Meet Leslie Gonzalez

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

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Leslie with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I come from a long line of hardworking agricultural workers. From an early age, I was taught the value of hard work and the importance of entrepreneurship. Growing up in Mexico, I understood the sacrifices my parents made to come to the United States in pursuit of a dream. This meant that in order for that dream to come true, we all had a role to play to succeed. As children, we were taught to work, whether it was in the fields with the bees alongside my dad or at home with mom, never forgetting what it takes to achieve our goals.

As an adult, I quickly realized that self-employment was the only path for me. I opened my first business as an esthetician at 18, embodying the lessons my parents instilled in me about hard work and human connection. Seven years later, I sold that business and opened House of Honey earlier this year.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

House of Honey is such a special project because it allows me to build on a foundation that has been passed down through generations. From my maternal grandfather in Mexico, who tended to bees, to my father, who has built an incredibly successful and respected beekeeping business in the United States, I have been inspired by their dedication and passion.

I am thrilled to have my own branch of the honey industry and to share our product with the community. At House of Honey, we offer local, raw, and unfiltered honey, and we also experiment with incorporating it into coffee and food. This unique approach not only highlights the versatility of honey but also allows us to create exciting new experiences for our customers.

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 believe three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: perseverance, hard work, and being proud of the product and experience I offer.

Perseverance has been crucial, especially when navigating through unknown terrain. There were many challenges along the way, and maintaining the drive to keep going, even when the path wasn’t clear, was essential.

Hard work—both physically and mentally—has also played a significant role. I’ve put in countless hours building, cleaning, and rolling up my sleeves to get things done. Mentally, creating a concept that I’m passionate about required dedication and focus.

Lastly, being proud of the product and experience I offer has been incredibly rewarding. It’s important to believe in and take pride in what you’re providing to your customers, as this pride drives the quality and authenticity of your work.

For those who are early in their journey, my advice is to embrace these qualities. Stay persistent through challenges, put in the hard work necessary to achieve your goals, and always strive to offer something you’re truly proud of. Additionally, surround yourself with a wonderful team that you can look up to and who will be there for you emotionally when the hard work has exhausted you. This combination will help you build a strong foundation and drive success in your endeavors.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

Push me to believe that the most rewarding experiences come from the hardest work, and never to be afraid of the challenges that lie ahead. Embrace fearlessness in pursuing your dreams and let that courage drive you forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://houseofhoneyaz.com
• Instagram: houseofhoneycoffee

Image Credits

Ammy Gamez,
Luxuncut