Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gloria Hebert. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Gloria , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Unfortunately, I don’t have a cookie-cutter history. I spent part of my childhood in a foster home and faced neglect, but I’ve come to realize that my past doesn’t define me—it has shaped my growth and resilience. Over the past year, I’ve noticed my strengths growing even more.
Becoming a mother was transformative. It showed me that my childhood trauma isn’t the only factor shaping who I am. Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship has been incredibly challenging, but it’s also taught me perseverance.
For instance, I had my first daughter while completing my bachelor’s degree, my second while pursuing my MBA, and now I have a third daughter while running my business. As mothers, we already navigate the intense demands of caring for a newborn—but add school, deadlines, and finals on top of that, and the challenge multiplies. I vividly remember studying for my MBA finals while caring for my baby and feeling like giving up—but I didn’t. I pushed through, and I’m proud of the resilience and determination that got me there.
The next part of the interview is where we’d love to learn more about you, your story and what you are focused on professionally – whether it’s a business, nonprofit, artistic career etc. Please tell our readers about what you do, what you feel is most exciting or special about it, as well as anything else you’d like folks to know about your brand/art/etc. If relevant, please also tell our readers about anything new (events, product/service launches, expansion, etc)
I believe in doing good and helping those in need, which is why I dedicate time to nonprofit work. I co-founded the Vedic Vibes Foundation with my close friend, Sarah Kuruvilla. Our mission is to uplift underserved communities, with a special focus on foster youth through our partnership with A Greater Me. We also extend support to shelters and veterans, creating spaces of healing, growth, and community. This work is deeply personal to me—having been a foster youth myself, I understand firsthand what it feels like to lack resources or not have a voice to ask for help. My mission is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of foster youth and others in need, and being part of this foundation allows me to give back in a way that is both healing and impactful.
In addition to my nonprofit work, I am the founder of Aybear Services, a company that provides bookkeeping and fractional financial controller services. My professional focus is on helping small businesses and nonprofits strengthen their financial foundations so they can grow sustainably. What excites me most is seeing the transformation that happens when an organization gains clarity and confidence around their finances—it’s like giving them the tools to dream bigger and achieve more.
Currently, I’m working on expanding my work: growing Aybear Services to offer higher-level financial guidance for businesses earning over 1 million in yearly revenue ready to scale. My hope is that through both avenues, I can continue creating change—whether that’s helping a young person feel empowered or a business owner feel in control of their future.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are resilience, empathy, and discipline.
Resilience has been everything for me. Growing up as a foster youth and then navigating motherhood while pursuing my education and building a business taught me how to keep going even when things felt impossible. There were moments I wanted to give up, but resilience pushed me forward.
Empathy has also been key. My experiences help me understand and connect with others, especially young people facing challenges. It’s what drives my work with foster youth—it’s not just about programs, it’s about really seeing them and giving them a voice.
Finally, discipline and time management have been crucial. Balancing school, raising children, and professional responsibilities forced me to prioritize, stay organized, and focus on what truly matters.
For anyone early in their journey, my advice is simple: don’t be afraid of setbacks—they’re part of growth. Celebrate the small wins. Practice empathy by really listening to others and stepping into their world. And develop routines and habits that support your goals—small steps over time build discipline that can carry you through anything.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
This is a difficult question to answer, but I love it! I’m a total book nerd, and several books have had a profound impact on my personal and professional growth.
In the area of financial literacy, Budgeting 101, The Small Book of Investing by John C. Bogle, and The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel taught me how to manage resources wisely, think strategically about money, and build long-term security—lessons that have been essential as a mother and entrepreneur.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle reminded me to stay present and not let the past or future steal my peace. Practicing mindfulness has helped me navigate challenges without feeling overwhelmed.
What You Are Looking For Is in the Library inspired me to seek wisdom intentionally, reinforcing that answers are often available if we’re patient and willing to look for them.
And my favorite, The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, really resonated with me because it explores trauma, regret, and the will to live. It reminded me that even in life’s heaviest moments, we have the power to make choices that bring meaning and joy.
Together, these books have strengthened my resilience, self-awareness, and determination to grow and live intentionally.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aybear_services/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloria-hebert?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
- Other: Email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Logo: Claudine Nalzaro
Main Picture: VMphtography_llc
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
