Meet Trailblazer Michelle Endo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Endo.

Michelle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My journey in hospitality started at a young age, always pleasing and servicing others. In my early twenties, I woke up to a decision to take over my parent’s restaurant as I watched them design their life through servicing others. Being able to do what I love and calling it my career, it was a no brainer decision!

Through the day to day and ins and outs of running an “open 7 days a week” restaurant, where I worked shifts then managed the back end while the store was sleeping, I began surrounding myself with other business owners, leaders who were enjoying the same journey as I was. A circle of like-minded people to lean on, laugh with, and grow together was extremely supportive for me!

Four years after taking over our flagship location in Laguna Niguel, an opportunity to open a second location popped up (literally popped up in viewing the space, signing the lease that same day) and six weeks of re-tiling, furnishing, and staffing- Good Choice Sushi by the Sea in Capistrano Beach was born.

Through community involvement, networking groups, and mentorship, today I am able to take my passion to the next level in influencing and helping other leaders grow, alongside growing sales in my own business. It’s been an exciting 7 1/2 years, now with three kids, two stores and one husband-I’m just getting started!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have taken every bumpy road and wrong turn during this journey. And I most likely will keep doing that! But I’m okay with it as it helps me grow personally and professionally. I see it as a blessing in disguise! Don’t try to race to where you’re going, but enjoy the journey, soak it all in because you’ll never know what you will learn from the experience. Advice for other women? Don’t take no for an answer! The world is full of no’s but focus on how to turn that into a yes, or at least a yes for you. Believe in yourself, don’t underestimate yourself. Take any opportunity that comes your way.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Good Choice Sushi, Good Choice Sushi by the Sea – what should we know?
We are a full-service Japanese Restaurant. Specializing in exotic Rolls, small dishes and inviting atmosphere. Each location has a different vibe, each a different menu. I always tell people we’re a Sushi Restaurant-yes but I’m not in the Sushi Business. Fresh fish, fresh ingredients, yes. Friendly staff, teamwork, clean environment, of course. But our business is about the experience through sushi, building relationships, community involvement, how we make an influence and the world a better place by making “Good Choices-Serving Sushi, Service, and Smiles since 1996”

Which women have inspired you in your life?
Judy Greenspon, CEO of NPI Services Inc. who always took the time to include me, even when I was a part-time employee at her company, to now- sharing relationships and areas where it will benefit me personally and professionally.

-Dr. Deena Brown, Founder of The Leadhershift Movement, who taught me “50% of who you are, is 50% of what you’re not. To live with purpose” has taught me to align my purpose and my passion. To find harmony, not balance.

Contact Info:

• Address: Good Choice Sushi
  30251 Golden Lantern St. Suite F
  Laguna Niguel, CA 92677Good Choice Sushi by the Sea
  34700 Pacific Coast Highway #106
  Capistrano Beach, CA 92624
• Website: eatsushibythesea.com
• Phone: 9495428499
• Email: michelle@goodchoicesushi.com
• Instagram: gcsushibythesea
• Facebook: goodchoicesushi.lagunaniguel

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