaintances. Everyone who saw the commercial was so glad to see me in the video. For that, I am grateful."
Interested in sharing the joy in the world with Breakthrough Sushi? Click the button below to request a free quote.
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