Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Isabel Espinoza. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Isabel, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?
Sometimes being a business owner can be challenging, and I occasionally wonder what life would have been like if I had stayed in a traditional 9–5 job. However, the rewards that come with entrepreneurship are truly invaluable, and I can’t imagine giving them up.
I’m a proud mom to a 7-year-old daughter who just beat cancer this month after a long five-year battle. Throughout that journey, being self-employed allowed me to be by her side through every hospital visit and milestone. Now that she’s in school, I have the blessing of dropping her off, picking her up, and being present for all her school events. On days when I’m not feeling my best, I can take time off without needing to explain myself to anyone and that flexibility is something I’ll never take for granted.
Of course, it’s not always easy. The income can fluctuate. I have my peak months and my slower months.. Some months are profitable, and others are lean. Many people assume that owning a business automatically means you’re financially set, but that’s not always the case. Just because the business makes money doesn’t mean I always do. I’m often the first one up and the last one working.
Still, despite the ups and downs, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’ve grown so much personally and professionally, and I’ve met incredible people along the way. Every challenge has taught me something valuable, and every success reminds me why I started, to build something meaningful while creating a life that allows me to be fully present for my daughter.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Isabel Espinoza, and I’m the owner and founder of MIEKA Hospitalities, a property management company that was born from faith, perseverance, and the desire to create spaces that feel like home.
My journey into this industry wasn’t something I planned. I was studying cybersecurity when life took an unexpected turn, my daughter was diagnosed with cancer at just two years old. For the next five years, hospitals became our second home. During that time, I realized I needed to create a life that allowed me to be fully present for her while still building something meaningful for our future. That’s when MIEKA came to life.
What started as a way to make ends meet turned into something much bigger. Through MIEKA, I now manage short-term and mid-term rentals, offer furnishing and design services, cleaning services and help other property owners bring warmth and excellence into their spaces. I wanted to take everything I love about hospitality the feeling of comfort, care, and peace and bring it into people’s homes and travel experiences.
What sets my brand apart is the heart behind it. Every decision, every space, and every client interaction is rooted in intention. Whether I’m preparing a home for a traveling nurse, a relocating family, or someone simply in need of rest, my goal is to make them feel cared for. MIEKA isn’t just about managing properties; it’s about creating experiences that remind people they’re seen and valued.
What I’m most proud of is how far we’ve come. My daughter just beat cancer this year, and being able to look back at everything we’ve overcome together fills me with gratitude. My businesses are not just about income, they’re about impact. They’re proof that even when life feels impossible, faith, grit, and purpose can build something beautiful.
If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my brand, it’s that everything I do comes from the heart. I’m not just building homes or brands. I’m building legacies, memories, and safe spaces for others, just like the ones I prayed for during our hardest seasons.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One story that truly represents my resilience goes back to the season when my daughter was still battling cancer. At that time, I was juggling everything hospital visits, medical bills, and trying to keep my business alive. I remember sitting in the hospital during one of her surgeries, laptop in hand, running reports and sending updates to clients in between tears and prayers. I was doing everything I could to keep things moving while my heart was somewhere else entirely.
It was one of those defining moments where I realized that resilience isn’t just about staying strong it’s about staying faithful. I was exhausted, scared, and unsure if I could keep it all going, but I kept reminding myself why I started. I wasn’t just building a business; I was building a life that allowed me to be there for my daughter and show her what perseverance looks like in action.
That season taught me how to work through uncertainty with grace, and how to trust that even when things look impossible, God still makes a way. Today, seeing my daughter cancer-free and thriving, and looking at how far MIEKA has come it’s all a reflection of that faith and fight. Every setback, every sleepless night, every prayer whispered in between reports and hospital rooms it all became part of my story.
Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?
There were definitely moments where I missed payroll. Not because I didn’t care, but because life was happening all around me. When my daughter was going through treatment, there were stretches of time when I’d stay overnight at the hospital with her. Days would blend together. I’d lose track of what day it even was. I remember one time waking up on a hospital chair, realizing I hadn’t sent out payouts for my team. My heart sank because these were people depending on me to provide for their families, and I never wanted them to feel forgotten.
In that moment, I felt so torn! Emotionally drained from watching my child fight for her life, yet still trying to show up as a leader and keep everything running. I sat there, laptop open beside her hospital bed, sending payments and messages while listening to the machines beeping in the background. That night reminded me that being a business owner isn’t always about the big wins, it’s about doing your best to hold things together when everything feels like it’s falling apart.
Looking back, I don’t even know how I managed some of those seasons except through faith and sheer determination.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://HelloMieka.com
- Instagram: Itzisabelly
- Facebook: Isabel Espinoza
Image Credits
Personal photography JE’Mahl – IG: impact4to
Make up- GGalleriemua
Property photography- Dawn Christine Photography.