Ask For Help – Reimagining Hustle with Cara Martinez

[00:00:00] Roxanne: Podcasting from under my blankets. So it’s quiet enough to hear me. This is Reimagining Hustle, a podcast for entrepreneurial parents, creating a life or business and parenthood live peacefully in the same space. I’m your host, Roxanne Merket, a mom of two micro business coach and serial entrepreneur on a journey to prove that. It really is possible to do what you love. Without sacrificing all of your precious time. Let’s do this.

[00:00:37]

[00:00:37] Roxanne: Welcome back to Reimagining Hustle. I can’t wait to chat with my guest today. I have Cara Martinez of Peach Sky Bookkeeping with me. Cara, how are you?

[00:00:48] Cara Martinez: I’m great. Thank you so much for having me. I’m, I’m really excited to be here and I just can’t wait to talk to you. I love your podcast. I love catching up on it the last few weeks.

[00:00:57] Roxanne: You’re so sweet to say so, and I’m thrilled to have you on. This is gonna be really fun. So, Cara I know that you’re a bookkeeper, but I know that there is a lot more to you than just that title. So will you tell us about you, the work that you do, and also your journey to get there?

[00:01:14] Cara Martinez: Yeah. Um, where do I start? I am juggling all the things, just like all the mompreneurs out there. Anyone who’s running a business, working a nine to five, having kids, it’s. It’s a, it’s um, what do they call it? Uh, it’s a marathon, not a race. So that’s kind of how my life feels all the time. Um, so like you said, my name is Cara.

[00:01:35] I’m a mom of two. I have a five and a half year old daughter and a two year old, um, son. I am a wife to my super supportive husband and I have probably never met a beach sunset that I didn’t like, which is where I came up with my bookkeeping business name, which is Peach Sky Bookkeeping. And, um, I’ve been a bookkeeper for about eight years now.

[00:02:02] Um, I actually have a nine to five still as well, and I work at a CPA firm as a bookkeeper. So I’m building my business alongside working a nine to five, being a mom and doing all the things. Um, before I talk about my, my business, a little bit background about me is I was a school counselor prior to becoming a bookkeeper, so completely different

[00:02:26] Sides of the spectrum, but I got a master’s in counseling and it’s something I actually still really use, like in my own business, in my life. Um, so my business kind of came about when I decided I did not want to do school counseling. I went to work at the CPA firm and amount of time now and, you know, COVID hit and like everyone, it kind of just rocked my world.

[00:02:50] Like how I wanted to be spending my time, how I viewed things. I had my second child during Covid August, 2020. I, my daughter was, you know, she turned three during Covid. So it was just a crazy time. And I really started to think like, how do I wanna spend my life? Like, do I wanna spend my life chain to my desk all the time?

[00:03:08] And you know, do I want more flexibility? And my husband had really been pushing me like, you should just start your own thing. You know, you have the skills, like you should just start your own thing. . I thought he was crazy. Like I really thought . I just said, you’re crazy. That’s way too risky. The risk adverse person in me was like, no.

[00:03:28] Like I’m whoa. I cannot do that. You know? But as I started to think about it more, I thought, , you know, I do have these skills and it’s something I enjoy, like let me just try it out and see how it goes. So that was how Peach Sky Bookkeeping was born. I started it in um, 2022 and it’s growing really fast right now, which is really, really exciting.

[00:03:49] And I’m. . Um, it’s just really exciting and I can’t believe it’s happening sometimes because you’re kind of putting in all this work all the time and then finally you start to see your, your fruits of your labor, you know? Um, so a little bit more about my business is we provide bookkeeping done for you bookkeeping for service providers, so it could be solopreneur.

[00:04:12] And we provide these services virtually all over the us. So when clients first come to us more times than not, they’re feeling overwhelmed. They’re feeling stressed. They’re downright dreading bookkeeping. So much so that they, they’ve ignored it and they haven’t done their books or they’re behind in their taxes.

[00:04:31] And so this is where we come in and we get their books cleaned up. We get them having, you know, clean and organized financials every month. And my goal with my clients is really for them to feel financially empowered and confident so that they can make those business decisions and that they can go into tax time being stress free.

[00:04:52] And you know, I know. Bookkeeping is not everyone’s zone of genius, but it is mine. And so that’s where I think, you know, a book, hiring a Bookkeeper is super helpful because we can take that task off your plate and you don’t have to worry about it, you know? Um, so yeah, that’s a little bit about me and I think something that sets me apart you know from other bookkeepers, is that because I have that counseling background, I really try to provide a safe space for my clients to discuss these things because like we kind of mentioned and spoke about before the call was that finances and money, it’s such a sensitive topic and a lot of the times when clients come to me and I’m looking at their numbers, it’s never just about the numbers.

[00:05:39] It leads into conversations about other things. And so making sure , I assure my clients like, Hey, you aren’t alone in these feelings. I just had a conversation 20 minutes ago where someone was saying the same thing and just providing that space for them and kind of dealing with that money mindset as well is something I really, that’s like one of the first steps I do when I first start working with a client.

[00:06:02] So I think it’s really important.

[00:06:03] Roxanne: It’s such an interesting juxtaposition, those worlds of coming from being a school counselor to now being a bookkeeper. I feel like I, I am, I’m a little bit biased in this, but I genuinely feel like everybody that you work with in your business, I wish that they would have some sort of counseling, mental health, something background, because it changes everything.

[00:06:26] It really does. I mean, the. Like you talked about, you know, the money mindset. We talk about, you know, mindsets around your time, and we talk here on the podcast, we talk about it just around the hustle culture, right? I feel like such a, there’s such an important need to remember that your mental health is key, but also your mindset is key and those two things we talk about separately so often. I love that you just brought those in together and said, Hey, we’re gonna talk, you know, we’re gonna come from a counseling background, we’re gonna talk mindset, we’re gonna talk bookkeeping all at once. What a great gift you’re providing to your clients.

[00:07:02] So, Cara I wanna know. I mean, you’re doing a lot, you’re doing so much. It just, you know, the, the marathon not a sprint idea, right? Like that’s, that is, I mean, I, I laugh because I, I feel like you are not alone in, in that, right? You are not alone in,

[00:07:23] Cara Martinez: Mm-hmm.

[00:07:24] Roxanne: so much that you’re doing. It’s amazing to me to be able to talk to so many women like you who are doing.

[00:07:31] So much. So I’m curious for you personally, what does success look like? Because you’ve got, you know, you’re, you’re acting in your role as a human being, right? Just doing the things that you love. You’ve switched from counseling to bookkeeping, you’re working jobs, you’re building a business. You’re a mom, you’re a wife, you’re a daughter.

[00:07:49] You’re, you know, trying to make time to go see these beautiful beach sunsets. What is success for you?

[00:07:57] What is success for you?

[00:07:57] Cara Martinez: Yeah. Yeah, it is a lot. Hearing you say it, I’m like, yes. It’s funny because you know, you get in the grind and you don’t realize how much you’re doing sometimes. And sometimes I list it out. I’m like, okay, I gotta do this, this. I’m like, wow, that’s a lot. You know? And it’s overwhelming sometimes when you look at it.

[00:08:12] And yeah, it’s, um, and I also just wanna normalize, also building. You’re while also working full-time, because I think that’s also something that is not talked about a lot. I feel like a lot of times people, it just kind of seems like it on social media. You just get this business idea and then you quit and then everything is fine and, and you, and you become very successful and like, yes, I, that’s happening.

[00:08:39] It’s going to happen. But there’s a lot of things that go into that, you know, and sometimes people don’t have. I don’t wanna say the means to just quit their job and like not have a nine to five while they’re building that. So it’s important to me that people know like, it’s okay to still be in your nine to five and build your business.

[00:08:57] Roxanne: I feel like there’s, it’s like that idea of there’s a lot of years before that overnight success, right? Like that’s, that’s exactly it. So I love that you brought that. I appreciate you saying so.

[00:09:07] Cara Martinez: Yeah. And so I think that kind of goes into my wheel of success because I think it’s constantly changing. Like if you had asked me prior to having kids what my wheel of success was, I always thought. Follow the right path, go to college, get married, have kids, get that high paying job. But honestly, like once I had all those things, I still didn’t feel the 100% fulfillment that I thought I would.

[00:09:31] And you know, becoming a mother has definitely fulfilled me in ways that I didn’t know I needed. Um, but it, becoming a mom also rocked my world. Like it honestly turned my world upside down. you know, especially with my first, because I don’t know if I was just naive and didn’t realize what motherhood was gonna be like or what, but it really just taught me like how strong I really am and how capable I am.

[00:09:54] It also showed me that I really needed to learn more about myself, and so it kind of sent me on this path of self-acceptance and self-growth, not only to be like a better mother, but to be a better person. And so that was kind of a long-winded answer to get to my, my definition of success. But ultimately, I think my success is finally accepting myself for like, for who I truly am and that I am capable of doing things that I put my mind to.

[00:10:23] And I think in business ownership in the journey, you have to hold tight onto that belief because. Sometimes there’s gonna be ups and downs. It’s not gonna go exactly how you want. And sometimes starting something new is really scary. So I think holding onto that belief is really important. And how you see yourself, it all has to do with, you know, the way you present yourself in your business.

[00:10:47] So I think that looks different for everyone and that’s just kind of my, my vision of success. And I’m constantly working toward it. And I know it’s gonna continue to change throughout my whole life. probably.

[00:10:59] Roxanne: Yeah. What a great approach to success though. I, I love that definition. And it’s funny you mentioned being kind of naive going into motherhood. I have said for years that even if somebody had found the words to tell me what it was like to be a mother, I would not have believed them. Because it’s just, it’s one of those things you just, you kind of dive into it.

[00:11:19] So how has being a mother while also starting this business, and I mean in the middle of a global pandemic too, because why not? Uh, how has that changed you as a person? I mean, you kind of alluded to it a minute ago, but will you tell us a little bit more how it’s changed you as a person?

[00:11:39] Cara Martinez: Yeah. Um, like I said, I don’t think if I had become a mother that I would even have ever considered becoming an entrepreneur. Like I said, I grew up very, as a person who was very risk adverse. Like anything that made me slightly uncomfortable, I shied away from and so becoming a mother, I think just really made me think I need to be doing things that align more with what I want, what I need, what my family needs, and putting, putting that first, not caring so much like, oh, well my employer’s gonna be upset if I, you know, take off from my doctor, my kids’ doctor’s appointment.

[00:12:17] Now it’s like, no, I have to go to my kids’ doctor’s appointment. This is what I have to do. So I think it’s gotten me good at like setting good boundaries and I, I don’t know, I just think I wouldn’t be where I am right now if I didn’t have kids. So it’s changed me completely. I’m a completely different person than I was probably five and a half years ago.

[00:12:38] Roxanne: Oh yeah. It makes so much sense. Do you ever experience guilt around living all of these worlds at the same time?

[00:12:46] Guilt?

[00:12:46] Cara Martinez: when do I not, when do I not experience guilt?

[00:12:49] Roxanne: I have to tell you because, because this is an audio podcast, right? And so I have the pleasure of seeing your face. But for those who did not get to, just, just experience that for those listening, the, the, the almost eye roll that just happened of like, uh, like of, of course, of course, of course. Tell us

[00:13:09] Cara Martinez: yes. I experience guilt all the time. I wish I could sit here and say I have it all figured out and I’ve, I’ve figured out how to not experience guilt. But no, that’s not, I’m, I’m real and I’m not gonna sit here and say that, but yeah, there’s, there’s many times, especially while working the nine five and doing the business where I, my time is so scarce and I’m constantly having to choose, okay.

[00:13:36] What do I need to do first? You know, do I need to take care of my business stuff? Do I need to be doing my nine to five, or do I need to be, you know, hanging out with my kids? I haven’t seen them all day. And yes, I would love to say that I 100% always prioritize my kids and like, you know, give them that one-on-one attention.

[00:13:54] But sometimes other things need to get done, you know, and I try my best and. It’s just all about giving myself so much grace and, um, knowing that I’m doing my best and that when I am with them I’m present. And I’m super, super lucky. I have a really supportive husband who kind of, you know, especially over the last year, have kind of been picking up where I used to fill in.

[00:14:18] You know, he’s doing more housework, he’s doing more kid stuff and kind of taking over that, he’s probably gonna hate me for saying this, but the traditional role, you know, um, of the mom, but. In our house, even not having traditional roles. Like my mom always worked. His mom always worked, and so it was, it’s not new to us, but I know from the outside sometimes it, it looks non-traditional.

[00:14:46] But I’m super lucky to have him because he just, he helps me so much and he helps me know like, okay, yes, you’re feeling guilty, I understand, but like we’re gonna have the weekend. You’re gonna spend time with them on the weekend. He helps me. Um, reframed things a lot. He’s a lot more, less anxious and more grounded than me sometimes, so it, it’s a good, it’s a good balance.

[00:15:08] Roxanne: That’s wonderful. And it’s interesting, I feel like I mentioned this all the time and I’m, I mean, I’m not a a, this is not an ad at this point. They should be paying me for as often as I mentioned this, but if you’ve not read the book Fair Play by Eve Rodsky, um, that’s, I feel like that’s what you just described, is, is this idea of shifting from these traditional roles that our culture has given us to

[00:15:32] to making things work in unequal partnership. And that’s totally what you just described. So this is again my shameless pitch. If you have not read the book Fair Play by Eve Rodsky go buy it. She narrates the audio book. It’s fantastic. Um, it’s a, it’s a really. . It’s a really great concept. You’ll like it, you’ll like that one.

[00:15:50] That’s, uh, like I said, it’s, it’s what you just described. Um, I Oh, I love it. Okay. So what do you wish that people knew about living in all of these worlds simultaneously? You know, being a parent, being an entrepreneur, having a nine to five. What do you wish people knew?

[00:16:08] What do you wish people knew?

[00:16:08] Cara Martinez: Um, so I had originally thought about this question, and I was just gonna say, it’s hard as f I dunno if we can curse on here. It’s hard. Um, but, as we were talking right now, it honestly makes me feel really empowered and really strong and just really amazing that I am able to juggle all these things and that I’m doing it.

[00:16:33] Because if you had asked me a year ago, like I would not have thought like any of this was possible. So, um, I think that, and also, like I said before, just giving yourself grace and knowing that you’re doing your best and. . It’s really, really important. I realize, to have a community around you, have your village around you, even if that’s not family, like friends, other people in your industry.

[00:16:59] Like I am so lucky cause I have a lot of great friends that I’ve made through the bookkeeping community. It’s one of the most supportive communities I’ve ever been a part of. So I, you know, I have that to lean on when it gets hard or when I just need to vent to somebody or feel like I’m not alone. I think that’s really important.

[00:17:17] in this journey in whatever industry you’re in.

[00:17:20] Roxanne: Mm-hmm. . What a wonderful thing to have such a supportive community as well. I feel like. As more and more women are coming into the entrepreneurship world, I feel like the entrepreneurship community is getting more and more supportive. That there’s something there, something about building that community that is wonderful.

[00:17:35] So I’m really glad to hear it. Cara, I wanna ask you a question about the name of this podcast.

[00:17:40] So I, when I first started, my business, I was not a parent, and I super bought into hustle culture. It felt so good to me. It was the hustle, hustle, hustle, go, go, go work hard, play hard, but you never play because you’re working all the time.

[00:17:58] And no sleep was a badge of honor and you know, all that nonsense. And then, I had my first child and my whole world stopped, and I knew instantly that I had to change things because what I was doing was not sustainable. And so I’ve been on this quest to reimagine hustle since then. And for anybody who’s listened to the podcast, you’ve heard me give this spiel before.

[00:18:18] That’s the whole reason that I do this podcast. So, Cara, I would love to know, how do you reimagine the idea of hustle? Because I feel like you’re hustling a lot. How do you reimagine the idea of hustle?

[00:18:32] How do you reimagine hustle?

[00:18:32] Cara Martinez: Yeah. Um, like I said before, I think hustle, similar to what you said, meant doing all the things. being busy 24 7, saying yes to everything, which is something I’m still working on, , I’m trying really hard to set boundaries, but, um, that’s really changed because now I wanna be less busy. , I wanna be, have more time to be present with my kids and be present in my life.

[00:18:58] Do things that I enjoy doing, you know, like I’ve been wanting. Pick up a book for months and I haven’t been able to, but you know, that’s, that’s down the line for me. And I know once the building blocks of my business is done and that solid foundation is there, , I will be able to get back to those things.

[00:19:16] And I, I think the hustle is the opposite of hustle. It’s not working 24 7 and just being truly present in the world that you’ve created and the lives you’ve created for yourself. I think that’s, to go back to your first question, like the ultimate success is just to really be able to enjoy those moments and not feel guilty for taking time away to do those things.

[00:19:38] Roxanne: Hmm. I’ve got goosebumps. As you talk about just being present, right. For that’s a, a reimagined idea of hustle. That’s, that’s beautiful. I appreciate that idea. Cara, this has been so much fun. Will you give us a pep talk for other parents on this entrepreneur journey? Just a short 30 second pep talk for those who are maybe feeling a little bit down and discouraged today.

[00:20:03] Pep Talk

[00:20:03] Cara Martinez: Yeah. My first is always that you’re not alone. We all have those days where we are feeling like, man, is this worth it? Like, I’m just tired. I have, a never-ending to-do list. Um, but it is so worth it. I know it’s gonna be so worth it for myself and I would just say, hold on to your why. Hold on to what, why you’re doing this.

[00:20:29] Have good systems in place. Have good support. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, even if that means hiring a bookkeeper for your business Also, you know, that’s something I, I really love to help my clients with because I know it is a path that people just don’t wanna do. So I think it’s just always don’t be afraid to ask for help and have that support in place.

[00:20:51] Just hold on to hope that it’s going to work out however it’s supposed to work out.

[00:20:56] Roxanne: Hmm. Thank you for that. Okay, Cara, we need. You please tell us where we can find you online. I know that you have you do done for your bookkeeping as well. You’ve mentioned that for a service entrepreneur, so please give us all the goods. Tell us everything we need to know. Where can we find you?

[00:21:13] Cara Martinez: Yeah, so, um, I’m really active on Instagram, so you can find me at Peach Sky Bookkeeping. Um, you can also go to my web website, peachskybookkeeping.com. So, yeah, we’ve provide done for you services. I also, I offer monthly and quarterly bookkeeping services, and I also offer 45 minute coffee chats with me. If you’re wanting to DIY your books.

[00:21:38] You can ask me any questions, get some more clarity on your process, and then you’ll also get a bookkeeping, monthly bookkeeping checklist that you get to take with you. So definitely reach out to me on Instagram. I love connecting with other entrepreneurs, even if it’s just like, Hey, What’s your business about?

[00:21:56] I just love connecting with people and, um, yeah, I can’t wait to hopefully connect with you all.

[00:22:01] Roxanne: Awesome. And we’ll make sure that we include all of those links in the show notes. Cara, this has been for me, it’s, it’s an early morning conversation and this has been a wonderful way to start my day. So I appreciate the gift of your time, your wisdom, just your general demeanor. It’s been a, a very validating conversation today and I really appreciate the gift of your time.

[00:22:22] Cara Martinez: Oh, Oh thank you so much. I, I enjoyed talking with you too.

[00:22:26] Roxanne: thank you.

[00:22:28]

[00:22:28] Thanks for listening to Reimagining Hustle with Roxanne Merket. If you like the show and want more, check out reimagininghustle.com and please leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. We’ll be back next week with another episode. See you soon.