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

Hi Yuri, how do you think about risk?
I truly believe that the life you live depends on the choices you make (or don’t make). Almost every decision you make in life has a risk to it, and it will teach you a lesson, it may be a lesson of success or failure, but either way, you will for sure come out of it stronger, braver and more alive. What a boring life it would be if you decided to stay at the same place forever. I am definetely a risk taker. I love the idea of walking a new path that will maybe take me further or set me back, who knows, but I sure try to enjoy the ride and learn the lesson. Life is about leaving fear behind and moving forward no matter what. One thing to keep in mind is that you don’t acheive your dreams by playing it safe.

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?
Working with children has always been my passion. I always wanted to create my own Montessori environment and after many challenges, many doors closed and many risks taken I was finally able to see this place come to life. It has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. However, I would do it all over again without hesitating for a second. Montessori World is a licensed childcare located in Rancho del Rey, Chula Vista that offers a complete bilingual Montessori program where children receive a fun preschool learning experience in a fun, safe and loving environment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
San Diego is such a beautiful city with so much to offer. My favorite spots are: -Liberty Station is one of my favorite spots in San Diego, with lots of local vendors and great restaurants, a very fun place to eat is “Corvette Diner” they have great burgers and a very fun area for kids, also my favorite restaurant there is “Buona Forchetta” that also has a location in South Park which I absolutely love! -Seaport Village: I love to go for walks there, visit the shops, get some ice cream and take my little boy to the carrousel. One of my favorite restaurants in San Diego is “The Fish Market”, food is great and it has a beautiful view. You can take the ferry ride and spend a wonderful afternoon there. I love Belmont Park in Mission Beach, where you can ride the roller coaster or just visit the beach, ride a bike on the boardwalk. I also love to go to Coronado Island to spend the day, I’l Fornaio Restaurant is a great option if you love Italian food with a great view. Of course Balboa Park is a must if you are visiting the city. Tom Ham’s Lighthouse and Humphreys Restaurant are my favorite brunch spots on Sundays. They both have delicious food and botomless mimosas with a stunning view. Here in Chula Vista we love “Tj Oyster Bar” that has great Mexican Style Sea Food and HolyPaleta has the best handcrafted popsicles in town.

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?
Today this shoutout is for my friends at Growing Minds Montessori. They have been in business way longer than me and are always there for me, giving me great advice. They are the kind of people that know that the sun shines for everybody, especially when you act from a place of kindness, like they do. Also, whenever a potential client walks through their doors and they dont have the space to accomodate them, guess what? They send them over to me! I currently have two kids enrolled that probably would have never found me if it werent for them, and for that I am forever grateful. I mean, who does that? Only people like them that have walked this path of starting up a business and understand how difficult it is to get your name out there in the beginning. So Mayra and Paulina, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for all your support. I wish you nothing but the best! Many more years of success at your beautiful school. And to all the families that chose Montessori World Child Care for their children. Thank you for trusting us with your babies during these past two years. You are literally what brings this place to life or life to this place every single day. I have no words for you, only infinite gratitude. Also I want to give a big shoutout to all of you at Sdvoyager, the job you guys are doing for our community is amazing. You are basically giving a “pat on the back” to every entreprenuer out there saying “Hey, you are doing a good job, keep it up” and that is like a boost of energy for all of us, especially during these difficult times. Never in my wildest dreams I thought I would be asked to be featured in a local magazine, twice! Thank you for giving me the opportunity of sharing my story. Thank you for supporting small businesses. Thank you for recognizing and sharing the hard work of every small business owner out there.

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