Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cesar Vallin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Cesar , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Over the years, my perspective on confidence and self-esteem has evolved. I once thought confidence was about surrounding myself around popular people or having the monetary possessions. However, I discovered that low confidence stems from a lack of competence, and my self-esteem/worth struggles arose from past childhood traumas and poor choices like drinking and substance abuse. Growing up, some teachers suggested I needed special education. Admittedly, my childhood struggles made me less than an ideal student, silencing my voice and filling me with anger. I often masked my insecurities by trying to project a facade of strength.
But in the past decade, I’ve dedicated myself to lifelong learning, particularly in areas I once deemed beyond my reach. Immersing myself in business and health has not only sharpened my skills but also bolstered my confidence. At 43, my health is at its peak, thanks to my deep dive into nutrition, fitness, and personal growth. This foundation has become the cornerstone of my renewed self-esteem.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m Cesar Vallin, a 43-year-old San Diego native. I’m blessed to have married my soulmate, Denise, and have become a proud stepfather to two wonderful children. Our family is completed with a cat and a dog.
With over 25 years in the hospitality scene, I currently serve as the managing partner of Cloak and Petal in Little Italy. Additionally, I hold a partnership at Whomp Burger in Ocean Beach. Outside of the food industry, I own and operate AIRBNB rental properties with my beautiful sister, host a podcast named “Ironminds” with 20+ episodes and am launching a new series, “The Ready for All Show,” spotlighting entrepreneurship, holistic health, and spirituality—available across all major streaming platforms.
My proudest endeavor, Cloak and Petal, opened its doors in December 2017. Over the past six years, it’s earned its reputation as one of the most distinctive dining spots, thanks to our two centerpiece cherry blossom trees, ’90s hip-hop ambiance, artistic flair, and unparalleled sushi creations. This unique blend has cultivated a devoted clientele.
We’ve recently expanded with a fresh addition: Shibuya Nights, a second bar within the establishment. Inspired by the vibrant streets of Shibuya and Harajuku in Tokyo, this space is both a waiting area and a portal to a Tokyo nighttime experience. Guests can order from the Cloak and Petal menu, but the real draw is our exclusive range of Japanese whiskies and a secret menu reserved solely for Shibuya Nights Bar. Our vision? Let diners experience Tokyo’s daylight upon entering Cloak and Petal and its nightlife as they step into the Shibuya Nights section. We host happy hours at the front bar and dining room from Monday to Friday excluding major holidays, while Shibuya Nights features all-night specials on Mondays and Thursdays, starting 6:30 pm until closing.
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?
I’ve realized that mastery is about consistency, not just talent. Being the best is moot if you’re not profitable. I often hear, “I could’ve done it better” or “You should’ve approached it this way.” Yet, most feedback comes from those who haven’t walked in your shoes. The best products don’t always equate to the most successful ventures; resilience is key. Many launch businesses only to bow out within a year. This journey is a marathon, not a sprint. You must brace for setbacks and rise after each fall. Instead of being fixated on the end goal, sometimes it’s about making it to the next sunrise. This might be your rhythm for months, or even a year, but persistence pays off. It’s invaluable to surround yourself with those who challenge you with genuine feedback. Step back, focus on scaling your business, not just running its daily operations. Understanding every facet of your company fosters empathy for your team’s challenges. Often, we set unrealistic timelines. Business is inherently challenging, juggling myriad personalities within your team and amongst your clientele. It’s essential to sift through feedback, absorbing the useful and shedding the rest, forging a robust work culture in the process. Leadership isn’t for the faint-hearted; decisions can be consequential. Critiques will come your way, but remember the ‘why’ of your journey. Sometimes, a misstep teaches you more than a win.
One of our team’s crowning achievements is mastering labor and cost management. Master this, and you can weather any storm, provided there’s footfall in your business. Without a consistent product or solution to a tangible problem, you offer nothing.
In essence, the three foundational skills are: mental resilience to withstand daily challenges, unwavering consistency in product and team management, and honed skills in labor and cost oversight.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Embracing challenges, both physical and mental, has always been at the forefront of my life philosophy. I routinely push my boundaries, from morning and evening cold plunges to enduring ultramarathons, ironminds, and weightlifting sessions. On a spiritual level, ayahuasca has been a profound inward journey, allowing me to confront and heal past traumas. This ensures I don’t inadvertently project my pain onto others. Moreover, I invest time in programs and seminars centered on emotional intelligence and personal growth. Nurturing relationships, starting with self, is paramount. I’ve realized that a harmonious relationship with oneself lays the foundation for a fulfilling family life. If that balance is off, it resonates in personal and professional atmospheres, ultimately affecting business outcomes.
Contact Info:
- Website: cloakandpetal.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/cloakandpetal?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
