Community Highlights: Meet Shannon Lin of One Sushi Inc.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Lin.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I used to be a flight attendant in Taiwan and thought I would live that lifestyle forever — traveling, meeting people, and exploring the world. But everything changed when I met my husband and decided to move to the U.S. after we had our son.

I started my catering company after meeting a few people who also worked in the catering industry here, and I became fascinated by it — how food can bring people joy and create meaningful connections.

With the support of my husband and my business partner, we started our own catering company last year, and it’s been such a rewarding journey ever since.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think the hardest part for me has definitely been the language. I used to think my English was pretty good, but after moving here, I realized it’s not just about speaking the words — it’s about understanding the culture behind them. If you weren’t born or raised here, there are so many little things, expressions, and ways of communication that take time to really get.

And then there’s the accent. People here come from all kinds of backgrounds, just like me, so sometimes it’s hard to catch everything, especially over the phone. I still get nervous about that sometimes. But thankfully, most of my clients are really kind and understanding — even if I misunderstand something, they always give me grace.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Our clients aren’t just hiring a sushi catering service—they’re inviting us to be part of their special day. We don’t pre-make our sushi; instead, we bring professional sushi chefs to prepare everything fresh on-site. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or any other venue, we deliver the premium experience of a top sushi restaurant right to you.
Our omakase experience is a multi-course, sit-down meal where each dish is presented one at a time. Guests can enjoy the artistry of our chefs as they prepare each course, perfect for those who like to savor their food slowly. This intimate style is ideal for small gatherings at home, and we love adding a little surprise—a special ingredient served without prior notice to delight your guests!
Buffet style is our most popular option, perfect for parties of any size—from small celebrations to events with up to 500 guests. Our chefs set up a buffet station at your venue and prepare sushi on-site for guests to self-serve. This setup is ideal for corporate events, weddings, birthday parties, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, and any large gathering, offering a fun and interactive dining experience.
For a warm, communal experience, our family-style service brings platters of freshly made sushi directly to your table. Guests can share and pass around beautifully arranged sushi, creating a relaxed, social atmosphere. This style works wonderfully for family gatherings, casual parties, or intimate dinners where everyone enjoys tasting a variety of sushi together.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I think the key is to go out there and talk to people. Don’t be afraid to ask “stupid” questions or risk looking inexperienced—networking is about learning and making connections, not pretending to know everything. For me, the approaches that have worked best are being genuinely curious, reaching out to people for advice, and showing interest in their experiences. Most people are happy to share what they know if you’re respectful and engaged.

Pricing:

• Each event requires a minimum booking of $1,400.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://onesushiinc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sushichefprivatecatering/

Image Credits
Photographer: Giorgi Avetisyan

some of the photos are from him