Meet Michael Castillo | Business Owner & Mentor

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

Hi Michael, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
Michael Castillo, a So Cal native who’s lived a life full of adventure and challenges. With a father that was in the Navy and a mother that was a nurse, Michael grew up in a traditional Filipino family – but life wasn’t always easy. His dad was always away at sea, while his mom worked night shifts to be able to take him and his 2 older sisters to school.

At just 10 years old, Michael’s life took a major turn when his family migrated to the Philippines. It was a culture shock, and he struggled to adjust to his new surroundings. But after 6 months of being there, Michael was able to pick up the language and make new friends. Living in the Philippines gave him a unique perspective on life, and he grew to love his new home.

However, life had more surprises in store for Michael. When he was 19, he moved back to San Diego after earning a BS in Pharmacology. Unfortunately, his family faced some difficult times and ended up splitting up while he was a teenager. But from this painful experience, Michael realized the power of family and power of proximity with your loved ones. Despite not using his degree, Michael knew he wanted to choose a career that allowed him to be close to his family due to his experience.

That realization propelled him to become an entrepreneur, and Michael now runs his own successful businesses. His journey shows us that even the most challenging experiences can become our greatest blessings.

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?
I remember when I first graduated college and moved back to San Diego. I was sleeping on my sister’s couch in a cramped two-bedroom apartment in La Jolla with just a few hundred bucks in my pocket. That’s when my sister referred me to Pacifica Breeze Cafe in Del Mar, where I worked for three years making minimum wage plus tips. I was highly educated but grossly underpaid.

Then, something incredible happened. I was invited to meet with a VP of a company who introduced me to the world of network marketing. It was the first time I started making a little extra money on top of my job, and I knew that with enough savings, I could eventually go full-time as an entrepreneur. But life had other plans for me.

I was unexpectedly let go from my job with only three months of income saved up. It was a daunting situation, but then I remembered a story I had read in “Think and Grow Rich.” It was about a great warrior who faced a powerful foe on the battlefield. To ensure his success, he burned his ships so that there was no way of retreat. The warrior told his soldiers, “We now have no choice—we win or we perish!” That’s when I realized that being let go from my job was a sign from God to go all-in and burn my ships, with no way of retreating.

And so, I became a full-time entrepreneur. It was a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. There were times where I was practically homeless, sleeping on couches, floors, and even my car. I ran out of money in my early 20s and had to live off credit cards, going tens of thousands of dollars in debt because I refused to get a job. But something in me knew it would eventually pay off.

I experienced my first big breakthrough in business made my first 6 figures in my early 20’s to having to rebuild my business from scratch. I went from having nothing to buying jewelry and cars, realizing I needed to be smarter with the money I made. I learned the hard way that I needed to be on top of my business taxes, or the government would take my hard-earned money.

I experienced deaths in my circle, heartbreaks, breakups, and betrayal. I made mistakes with good intentions, realizing that intentions don’t carry as much weight as we think. I felt the pressure of the spotlight, having to perform regardless of what was going on in my personal life. I offered potential clients and business partners coffee or meals, even though I barely had enough money to eat myself.

I prayed on my hands and knees, thanking God for everything I had, even when times were tough. I missed important events, like family gatherings, and sometimes just wanted to sail off into the sunset and disconnect from the world. But no matter how I was feeling, I showed up every day.

I was 30 days a way from another major breakthrough in my business and the world just stopped because of a pandemic. 2020 was a tumultuous year for everyone, including entrepreneurs. As the pandemic forced businesses to close their doors, many entrepreneurs were left wondering how they could adapt and stay afloat. For me, it was no different. But instead of giving up, I knew I had to pivot and pivot fast. That’s when I took a leap of faith and started a handful of new businesses. And you know what? They took off! Suddenly, I was able to narrow my focus and channel all my energy into these new ventures. It was a thrilling and scary experience all at once, but I knew I had to take the chance. And boy, am I glad I did!

I learned a big lesson along the way. You have to have a high failure tolerance and risk tolerance to reach heights most people would never reach. Failure is not a bad thing; it’s part of the journey to success.

My girlfriend and I started an Interior Design Company/Brand. I now mentor people how to make money online and how to work from home.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would start by hitting up downtown and exploring the bustling energy and night life of the city. We’d head over to a Padres game to catch a glimpse of some high-quality sports action. We would hike through the breathtaking trails of Torrey Pines, taking in the scenic views along the way.

But our adventure wouldn’t end there. We would venture over to Sunset Cliffs to witness the jaw-dropping beauty of the sunset. From there, we’d hit up either North park or South Park for some drinks, depending on our mood. If we’re feeling hungry, we’ll stop by OG Robertos on Miramar Rd or Kikos taco truck for some finger-licking-good fish tacos.

Of course, we can’t miss out on the half carne asada half carnitas fries at Humbertos on 25th and Broadway – it’s a local favorite! Then we’d also head over to Convoy to savor all the amazing Asian cuisine that San Diego has to offer.

We’ll make a stop at OB to relax and unwind with some sunset beers, and then hit up the surf at either La Jolla or Carlsbad for a quintessential San Diego experience in the morning. Finally, we’ll cross the iconic Coronado Island bridge for the perfect end to our adventure.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am thrilled to give a shoutout to some of the most important people in my life. First and foremost, my family – although there are too many members to name each one individually (I love you all!), I am eternally grateful for your love and support.

To my amazing friends and mentors, thank you for always being there for me, guiding me through life’s ups and downs, and inspiring me to be the best version of myself.

And of course, a special shoutout to my girlfriend, who brings so much joy and happiness to my life. I am incredibly lucky to have you by my side.

Last but not least, I want to send a shoutout to all my nieces and nephews. Watching you grow up and seeing the incredible human beings you’re becoming brings me so much joy and pride. I hope my life inspires you to pursue your purpose.

Website: mjsinteriorandgarden.com

Instagram: @mic_check

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelcastillomindset