We recently had the chance to connect with Michelle Jreige CPA and have shared our conversation below.
Michelle, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I’m usually up really early, around 4 or 5 a.m. The first thing I do, before anything else (still in my pajamas), is sit down for a Dr. Joe Dispenza meditation. After that comes my morning-care routine and a quick gratitude practice where I name three new things I’m grateful for each day.
The night before, I always lay out my workout clothes so I’m ready to head to a 6:15 a.m. Orangetheory class. Working out first thing gives me a big sense of accomplishment; one thing checked off my list before the day even begins.
Starting my mornings with meditation, gratitude, and movement helps me step into higher-vibration emotions like joy and gratitude, and it sets the tone for a good day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I don’t exactly fit the stereotype of your typical CPA. Alongside my accounting expertise, I have a strong spiritual practice that shapes how I approach both business and life. During tax season, I work hard (like any CPA), but I also believe in working to live, not living to work.
At our firm, we offer a boutique, high-touch experience for our clients. We’re patient and approachable, especially for those who may not fully understand the business or accounting side of things. In many cases, our role expands beyond traditional accounting into mentorship, helping clients feel more confident and empowered.
What makes us unique is that we don’t just prepare tax returns. We help guide clients to define what money and abundance mean to them, and we support them in creating businesses that align with those values. We focus on mindset as much as the numbers, encouraging clients to think not just about financial goals but also about how they want to feel while serving their own clients. It’s about creating a positive, abundant outlook that allows them to make strategic decisions and truly thrive.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was about five or six, my mom brought me along to a seminar because she didn’t have childcare. I was one of the only children there, and someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. Without hesitation, I said, “An entrepreneur.” My mom was a little embarrassed — no one expected that answer from a child — but I said it because my dad was an entrepreneur, and I wanted to be like him.
As I got older, I saw the toll that lifestyle took on him. He worked himself to the bone, neglected his health, and by 50 he had a heart attack, followed by a heart and kidney transplant. That experience changed how I viewed entrepreneurship. I realized I didn’t have to sacrifice my health and happiness to build a successful life.
So while I’ve wanted to be an entrepreneur since I was little, I’ve redefined what that means. For me, and for my clients, it’s about creating wealth and abundance while also setting boundaries that protect your life, health, and family.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self, “It’s okay to ask for help.” Asking for help doesn’t make you weak, less-than, or not good enough. It can actually be one of the most powerful tools for growth.
Over the years, I’ve learned that I don’t need to be amazing at everything. Instead, I focus on my zone of genius and lean on others for the areas that aren’t mine. Delegating and building a supportive team have been essential to my growth, both personally and professionally.
As I’ve expanded, I’ve realized that finding the right people and allowing them to contribute is the only way to reach big goals. Asking for help isn’t a flaw, it’s a strength.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the accounting world is that there’s only one rigid, structured way to do things. Yes, there are deadlines we need to follow, but there’s also flexibility, and creativity, in how we approach the work.
Another misconception is that accountants are dry and boring. I couldn’t disagree more. I actually find it fun. For me, the joy comes in the strategy; looking at the numbers with clients to uncover opportunities. We can identify where to invest, which services are most profitable, and where growth is possible.
What makes this work exciting is that we get to help clients see the big picture. We’re not inside their business every day, but through the numbers we can spot blind spots and hidden opportunities they might miss. Since accounting isn’t usually in their ‘zone of genius’, we get to step in and handle that part so they can focus on building the business they love.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
Honestly, nothing. I try things even if they don’t always work out. I’d rather take the risk, fail, and learn the lesson than hold back and wonder “what if.” Every misstep has taught me something important.
Right now, I feel like I’ve found my sweet spot, running a successful firm while also taking care of myself and my family, traveling, and enjoying life. For me, it’s not just about what I choose to do, but also what I choose not to do. Setting boundaries and saying no creates space for the things that truly matter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jreigegroup.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/michellejreige
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/michellejreige
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.jreige
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/themoneymindsetexperience
