Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Robert Shindo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Robert, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethics come from my family, growing up and watching my parents own their own business helped me see in first person what it looks like to work hard and constantly push for what you want. Also, having my older brother to always look up to was an amazing way to get great traits in my life, always watching him not only strive to be the best but to be untouchable at everything he does.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My name is Robert ‘Bobby’ Shindo, I am the owner/baker of Chiisai Cakes LLC, a small dessert business based out of Los Angeles, California. I have been in the culinary industry for 17 years now and have my Bachelor’s of Science in Culinary Management. Chiisai Cakes LLC started off as just Chiisai Cakes a while back when my mom and brother started it as a little past time gig to do on their spare time. As time went on, they phased away from continuing and back in 2020 I decided to bring it back and make it into an actual business with my own flare to things. They started Chiisai Cakes by only making cupcakes, when I took over the business with my culinary background, I turned it into more of a dessert shop including; cookies, candy, drinks and small cakes (Chiisai in Japanese means ‘little’). I also recently added a few ice cream flavors to the menu, Hala Kahiki (Pineapple ice cream with layers of li hing mui powder) and Crack Coffee (Vietnamese coffee ice cream).
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Self-Motivation, willingness to learn and determination are the top three qualities that helped me along on this on going journey. When starting your own business or even following your dreams/goals you always need to be willing to learn no matter what, you can always learn something new every single day. You have to make sure you motivate yourself and never put yourself down no matter how hard things may get or may seem, my friend and I always tell each other, “If it was easy, everyone would do it.” Determination should be stamped in you mind, it will keep you moving forward and keep you focused on your goals.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I would honestly like to collaborate with anyone that is in need of desserts in their life or is willing to teach me any new skills or techniques, I am always open to learning something new.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chiisaicakes.com
- Instagram: @chiisai.cakes
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/chiisaicakes/
Image Credits
Robin Mooney Photography
