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

Hi Lisa, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Striving for work-life balance in my world is similar to maintaining balance in a challenging yoga pose – let’s say a shaky attempt at “eight-angle pose” while life throws its usual curveballs. I’d be lying if I said I’ve discovered the ultimate formula for a seamless blend of parenting three small children, nurturing a marriage, managing caregiving duties for my sick father, and steering businesses forward. Honestly, it’s less about finding a secret sauce and more about embracing the challenges of each day.

My approach to balancing it all can feel like a yoga practice: some days, I’m steady and focused, while on others, I wobble and fall. The comparison to yoga doesn’t stop there; I incorporate it into my routine, not just for the physical benefits but for those moments of peace. It is my happy place.

Finding the ideal work-life balance is a concept that often seems just out of my reach. Each day is a new chance to strive for equilibrium. There are moments of success mixed with instances of less than graceful navigation through my responsibilities. However, the key is in the constant attempt and the resilience to keep on trying.

Ultimately, the pursuit of work-life balance is an evolving practice, not unlike yoga itself. It requires patience, flexibility, and a kind heart toward oneself. Perhaps the real ‘secret sauce’ to balance isn’t about achieving a steady stance but in appreciating the beauty of the effort and the growth that comes from embracing life’s inherent imbalance.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Genesis Group is more than a leading egg donor and surrogacy agency; it’s an organization where lasting connections are formed, and the dreams of parenthood take flight. For over two decades, we’ve been guiding Prospective Parents on their most intimate journey – the journey to parenthood. Early on, we recognized a vital need for representation in the egg donation space and made it our mission to ensure Prospective Parents no longer had to settle for donors that were simply “close enough” to their own ethnicity. Our commitment to cultural representation has enriched our database with an ethnically diverse array of egg donors, transforming what was once a search for the impossible-to-find, into one of possibility.

Our services are underscored by a philosophy that places clients at the forefront. In the world of surrogacy, we’re proud to offer a no waitlisting policy. We align our financial practices with our ethical standards by not requesting funds until a match with a potential surrogate is secured, ensuring a stark contrast to the norm of requesting non-refundable deposits and 12 to 18 month waiting periods.

When the pandemic cast a shadow over the globe, it brought with it a storm that threatened to shut our doors. The challenge was formidable, with travel restrictions impacting the entirety of our international clientele, which was a significant 60% of our business. It was a clarion call, and so we pivoted with focus toward the domestic market. The real heroes of this story, however, are our incredible team members. Their collective sacrifice and unity. They choose pay cuts over layoffs. They were and are the embodiment of the Genesis Group’s spirit of empathy, compassion, and resilience.

At the core of our ethos is empathy, a value that transcends the transactional aspects of egg donation and surrogacy. We believe in connecting with our Prospective Parents, Egg Donors, and Surrogates. This empathy empowers us to convert professional services into meaningful partnerships, ensuring every individual feels heard and supported. Our commitment to empathy is the through-line that binds us to all our clients and enables us to foster trusting and often lasting relationships.

As a co-founder of The Society for Ethics in Egg Donation (SEEDS), the Genesis Group stands as a vanguard of ethical practice, celebrating over a decade of steadfast professionalism, integrity, and ethics in family building. Our success isn’t just measured by growth metrics, but by the trust and satisfaction of our clients, many of whom regard The Genesis Group as a compassionate ally on their path to parenthood.

With over twenty years in the field of 3rd party reproductive management, The Genesis Group stands for inclusivity and representation, advocating for the right of every individual, regardless of background or sexual orientation, to build a family that mirrors their unique identity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
attractions: Zuma Beach, Venice Beach, The Getty Museum, Disneyland/ Universal Studios, Laker game/ Rams game, Concert at the Hollywood Bowl, Grove/Americana,

restaurants: Sugarfish, Soowon Galbi BBQ, Orsa & Winston, Repulique, Perch, Pizzeria Mozza, Lunasia, Grandmasters recorders, CUT/Spago, Avra

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?
Liesel Reinhart holds a special place in my heart, embodying roles ranging from a nurturing mother and supportive sister figure to an accomplished Communications Professor, Speech and Debate coach, Ph.D., TV producer, artist, singer, and even the revered as Patron Saint of stray cats in Altadena, CA. She is an remarkable woman and I am fortunate to call her my mentor.

Throughout my formative college years, fraught with uncertainty and self-doubt, Liesel’s unwavering belief in my potential remained a constant. She saw within me strengths and abilities that I couldn’t always see in myself, consistently affirming my capabilities even when I faltered. I will be forever grateful to Liesel for her words of wisdom and guidance.

Website: www.GenesisSurrogacy.com

Instagram: eggdonationandsurrogacy

Facebook: www.facebook.com/genesiseggdonation

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/genesis-egg-donation-and-surrogacy-group-pasadena

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.