Welcome back to Unbreakable Mompreneurs! I’m your host, Charisse Walker, and today, I have the privilege of sitting down with the incredible Leslie Alvarez. Leslie’s story is one of perseverance, grit, and transformation—from selling tamales out of the trunk of her car to becoming a full-time entrepreneur, speaker, and author.

At just 23, Leslie found herself jobless, pregnant with her second child, and facing an unexpected divorce. With no stable income and the weight of motherhood on her shoulders, she turned to a skill passed down from her immigrant mother-in-law: making and selling tamales. What started as a survival hustle became the foundation for a lifelong entrepreneurial spirit.

Over the years, Leslie balanced side hustles with traditional employment to provide for her children while teaching them the importance of financial literacy and self-sufficiency.

Leslie shares how she navigated some of the toughest moments in her life, including nearly losing her 17-year-old son to gun violence in 2018 and, later, the tragic loss of her boyfriend in a car accident in 2022. These heartbreaking events forced her to reevaluate her path, embrace self-compassion, and redefine what success and resilience truly mean. She discusses the importance of having multiple plans in place, adapting when life throws curveballs, and finding strength even in the darkest times.

Today, Leslie is a thriving entrepreneur, having transitioned from side hustles to full-time business ownership. She now runs a boutique community association management firm while also pursuing her passion for speaking and inspiring others. Her upcoming book, Hot Mess Express: Ditch the Drama, Conquer Life’s Curveballs, and Reclaim Your Life After Loss, delves deeper into her experiences with grief, loss, and rebuilding after trauma. Through her book and speaking engagements, she hopes to empower others facing adversity, helping them recognize that they are not alone and that they, too, can plot their comeback.

We also dive into the mindset shifts needed to transition from employee to entrepreneur, the importance of financial planning, and how to raise financially savvy kids who understand the value of hard work and smart money management. Leslie’s candid insights and actionable advice make this episode a must-listen for any mompreneur striving to create a better future for herself and her family.

If you’ve ever felt knocked down by life, this episode is for you. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, reinvention, and embracing the journey of entrepreneurship.

🎙 About Your Host, Charisse Walker: | Podcast Host

💼 Entrepreneur | Real Estate & Business Coach As the host of Unbreakable Mompreneurs, I empower ambitious moms to balance business, family, and personal success without burnout. My expertise spans real estate, relationships, and business coaching, helping women create financial independence, personal fulfillment, and thriving businesses.

🌎 Website: www.charissewalker.com

📺 Social Media: Facebook: Charisse Walker Coach

📚 Resources: Find tools and strategies for real estate success, business growth, and personal development.🎧 Tune in now and take the first step toward creating a life of intention, success, and fulfillment! 🚀

💡 Connect with Leslie Alvarez: Visit LeslieAlvarez.com to learn more about her business, book her for speaking engagements, or grab a copy of her book!

🎧 Unbreakable Mompreneurs—because motherhood and business can thrive together.

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