Meet Michelle Johnson | The Cheesecake Lady

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I first started my business, I was taking every order that I could get. My thought process was I just wanted as many people to try my cheesecakes as possible and get my name out there. I also wasn’t keeping my family updated on the orders and events I had to complete. In doing this, I was neglecting my family and I soon learned that I had to find a healthy balance and communicate more with my family. I put a limit on how many orders I took each week and I made sure that the events I attended didn’t interfere with family time.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I create cheesecakes. While my customers have their favorites, I’m always exploring new flavors to keep my customers interested. It hasn’t been an easy road. Self-doubt, financial woes, and outside responsibilities have all slowed me down throughout my journey, and still continue to do so at times, but my love for what I create keeps me motivated and pushes me forward. When I first started, I didn’t even know if there really was a market for cheesecake. I quickly found out that people not only love cheesecake, but apparently don’t need an occasion to eat a cheesecake.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, they better be ready to eat! I love to try new restaurants so I hope their taste buds love exploring new flavors. We’re taking a food tour around L.A. County. While doing that, we’ll enjoy the scenery, take in the beaches, see the Griffith Observatory, walk around Hollywood, and maybe see a show at the Pantages Theater. If they’re into sports, show off all our beautiful stadiums and arenas and maybe catch a game at one of them, if we can.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, I have the most amazing customers. They have been loyal and generous. Second, all the event coordinators that offer a place for us small businesses to grow and promote our products and services. Finally and most importantly, my family. Without their encouragement and support, I probably never would taken the step into entrepreneurship.

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