OC Moms share the parenting advice they learned from their moms.
We ask prominent OC moms the parenting advice they got from their moms.
Nika Shoemaker Machado opened Georgia’s Restaurant in 2014 at the Anaheim Packing District, bringing some Southern soul food to Orange County. And she couldn’t have done it without her mom.
“Over the last 10 years, I’ve developed a new, deeper relationship with my mother, as she has reacquainted herself with her legacy recipes, and redefined her family history,” said Shoemaker Machado, of Lake Forest.
Now in their fourth Southern California location, at the Irvine Spectrum Center, which opened in August 2024, the mother-daughter co-owners have an even deeper connection.
“As a kid, I appreciated her, she was solidly there for us,” Shoemaker Machado said. “But as an adult and in doing this business and everything else, I’ve watched her own a dining room. I’ve watched her communicate effectively with people. I’ve watched other people fall in love with my mom. And it’s just been absolutely fantastic. My mother is a wonderful, wonderful woman. And she’s been a very good role model for me.”
Gretchen Shoemaker ran a successful catering business with her husband, George, until the early 1990s, when he passed away. Georgia’s Restaurant is named after George, with the addition of a single letter from each of their daughters’ names.
The restaurants are owned and run by Shoemaker Machado, with her husband, Marlon, and “Nana Gretchen,” as she’s now known. The restaurants’ recipes come mostly from Gretchen.
Shoemaker Machado, who has three children — sons, Joseph, 35, Draco, 11, and daughter, Marissa, 32 — said the most important parenting lesson her mom taught her was to communicate.
“The advice from my mom was to always communicate positive or negative in a timely manner. It was the example that she displayed while raising my sisters and I. It really helped us understand where she was coming from,” Shoemaker Machado said. “I believe I have contributed wonderful human beings who are community-oriented and socially positive. I also made sure to give them the space to become who they needed to be. Definitely advice from my mom.”
Shoemaker Machado learned from her mom to let her children be themselves.
“She allowed us to be ourselves, she never wanted us to be stifled,” she said. “She told me never to stifle my kids. That I needed to let them be who they are.” — Jessica Peralta
Read on to find out what parenting advice other local prominent moms received from their own moms.
By Magda Hernandez
Letitia Clark Bell , DPA
City: Tustin
Work: Chief Communications Officer, South Orange County Community College District
Family: Husband, Zach Bell; children, Carin, 17, Theodore, 17, Zavier, 3
Advice from your mom: “My mom always emphasized the importance of making sure your children know they are valued and celebrated. She reminded me that kids thrive when they feel seen, heard and appreciated not just for what they do, but for who they are. That sense of worth is something only a parent can instill in a lasting way.”
How it’s working out: “I do my best to pour love and encouragement into all of my kids. Whether it’s cheering them on at school or simply listening when they talk about their day, I want them to know that their thoughts, feelings and presence matter. It’s not always perfect, but I can see how celebrating the small and big wins and a desire to know how they feel in different moments builds confidence and character.”
What not to do: “My mom showed me that it’s not helpful to compare your children to others. Every child is different, and constantly measuring them against someone else can unintentionally chip away at their self-worth. I’ve learned to celebrate my kids’ individuality and nurture their unique paths.”
Kylie Travis
City: Lake Forest
Work: Executive Director at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens in San Clemente
Family: Husband, Mark; daughter, Zellie, 3, son, Maxon, 6
Advice from your mom: “My mom’s advice was to make sure that you are fulfilled in life as a person, not just a mom, and to make time for the things that bring you joy. She wasn’t just my mom growing up, she was a sister, a wife, a leader and a friend — all of those roles were important to who she was as a person, and it made a big impact on me. Being a mom should be a bonus addition to who you already are, not an exchange for another part of yourself.”
How it’s working out: “Being a mom is amazing but hard! You want to put your kids above everything else, and at times, at the expense of your needs. I have to remind myself of her advice and take time for me. I am a better mom when I am the best version of myself.”
What not to do: “Every day you are learning something not to do! But I would say, to not think that you can be a mom on your own. Lean into your partner and whatever support system you have in your life. My husband is a wonderful partner, and I am grateful for the support of my mom and my mother-in-law, family and friends. Find your community, you will feel supported, and your kids will benefit from that too.”
Courtney Suitor
City: “I grew up in Huntington Beach and moved back here (from Costa Mesa) after having kids to be closer to my family.”
Work: Owner of The Wayfarer in Costa Mesa
Family: Husband, Justin; son, Winston, 12, daughters, Willow, 9, and Winter, 6
Advice from your mom: “My favorite parenting/life advice from my mom is: ‘You can’t pour from an empty cup.’”
How it’s working out: “I found the advice to be super helpful for me in establishing a work/life and parenting/life balance. I make sure to prioritize my time for myself and my time for my kids. Part of filling my cup is seeing live music so to be able to make that a part of my job and kill two birds with one stone helps too.”
What not to do: “I learned that if you don’t make the time to prioritize the things that are important, it’s easier to burn out or start to feel apathetic. Making sure to fill your cup — in whatever individual way speaks to you — allows you to show up as your best self for your kids.”
Agnes Vasquez
City: Whittier
Work: Principal at Arroyo Elementary School in Santa Ana
Family: Husband, Leon; daughter, Luna, 13
Advice from your mom: “My mom has never really sat me down to give parenting advice, but honestly, the way she lived her life taught me everything I needed to know. In 1969, she made the incredibly brave decision to emigrate from the Philippines to Los Angeles so our family could live the American dream and have more opportunities. Growing up, she had this amazing way of being both nurturing and firm at the same time — what I now think of as a ‘warm demander.’ She always made my sister and me feel loved and supported, but she also expected a lot from us in school and at home. She was constantly striving to be her best and succeed professionally as a CPA, and that pushed my sister and me to do the same.
“My mom focused both on our family and her career, but she also instilled in us a deep sense of purpose and service to the community. She didn’t need to say much about how to be a strong mom, but embodied those qualities of courage, hard work, determination and service … and I am forever grateful.”
How it’s working out: “It’s definitely been a journey being a working mom, but when I ask my daughter, Luna, how I’m doing, she says I’m doing amazing, so I must be doing something right. I feel really lucky — I have a beautiful family and I’ve found my passion in education. I get to live out so much of what my mom modeled for me.”
What not to do: “One thing I’ve learned not to do — something I picked up from my mom, even though it came from a good place — is expecting myself to be my absolute best all of the time. My mom held us to a really high standard, and I get why — she worked so hard and wanted us to make the most of every opportunity. But over time, I’ve realized that kind of pressure isn’t always sustainable. Now, I try to be the best version of myself in the moment.”
Johanna Lizardi
City: Fullerton
Work: Detective Sergeant, Special Crimes Unit at Santa Ana Police Department
Family: Husband, Oscar; sons, Devon Goosby, 20, and Miles Lizardi, 5, daughter, Emory Lizardi, 4, step-daughter, Amber Lizardi, 20, step-son, Oscar Lizardi, Jr., 23
Advice from your mom: “The best parenting advice I ever received from my mother came not only from her words but also from the way she lived her life. She taught me that being a good mother involves more than just being physically present for your kids — it means being emotionally and intellectually engaged as well. My mom was the kind of person who listened, asked thoughtful questions and made us feel seen and heard. My mom was the type of mother who could immediately tell if something was bothering me or on my mind. I wouldn’t have to say a word, she just knew.
“Her actions spoke volumes, especially during the most challenging time of her life. When I was a teenager, my mom battled cancer, and with incredible strength, beat it. Even amidst treatment, uncertainty and exhaustion, she supported us with a smile, a sense of humor and an unwavering belief that we could get through anything together. Her resilience and unconditional love taught me that motherhood is about presence, perspective and courage — I carry those lessons with me every day.”
How it’s working out: “Following my mom’s advice, and more importantly her example, has helped me create deep, meaningful relationships with my own children. My oldest is a 20-year-old college student and athlete, and I’ve been actively involved in his life every step of the way. He opens up to me in his most challenging moments, trusts me with his struggles and still turns to me for advice and support. Now, as a mom to two toddlers, that advice means more than ever. It’s taught me not to sweat the small stuff, to let go of the pressure for perfection and to focus on what truly matters. Just like my mom did for me, I’m trying to give my kids the gift of knowing they are seen, heard and loved every day.”
What not to do: “My mom was incredibly strong, but at times, carried the weight of the world on her shoulders and neglected to care for herself. Watching her experience taught me the significance of giving myself grace, setting boundaries and prioritizing my well-being — not just for my own sake but also to be fully present and healthy for my children.”
Candace Tea
City: Santa Ana
Work: Co-Founder of Cali Dumpling in South El Monte and Tea Modern Chinese in Orange
Family: Husband, Allan; daughter, River, 3
Advice from your mom: “It was always to rest when the baby rests. My mom isn’t a big advice giver, but her love language is food. She always comes over to cook or brings a homemade meal and fresh fruits. This has definitely influenced me as a mother myself now, and understanding the importance of what I used to think was a simple gesture.”
How it’s working out: “There’s never enough time to rest! Haha, but it’s going great. I am very fortunate that my schedule is flexible because I get to be present for all the special moments and ‘firsts.’ Motherhood is such a special thing, and I’m grateful I get to watch my daughter experience life.”
What not to do: “I’ve learned that while it’s great to get advice, there’s too many opinions out there of what you should and shouldn’t do. Take it with a grain of salt and do what’s best for you and your family. Don’t sweat the small stuff because time truly is a thief, so endure the hard times and enjoy the great times.”
Christine Cordon
City: Orange
Work: City of Westminster City Manager
Family: Ruben, 7, Vanessa, 11
Advice from your mom: “My mom always tells me to be patient and reminds me to think about how I was as a child when dealing with my own children.”
How it’s working out: “It’s important to remember children can be very impressionable and that patience and understanding are critical to teaching them, as my mom would advise. Like all growing children, sometimes my kids try to test my limits and patience, but in reflecting on my experience as a kid with my parents, I am able to put myself in their shoes and have meaningful and productive talks and outcomes.”
What not to do: “Growing up in an immigrant family, it was difficult for my parents to balance Western and Eastern cultures, which often led to a lack of communication or words of affirmation. Learning from this, I consistently tell my kids how proud I am of them and how much I love them, and we practice open communication to encourage emotional strength and confidence.”
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