Meet Mitchelle Phanbandith | Chef, entrepreneur.

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

Hi Mitchelle, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
When I started working, I was always working. Every weekend, every holiday and every special occasion. I thought that was the only for me to pay my dues as an inspiring young chef. Whenever my boss would call me in, I always said yes. After 10 years of saying yes and missing so many special events and celebrations and being burnt out. I was just so tired of missing the little parts of life, essentially just living. After taking my first solo trip over seas. My minds just shifted and I just wanted a little more in life not just work. Still pursue my dreams and career but setting time aside for me and what matters. I came back to the states and quit my chef job at a French restaurant that I was working at for 5 years. Of course my boss wasn’t happy but I needed to put my happiness first, finally.

Now, a personal chef and entrepreneur, I am able to pick the clients I want to work with and that I aligns with me, able to work when I want to. I am able to take days off as I please and just enjoying a well balanced life. My work life balance has change dramatically in a matter of 3 years. The change and putting me first was worth everything and has given me so many opportunities!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
When I started Soul Thai’d, it was created from a love story. Just a girl that knew how to cook Thai food and was in love with someone that was from the Georgia. Combining 2 of my loves and creating something different and special. I am so proud of what I have accomplished with Soul Thai’d being able to create something that no one has done and it coming from love. My own ideas, my own creativity, being able to it on my own, that’s what I am so proud of. Food is a love language, I wanted Soul Thai’d to be known for that. Combining 2 worlds, different flavors, different languages and make it into one. Soul Thai’d, sounds like soul ties which is where the name comes from. Connection between 2 people, 2 souls and becomes one in a harmonious way.

I am excited to see where Soul Thai’d will in the next few years, the new menus and recipes I am creativing. I am excited about showing the world, well for now San Diego what I go in me, my heart and dedication will show that!

How my business is today, if from word of mouth with the French restaurant I used to work at. I was blessed to have a boss and co workers that saw my creativity and passion in my creations. They always told people about me and a lot of my clients and event came from them. Fortunately, it wasn’t too hard for me but I still strive to be better and get bigger! I grateful for them. Being able to cook for athletes, politicians, actors has been a true blessing.
The only hard thing for me was down time, if I wasn’t able to fill my calendar with events, definitely too a toll on my financials but I tried my best to not sit in the “hard” and just push through. The storm will pass through, The days I didn’t have events, I would just fill my time with traveling and trying to find some inspiration from the world. Always creating and being 1% better each day was what I was striving for.

The lessons I have learned along the way was, not everyone is for you and that is ok. I only want to work and cook for people that will aligned with me. If the energy off and I know that the relationship will be off. I won’t take any clients or event even if the money is good, If it doesn’t aligned with me then I have to move one. I prioritize my mental health first. All money isn’t good money,

I want the world to know and hear Soul Thai’d and feel good about it. It was made from love and soul connection. Colliding 2 completely different worlds into 1 harmonious cuisine. The way our country is now, I just want it make my food so people can feel so good about eating it, Showing that 2 different worlds, 2 different souls can be seen as one.

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?
San Diego.

I would take them to balboa park and hit up the museums. i love museum, especially if it’s a natural history museum or anything to do with history. I could get lost when I am there. During summer, The Natural History Museum open at night and you can get cocktails and play trivia.

walking the boardwalk at mission beach/ pacific beach always a good time.

Hot yoga at YogaBox in ocean beach with Abby to zen the body and mind!

Chocolate chip and Nutella muffins at Crown Point Coffee!

Bahn Thai in university heights for the best Thai food in town

Ironside in little Italy best grilled octopus!

Catch a padres gam at petco park!

Walk the San Diego Zoo, stop and see the pandas!

For the best hospitality, home cooking, games and paint night.. my house! I love entertaining

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Behind all of my success, goes out to my number one supporter, my Mom. She was there for it all that life has thrown at me and was there for all of my life’s milestones! I owe a lot to my mom, she is everything that I needed in this lifetime and I hope in every lifetime after this one. When I wanted to become a chef she was there to cheer me on and helped me financially so i could focus my time in culinary school. As my career progressed she was still there in the side line cheering me on, every job opportunities, promotions and ideas that came to me. I love and appreciate everything that my mom has done and given me and I will do everything I can in this life to repay her, with so much gratitude and respect.

Also, to my best friend Christine, she’s been with me before my journey started. I appreciate her friendship and support, never judged me for anything I do. Cheered me on through all of my milestones and support me through all of my crazy food ideas. And being down to work for me at my private events, never turned me down!

My big brother Bobby, that always answers my calls whenever I call despite the time differences (east coast) and just listens to my nonsense of work life.
My friend Rachael, that’s been my spiritual soul sister since I met her on a plane 2 years ago and been inseparable. The person that blasting lil Wayne’s on the drive to our yoga class!

I love the people that was placed in my life to make my life better and show me my life purpose. I am grateful for all of them.

Instagram: https://Soul.Thaid

Other: Soul.thaid@gmail.com