Tell me about your business or specialty.
I run a virtual bookkeeping business that started as a side hustle and quickly grew into something much bigger. Before I knew it, I was able to leave my full-time job and pursue this passion full-time!
We work with a variety of businesses and business owners, and it's been incredibly rewarding to watch new entrepreneurs grow and to help others streamline their operations for greater efficiency. I chose to keep my business fully virtual because it aligns perfectly with why I started it in the first place: to have the freedom to travel and work from anywhere. With internet access and the right security measures, I can accomplish everything I need to, no matter where I am. This flexibility is one of the things I love most about what I do.
How'd you get to where you are now?
I’ve always had a clear vision: to be happy and create a great quality of life for myself. My goal has never been to work until I drop—I want to enjoy everything life has to offer. Achieving a good work-life balance is a challenge, especially for my generation, so building a life where I can work hard while still prioritizing balance has been incredibly fulfilling. On top of that, I genuinely enjoy working with numbers and solving problems - most days, work feels like fun to me!
What surprises you in your work, now or in the past?
When I was younger, I had no idea I was smart. I didn’t do well in school, I hated going, and studying felt like a chore. Being a twin, I often compared myself to my sister, who excelled academically, and I ended up seeing myself as "the dumb twin." Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d one day be running a business—and doing it successfully, I might add!
What surprises me most about my work is how often it reminds me of my own intelligence and capabilities. Every time I solve a challenging problem, I learn more about myself and what I’m capable of. When you’re running your own business, you don’t always have someone cheering you on, so those moments of realizing your own greatness are incredibly rewarding. Sometimes, they’re exactly what you didn’t know you needed to feel.
Any other interests or pursuits (big or small)?
Absolutely! I love spending time outdoors, so in my free time, I’m all about activities that let me unplug and step away from screens. I also dabble in writing and have published a few books relating to nature, gardening and the outdoors —it’s a fun little side project that I really enjoy.
Looking ahead, one of my big goals is to own an apartment complex someday. A lot of my clients are in real estate I’m lucky to have access to great advice and insights to help me work toward that dream.
What drives you crazy?
I’m a firm believer in the incredible opportunities we have here to create the life of our dreams. You don’t have to struggle or live paycheck to paycheck—overcoming tough circumstances is possible with the right mindset and determination. What really frustrates me, though, is how little we are taught about money when we’re young. Now, in my thirties, I often find myself teaching adults how to manage credit cards and pay down debt. It doesn’t have to be this way! I wish more women would feel inspired to explore how to make their money work for them, building financial independence and stability earlier in life. It’s never too late to start, but starting sooner makes such a difference.
Who inspires you? (it can be anybody you know, or don't know)
It might sound strange, but I don’t think I can point to just one person as my source of inspiration. I’m someone who loves to read and is always hungry for knowledge. My inspiration tends to shift depending on what I’m focused on at the time. When I’m working on growing my business, I find myself inspired by successful entrepreneurs who have built something meaningful. Other times, when I’m working on personal growth, I draw inspiration from thought leaders, authors, or even everyday people who have overcome challenges and achieved remarkable things. I believe inspiration can come from anywhere if you’re open to it. It could be a great book, a fascinating podcast, or even a simple conversation with someone who shares a fresh perspective.
I try to surround myself with positivity and people who push me to think bigger and dream larger. That said, one of the most inspiring parts of my life is the work I do with young entrepreneurs. Seeing their passion and drive is truly energizing. It’s amazing to witness someone turning their vision into reality, step by step. I’ll never forget the excitement of telling a client they’ve hit their first million in sales. Moments like that remind me why I love what I do—they’re not just milestones for my clients they’re a reflection of the endless possibilities when hard work and ambition come together.
While I may not have one single “inspiration,” I’m constantly inspired by the world around me, by the people I work with, and the small and big successes that remind us all what’s possible.
You're a trailblazer - what are some career highlights to date?
Wow, this question really made me stop and reflect—I don’t often take the time to think about how far I’ve come! One of the biggest highlights for me was taking the leap to quit my full-time corporate job and work for myself. It was a bold and scary move, but looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Another huge milestone was becoming an S-Corp and putting myself on a salary. That felt like such a defining moment for me—like I was truly running a professional business. Having payroll in place not only added structure but also gave me a sense of pride in how far I’ve grown.
This year has been especially exciting, as I reached a long-time goal: hiring my first full-time employee. That was a game-changer! Having someone dedicated full-time to the business has not only freed me up to focus on higher-level strategy but also brought fresh energy and ideas to our day-to-day operations. It’s great to see the business grow to the point where I could take that step, and it’s made such a positive impact.
We also launched our first digital products this year—budgeting tools in Excel and Google Sheets. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, but creating something that’s both functional and beautifully formatted was no small task. Seeing those products finally go live was such a proud moment because I know they’ll help people take control of their finances in a meaningful way.
Of course, there have been challenges along the way. Managing growth, scaling operations, and balancing my time as a business owner are constant learning curves. But every challenge has taught me something valuable, and those lessons have been key to taking my business to the next level.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep pushing boundaries. Whether that’s expanding our digital offerings, creating new ways to help people manage their finances, or building out my team even further, I can’t wait to see what’s next on this incredible journey.
Words of wisdom or advice...final thoughts, anything else?
If you want to do something, don’t ask for your friends advice or opinions. Ask other people already doing it and don’t tell anyone you know until you’re already doing it! I’ve found most people will bum you out and tell you that you can’t or that its too hard or that you need a partner. The truth is no, you don’t. You just need you and strong will. It will take long nights and a lot of effort, but with the end goal in mind, your hard work will pay off. You can do it!
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Jennifer Gramuglia founded Gramuglia Bookkeeping in 2017 with a clear purpose: to fill the gap she saw in the bookkeeping industry. Named after her father, whose dedication and work ethic continue to inspire her, Jennifer noticed that many business owners were adrift—struggling to keep their financial records up to date and understand their numbers. While other firms focused solely on data entry, Jennifer knew that her clients deserved more than just the basics they needed clarity and solutions. With professional experience across healthcare, insurance, music, and entertainment, Jennifer has honed her ability to work seamlessly with businesses in any sector. Her calm, methodical approach, combined with her expertise in account and trend analysis, allows her to deliver insightful, accurate reporting that her clients can trust. Jennifer is passionate about making bookkeeping a stress-free experience by using the latest technology to simplify processes and communication. At Gramuglia Bookkeeping, Jennifer ensures that every client feels confident and supported, making your financial journey as smooth as possible.
gramugliabookkeeping.com
(published 2024)
