We had the good fortune of connecting with Rica Tan and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Rica, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I do not believe in work life balance anymore. yes, you heard it right. Hear me out…I had a discussion with a dear friend who made me realize that balance in life is a myth. If balance is about static, then we are all screwed. I have 3 businesses that I need to work on every single day; in an unlikely event, I will have to work 24/7. In the meantime, I still need to do my chores and spend time with my friends, and family. All I can say is, if you do your best in everyday life eventually you will find your own way of living. Struggles will always be there. Sometimes we may not like what we do, sometimes we do love the things we do. Perhaps we can start by trying to do more things that bring you joy while you do life.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
With over 17 years of singing, writing, teaching music, playing and producing; I can say that it all started from my love for music, and people. My first entertainment company was 14 years ago. It was good but let’s just say, it wasn’t with the right partner at a time. I spent most of my 20s doing concerts, open mic, and playing at weddings. Music is all I know at a time. I decided to start my own entertainment company; “Etude entertainment” in 2013 serving Atlanta GA and beyond. With the help of my husband, musician friends, our wonderful team, and vendors; we are where we are today. And in 2010, together with my amazing partner; Andre Adriawan; we started “Luminous by Etude” that serves Southern California and beyond; To me, life is about relationships; We all need human connection. To be able to share love despite our differences, share our passion despite our background. My passion for relationships and music grow bigger as I walk into new things in my life. After I got married about 10 ys ago, I found my other passion; which is ‘food’. My husband and I are foodies. I cook a lot of different stuff at home 🙂 Since I work mostly from home. One fine night, there we were; my husband, my sister and her husband. We talked about food on a dinner table while eating cheese and drinking wine. Lots of wine shall we say. Then, we had this idea, why not open a place to eat for others that fits our ideal place to eat. Simple and boring conversations became somewhat serious, and over the past 3 years.. We think hard, work hard, save money, and pray hard to make this dream into reality. Little did we know, when my sister & her husband moved to Las Vegas they opened the way for our dreams. We opened Ono sushi in Eastern Las Vegas in April 2018. As long as we live, we will continue to face challenges. The only way to face those challenges is; learn and practice these words: “Resilient, courage, determination and discipline” If there is a lesson we learned from opening businesses; is this; Staying the same is an early sign of a failure. We need to evolve as a person and as a business. Last but not least, I think it is important to have a support system in wherever you are in life. If I can say anything about my story is; All things are possible. If you can dream it, make plans, goals, save your money, DO it. Do the things you love! Trust you can do it and learn. Learn as much as possible. Listen to podcasts, read valuable books, have coffee with someone you look up to and learn from them. I really hope my story can inspire you who take time to read this article.
*Ono sushi has won Best Sushi of Las Vegas 2019 and Top 14 AYCE Sushi EaterLV “Etude Entertainment has won “The Knot Best of 2019-2020 Weddings”, “Wedding Wire’s Couple’s Choice Award 2018 and 2020” and has been featured on Associated Content from Yahoo!, VoyageATL, California Wedding Day Magazine, White Magazine, Hooray Magazine and Munaluchi Bride Magazine “
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?
I live in a suburb of Atlanta GA. But, I travel to Las vegas and LA a lot. So, if you ever in Atlanta; you have to go to Ponce City Market and take a walk in Beltline (it’s the same neighborhood), You can find so many great food at the market! Also, don’t forget to take trip to Lake Lanier Island up in the north GA and check out my fave Winery “Montaluce winery”! If you ever in Las Vegas and love GOOD FOOD esp. sushi; you should check out our restaurant… It’s called “Ono Sushi” it’s All You Can Eat Sushi Restaurant. Great price and great food! Check our IG @ono_sushi
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?
I believe we all have that people or someone who we look up to and learn from in life I would say, My husband deserves a credit for where I am in life. He is such an inspiration for me personally and professionally. Without him, I wouldn’t be where I am. My parents, sisters and my bro in law had influenced me in my journey as a person and business owner. There is also friends who always encouraging me in every step of the way. So many names to write. Each and everyone of them contribute to the richness of my life and work.
Website: www.etudeentertainment.com
Instagram: @ricatan @etudeentertainment @ono_sushi
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rica-tan-176a8476/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJBbaTERCDaHCVxDHwt79ow
Other: Ono sushi www.ono-sushi.com IG : @ono_sushi FB : OnosushiVegas Luminous by Etude IG : @luminousbyetude FB: LuminousbyEtude
Image Credits
Amy Arrington Photography Lovestories co Happy everything co Enmuse Photography and Vierrzehn Photography