Meet Angelica Mendoza of AMQ Bookkeeping Solutions in Orange County

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelica Mendoza.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born in Mexico City. I came to the USA when I was seven years old. Growing up was a bit challenging for a child whose native language was Spanish. At that time, we did not have enough bilingual classes to help us. I grew up with a single mother of four. My mother would work seven days a week from sunrise to sunset to be able to provide food and housing for us. I learned at a young age how to resilient and lead by example for my younger brothers and sisters. I learned what it meant to have a strong work ethic and never to use current circumstances as a barrier to obtaining a bright future.

I remember aspiring to be a police officer or a math professor. At the age of 14 years old, I enrolled into the Anaheim Police explore program. I loved being an Explorer, but I could not continue being an explorer because of my Legal status in the country at the time. I became a mother at a young age of a beautiful girl. At that moment, I knew I had to do everything in my power to secure a future full of possibilities. I continued my High school education and with the help of the Assistant Principal of my high school, I was able to walk on the stage and receive my high school diploma with my daughter in my arms.

Shortly after, I became I single mother myself I would spend countless nights contemplating how I would secure financial security for my daughter and I. I enrolled myself into community college with an undeclared major, but I knew education was my key to financial freedom. Being a single mother presented its challenges. I often would have to miss classes to stay at home due to not having a babysitter. It took me longer than most, but with determination as my driving force, I completed my Associates’s degree, but my goal was to be able to transfer into University. In 2008, I graduated from Cypress College and transferred to CAL State Fullerton where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Accounting Spring 2011.

Earning my Bachelor’s degree was a pivotal point in my life. It was the turning point in my life that gave me the foundation that I can stand firm on today. My plight helped me teach my daughter and my siblings that no matter the obstacles in your way, if you stay true to your mission you will reach your goals. Life has a way to throw some curbs balls at you, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, and how you can still come out of it. I have become part of the UCLA Alumni association for my Master’s degree, Class of 2021.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been easy at all. I had a lot of challenges and obstacles to overcome as a single mother and as a woman. In 2013, I was diagnosed with breast cancer IIIB. My chances of survival were low since cancer had spread into nine lymph nodes. I was devastated and confused, I started treatment and lost my left breast. I was in my late 20’s although I was very optimistic and had a lot of support from family and friends. My life changed in the blink of an eye. I had to re-evaluate my purpose in life. I had massive periods of great depression in which made me doubt if it really was even worth fighting. Seeing my daughter’s eyes full of fear and pain would give me the strength to continue fighting even on my worst days. When I did not have any strength left in me. I fought this battle for two years and although they were not easy, I can honestly say those two years taught me more than the two decades of life I have lived. I learned to be bold, brave, and resilient. I knew I have to be a role model not only for my daughter but also for every woman who has ever questioned their worth.

In the past five years, I have reached out to many women who had recently been diagnosed with cancer, I have shared my struggles and shared my victories. I lifted their spirits and brought hope back into their lives. People tell me today it is getting harder and harder to find hope, I disagree. I think hope is always the seed that is planted in the mud of despair. In 2014 I found hope and faith kept me alive. So today, I have gain more than I have lost, I have accomplished more than I ever thought I would.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the AMQ Bookkeeping Solutions story. Tell us more about the business.
After graduating from Cal State Fullerton, I obtained a job in the corporate sector as a financial controller. I had been a bookkeeper for over seven years and jumping into the Corp world was a bit challenging yet rewarding. I have expanded my knowledge to work with individuals in many different fields. I obtained a Human recourses Certificate and learned more about manufacturing and construction.

In 2016, I decided to start up my own business. AMQ Bookkeeping Solutions is a small woman-owned bookkeeping firm where our mission is to understand our clients’ situation and to provide the highest quality financial and tax services. We do not have a one-size-fits-all solution but offer a tailored approach that takes into account the uniqueness of each organization and individual. I wanted to be my own boss and have a company I can be proud of. We currently service all Orange County, Los Angeles, Inland Empire, Central Coast California, and San Diego.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Definitely, luck and determination have played a meaning full role in my life and business but also, coming from humble beginnings, being a single mother, and overcoming cancer has lead to my success. I look at life from a different lens now. I value each day and the possibilities it brings, which is why I decided to run my own business. I feel a strong purpose to share my story with others to provide hope and encouragement. Struggles don’t define us; they form us to be the best version of ourselves. I am grateful and thankful to all the persons who gave me unconditional support and valuable advice, to my daughter Hazel and my husband Samuel thank you for your patience and constant support and love. I hope my story is able to aspire someone to never give up and keep on fighting.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.amqbookkeepingsolutions.com
• Phone: 714-904-5848
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: amqbookkeepingsolutions

Image Credit:
Vanessa Camarena

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