This Women’s History Month, U.S. Bank connected with Marcella Di Michieli, owner of San Diego Bike & Kayak Tours
On any given morning, you’ll find a familiar scene along La Jolla Shores in San Diego: the sun rising over the cliffs, the sound of waves gathering on the sand and a team of brightly suited guides carrying kayaks toward the water. At the center of it all is Marcella Di Michieli, owner of San Diego Bike & Kayak Tours, one of the city’s longest‑running coastal adventure companies.
Di Michieli didn’t begin her journey as a business owner but as a local college student who loved the ocean — and believed others deserved a chance to experience it up close, too, she said.
“I initially wanted to be a newscaster, but after attending university in San Diego I realized outdoor adventure was my true passion. It’s incredible to share that joy with locals and visitors alike,” Di Michieli said. “U.S. Bank has been a special part of our journey, helping my husband and me every step of the way, from the very early days of our business to, most recently, purchasing our building in La Jolla Shores.”
A hands‑on leader with a deep connection to the coast and community
With more than two decades of facilitating outdoor experiences, San Diego Bike & Kayak Tours now has 60 employees and partners with a nonprofit to host a summer camp for traditionally underserved youth, giving them the chance to explore the natural world up close. The business operates two locations: La Jolla Shores, known for its popular kayak tours, and Coronado Island, where bike tours take center stage.
“It means a lot to me to help business owners pursue their financial dreams, and in my experience, female entrepreneurs are incredible,” Virginia Kaseberg of U.S. Bank, who is part of Di Michieli’s banking team. “They lift others up with them when they’re successful, and the example they set inspires future generations.”
Weathering challenges with resilience and heart
As the daughter of entrepreneurs, Di Michieli said she grew up surrounded by hard work, something she carries into her own business every day.
“Honestly, I didn’t know exactly what I was getting myself into,” she said with a laugh. “But I knew I excel at working hard. I guess you could say I was banking on my own abilities.”
Operating an outdoor recreation company means adapting to shifting seasonal conditions and unexpected challenges, and making personal sacrifices.
“My husband and I lived in one of our early shops for a few years so we could save enough money to afford both a home and a business,” Di Michieli said. “Those were challenging times, but we often look back and reflect on how far we’ve come.”
Despite the hardships, Di Michieli said she remains grateful.
“My favorite part of what we do is helping people to create lasting, meaningful memories,” she said. “Guests come to the beach looking for a fun activity, but they leave with so much more — a story they’ll enjoy telling for the rest of their lives.”
For more about San Diego Bike and Kayak Tours, watch the video linked above.
Disclosures
Equal Housing Lender