Community Highlights: Meet Esmeralda Gonzalez of Milo & Mimi Travel. Balanced Ledger Accounting

Today we’d like to introduce you to Esmeralda Gonzalez.

Hi Esmeralda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Esmeralda Gonzalez, but I go by Esme. I am a multi-passionate Mompreneur, driven by a love for creativity and independence. My entrepreneurial journey began in 2014 when I took on the Accounting for our family-owned business. I loved the freedom it gave me, and I promised myself that I would never go back to a 9-5.

Since then, my journey has been diverse and fulfilling. I launched my own accounting agency, where I help small business manage their finances. I also became a licensed Realtor in Arizona, helping people buy and sell homes.

In addition I embarked on a special passion project close to my heart – Milo & Mimi Travel.

I love to travel! Over the years, I’ve owned countless numbers of luggages and travel bags, yet I could never seem to find the perfect set that met all my needs. There was always something missing—a pocket here, a compartment there—that would have made my travel experiences more convenient and enjoyable.

One trip in particular stands out in my memory. I had just returned home, and as I unpacked, I remembered the frustration of spilling my drink because my bag didn’t have a dedicated pocket to hold it This small inconvenience sparked a bigger idea. During a morning walk, I decided I was going to design my own travel bag.

I decided on the name Milo & Mimi in honor of my abuelitos. Combining their names was a way to honor their memory and bring a piece of them along on every adventure. Milo & Mimi Travel became my passion project, blending two of my greatest loves: my abuelitos and traveling.

Balancing multiple passions and roles, I continue to thrive as an entrepreneur. My journey is a testament to the power of following one’s passions and embracing the freedom that comes with being your own boss.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road! There have been many challenges along the way. In the beginning I had to learn to balance my responsibilities as a mom and an entrepreneur. At the time, I was managing everything on my own so there were long hours and many late nights trying to get everything done.

Getting my AZ Realtor license was another hurdle. It required a lot of studying and preparation, all while managing my existing business and family life. And with Milo & Mimi Travel, there were countless design and production challenges before I finally created the travel bag I loved.

It doesn’t mean the road is smooth now. I still bump into new challenges like managing a team, losing clients, and more. But every day, we live and we learn. Despite these struggles, each challenge taught me something valuable and helped me grow both personally and professionally. These experiences make the successes even more rewarding.

We’ve been impressed with Milo & Mimi Travel. Balanced Ledger Accounting, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Milo & Mimi Travel – Dedicated to designing functional yet fashionable travel pieces

Balanced Ledger Accounting – We offer a full line of services including Tax Preparation, Small Business Bookkeeping, Payroll, and more. Our mission is to help entrepreneurs turn their passion into a successful business.

What matters most to you? Why?
Time. It is something you can never get back. I want to make sure I spend mine doing what I love. Owning my own businesses has been incredibly fulfilling and allows me to spend more time with my family and enjoy my passion for traveling.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.miloandmimi.com, www.balancedledger.com
• Instagram: itsesme.g, miloandmimitravel

Image Credits
Lucero Rivero – LR Media Marikaphotography