Meet Nury Espinoza

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nury Espinoza a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nury, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.

My family did not have much growing up. Both of my parents worked hard, my dad in shipping and receiving, and my mom as a drapery seamstress. When they were laid off, I saw them turn to the welfare system or borrow from family when necessary. Yet, each time they found work again, they immediately got off welfare and repaid what they owed.

A few years later, my dad injured his back. Through a workers’ compensation program, he had the opportunity to study and become a paralegal. He went on to be self-employed for 12 years before he passed away. Even during difficult times, my parents never stopped giving. No matter how little we had, they always found a way to donate or help those in need. As my dad built his business, he also took on pro bono cases whenever he could.

Their example taught me that true success isn’t measured by wealth, but by integrity, compassion, and the willingness to lift others up, even when you’re struggling yourself.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My interest in accounting grew even stronger when my brother, who was closest in age to me, joined the Navy. He left me in charge of managing his checks, making sure his bank card and calling card always had enough funds. That experience taught me how to be responsible with money. At just seven years old, I opened my first savings account at Security Pacific Bank, where I deposited the money I earned from recycling.

After I graduated from high school, my dad encouraged me to become a tax preparer and notary public so I could help him with his clients. That’s when my passion for bookkeeping and taxes truly took root—bookkeeping thanks to my brother, and taxes thanks to my dad. I loved helping people catch up on several years of taxes, allowing them to show they were responsible citizens and to feel a renewed sense of pride.

Math became something I genuinely enjoyed, and I took pride in watching my parents finally live their version of the American Dream. With their entrepreneurial business, they were both self-employed, able to make their own hours, and, best of all, they no longer had to miss any of my events.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities and areas of knowledge that were most impactful in shaping me into a caring and knowledgeable accounting business owner are: first, understanding firsthand why solid accounting and budgeting are essential in both personal and business life; second, the empathy and integrity I learned from my parents, which guide me to treat every client’s finances with honesty and compassion; and third, the discipline and commitment to lifelong learning that began when I managed my brother’s accounts as a child and continue to drive me as a professional today. For those early in their journey, my best advice is to start small, stay curious, and stay grounded in your values.
To build financial awareness: Start managing your own money early, no matter how little you have. Create a simple budget, track your expenses, and set savings goals. The habits you build now, like being organized, reviewing your statements, or saving from each paycheck , will translate directly into how you handle business finances later.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

I believe it’s better to be well-rounded, especially when running a business that serves clients from all walks of life. While it’s important to know your strengths, I’ve found that being open to learning and growing in areas where I’m less confident allows me to connect with people more deeply and meet their unique needs.

In my accounting business, I work with clients of all different ages, backgrounds, and financial situations. Some are just starting out, while others have built their businesses over decades. Being well-rounded helps me adapt to each client’s communication style, financial goals, and comfort level with money. For example, I’ve had elderly clients who value personal, patient conversations about their taxes, and young entrepreneurs who want guidance on digital tools and budgeting apps. By developing skills beyond just numbers , like listening, empathy, and clear communication, I’m able to build trust with both.

My upbringing also taught me this lesson. Growing up in a hardworking family that faced financial challenges, I learned early on that success takes a mix of skills, practical, emotional, and ethical. Being well-rounded allows me to serve others not just as their accountant, but as a trusted advisor who genuinely cares about their success and peace of mind.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sites.google.com/accountingbreeze.com/accountingbreeze
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accountingbreeze/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/accountingbreeze
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6648815/admin/dashboard/

Image Credits

my own