We had the good fortune of connecting with Gloria Hebert and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gloria, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After working in corporate accounting for law firms, I saw firsthand how critical financial clarity and strong systems are—but also how inaccessible they can be for smaller businesses and nonprofits. That experience made me want to offer those same high-level tools and insights to the people who need them most.

I didn’t grow up with a financial safety net, so I decided to build one—for myself and for others like me. Today, I do that through Aybear Services and my nonprofit work with organizations like Pelican Cove, which provides affordable counseling for underserved communities, and A Greater Me (AGM), a program that teaches life skills and financial literacy to foster youth.

Starting my business was about breaking generational cycles, creating access, and continuing to grow every day.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Aybear Services is a financial services firm offering bookkeeping and fractional controller support to entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and small businesses that are often overlooked by traditional firms. What sets us apart is our intentional blend of precision, empathy, and education. Yes, I handle numbers—but I also help my clients feel seen, supported, and empowered. Many of them never had financial guidance growing up, and I deeply relate to that. My goal isn’t just to manage their books—it’s to help them build confidence and sustainability through financial clarity.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I launched Aybear Services while raising three young daughters, volunteering, and serving on nonprofit boards. I had to unlearn the idea that I needed to have it all figured out before starting. I’ve faced imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and the constant juggle of motherhood and business ownership. But through every challenge, I’ve leaned into my purpose and reminded myself why I started—to create access, break cycles, and offer others the financial support I wish I had.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built through this work. From teaching financial literacy to foster youth with A Greater Me, to supporting mental health nonprofits like Pelican Cove, and helping wellness leaders like Vedic Vibes expand their mission—I get to use my skills in service of real change.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about my brand, it’s this: Aybear Services isn’t just about bookkeeping. It’s about building trust, restoring dignity in financial conversations, and using numbers as a tool for empowerment. My story—and my business—is proof that your path doesn’t have to be traditional to be powerful.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d definitely want them to meet two of the most inspiring women I know—Sarah Kuruvilla and Sonali Gupta. Sarah is a true global citizen—she’s lived in several countries, and each of her family members was born on a different continent! She’s so well-rounded, wise, and brings so much cultural depth to every conversation.

Then there’s my good friend Sonali, who is incredibly empathetic and strong. She studied abroad, had her son while finishing her PhD, and even now—while undergoing chemo and supporting her husband through his recovery from a stroke—she continues to show up with positivity and grace. They’re both incredibly humble, brilliant women who embody strength and kindness.

As for our itinerary:

Day 1: We’d kick things off with comfort food at Kiraku Ramen in Gardena. It holds a special place in my heart—it’s where my husband and I used to go when we first started dating.

Day 2: We’d spend time at The Strand in Manhattan Beach, soaking in the ocean views, walking, and talking. I’d take them to Pages, one of my favorite bookstores—it’s cozy, thoughtful, and full of local gems.

Day 3: We’d swing by Hilltop Coffee in Inglewood for their strawberries and crème coffee and banana bread. It’s a local favorite of mine—great vibe, great community.

Day 4+: I’d sprinkle in wellness with a sound bath session at Vedic Vibes, and maybe a visit to one of the nonprofits I work with to show the kind of heart-led work happening in the community.

L.A. is full of glitz, but I’d focus our week on connection—through food, local gems, and amazing people who truly reflect the soul of the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are several people and organizations that absolutely deserve recognition.

First, my husband—for supporting me in ways beyond what I could have ever imagined.

Second, Judy Ta, my incredible coach, who in a short time has helped me find my confidence again and reminded me of my worth.

I also want to shout out my partner and amazing mentor, Sarah Kuruvilla of Vedic Vibes, who is doing powerful work in the Redondo Beach community, promoting mental health and wellness through sound and energy healing.

Soni Gibson, the founder of Pelican Cove Counseling, deserves recognition for her tireless dedication to making mental health care affordable and accessible for underserved populations.

Michael Jules, the founder of A Greater Me, is another person whose work with foster youth has left a lasting and deeply needed impact.

Lastly, I have to thank my village—my group of fellow moms who call ourselves the Sisterhood of the Sleepless Nights. We are ten women navigating motherhood, careers, and life’s challenges together. We talk every day, lean on each other, and share not just our struggles, but our wins, growth, and joy. Their support has carried me through some of my hardest and most beautiful days.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookkeepingwithgloria/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloria-hebert/

Other: Email: gloriahebert@aybearservices.com

Image Credits
Valerie Marquez, vmphotography_llc, photographer for my individual professinoal pictures; Nicole Baeza, nicoleandphoto, sibling and photo of me and husband photos

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.