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

Hi Michelle, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Balance. Work-Life Balance. Something that was ALWAYS a challenge for me. If you imagine Work on one end of the scale and Personal Life on the other, it was always teetering with more weight over here, then when more weight was added at the other end, MORE weight was added on the other side, I think you get the idea. A constant struggle between “Work/Life Balance”, an even share of both to be a well-rounded person. Being an entrepreneur and being a mom, managing my professional profile, and being a wife, the constant struggle of “balance” left me draining, losing sight of who I “AM”. As a business owner of multiple small businesses and also balancing a life to three kids under nine, my days were filled with meetings after meetings while my kids were in school, to be able to accomplish as much as I can until I switched gears and put on my “Mom” hat to spend time with my kids to be the “best mom”. This was my life, since 9 years ago when my first child was born. A few years ago, a mentor of mine advised, “Stop seeking balance, instead seek HARMONY.” It really resonated with me, and got me thinking. It fueled a fire in me to create harmony, vs. change. Since that day, I practiced Harmony, celebrating wins and making it a habit to not procrastinate and maximize my time. Creating my own speed and setting the rules. Understanding what “weight” weighs me down and how to harmonize to excel in all the areas I thrive to be the best at. Challenging myself and approaching situations differently with an ideal outcome in mind to see what works for me and what doesn’t. As I am my biggest critic, allowing myself to give myself grace was a big turning point because I was running a race, and now I’m enjoying the journey and going at my own pace. What a game changer! 

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Good Choice Sushi, Laguna Niguel, CA. est 1996, Good Choice Sushi by the Sea, Capistrano Beach, CA. est. 2015 Angotei: Sushi and Kappo, Costa Mesa, CA est. 2006 CEAM & Co. LLC, Newport Beach, CA est. 2019 I absolutely love the diversity and difference each business has. To be able to lead a phenomenal team at every location and entity to excise my expertise and practice what I love to do, is a gift in itself. As all businesses are different and has its very own color, taste, story and style, I am able to cater and lead through service. it definitely keeps life exciting. I realized the excitement of a challenge, running a corporation but able to treat the business as a small business and cater to individual needs, from customer to employee. A huge realization of being in the service industry outlines our success in all businesses I am involved in. I absolutely love working IN my business, as much as I love working ON my business. Of course there’s challenges, sleepless nights and worries. Over the years of growing my businesses, I’ve learned that keeping an open mind and listening, is a huge part and take, in my growth, both personally and professionally.

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?
Being born and raised in Orange County, such a diverse place where we are blessed with almost everything and anything, I absolutely love being the hostess with the mostest and always cater to what they enjoy and like. Orange County has everything from the most swankiest bars, night life, to the most gorgeous views of the Pacific, shopping, dining, and entertainment.

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?
Dr, Deena Brown. Founder of the LeadHERShift movement.

Website: www.goodchoicesushi.com
Instagram: @GCSUSHI
Linkedin: michelleendo

Image Credits
Wild Creative, Inc.

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.