Meet Cindy O’Shea Managing Director | Marketing Strategist, Business Development, Creator of Joy

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cindy O’Shea Managing Director and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cindy O’Shea, what do you attribute your success to?
Joy! It sounds corny, but it is true. We knew this unique experience would be something that let people escape from their worries for a few hours and bring back some joy. Everything we do is geared to make it a happy experience. It worked. During the pandemic, we were able to continue to operate and get people out on the water, safely and with ease.

Our goal was to have them show up excited about the adventure and leave full of Joy. We have not had any complaints yet.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe in always learning new things. I am a lifelong learner. I am a bit of a risk taker but not extreme. There are many times I have started something new and thought why? It could be so much easier to stay the course and be comfortable. But, it’s more work to stay static.

After college, I started as a flight attendant and quickly knew I had to keep myself growing with side jobs or opportunities where I would learn. I worked for Unilever calling on doctors, I wanted to learn more about my iMac and went to work for Apple Retail and opened one of their first retail stores, Switched it up, and moved to NYC to work for one of the German manufacturers of music software we sold.

Then, reinvented again, and became the Marketing Leader for Whole Foods Market opening new stores in Orange County. I have worked in so many industries I had no knowledge or experience. It always seemed to lead me to the next opportunity.

I started my own marketing and business development business, MindShift Management and Marketing, and that inspired me to find my own clients.

I have a saying that I do not go looking for opportunities, they find me. I have to be open to receiving them!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Many Arizonians beat the heat here in SoCal. Many of our customers are repeat customers from Phoenix and Scottsdale.

They often ask for recommendations while on the tiki. The captains are great with referrals since they know the harbor and restaurants so well. I always encourage our guests to get sushi next door to us at Buddha’s Favorite. It is a Newport Beach must try.

Along with other restaurants within walking distance from us are Blue Water Grill, and Sabatino’s ( a long-time Italian family place). The Deck is a beautiful spot on the water. And, Arc is a small but amazing restaurant on a quiet street 4 blocks from the tiki dock.

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?
For this business the owner, Michael Donoghue! He gave me complete freedom to build this business as I had envisioned. I met him after I chased the tiki because I was so excited. He knew I saw the opportunity and had the same passion just as he did when he bought the tikis.

I had no experience in the marine business, yet he still trusted me. We had many challenges that we navigated. but we had fun working together with perseverance, creativity, and, yes a lot of Joy!

Now, we are profitable, growing, and known for having amazing customer service. We are bringing to life our vision of spreading joy!

Website: www.cruisintikisnewport.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cruisintikisnewportbeach/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CruisinTikisNewport

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cruisin-tikis-newport-beach-newport-beach

Other: Tripadvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32780-d15184710-Reviews-Cruisin_Tikis_Newport_Beach-Newport_Beach_California.html