Meet The Face Behind Brio Accounting

I’m Yamile Ynostrosa, the proud owner of Brio Accounting.

I look forward to sharing my story. I hope that you will enjoy getting to know me better.

I started in my early twenties learning different aspects of bookkeeping, and as my skills began to grow, so did my opportunities.

I started to work for various firms and, over the next two decades, enhanced my accounting acumen. I wanted to put this experience to good use by supporting female and BIPOC owned businesses as I felt the American Dream was a distant dream for minorities. It inspired me to create an inclusive business model.

To get started, I joined forces with my best friend, and we launched Moxie Financial in 2017. Within a short space of time, we decided to change our name to Brio Accounting. My friend also started her own bookkeeping enterprise. (shout out to Revel Accounting!)

As part of the rebranding process, we focused on networking, marketing, and procedure creation, and by early 2019 our efforts finally put us on the map in Portland.

However, when COVID-19 struck, it started to take its toll on all small businesses, including ours. Seeing hard-working business owners fear the possibility of closing their doors was one of the driving factors that kept us afloat.

It was eye-opening to witness how a small business on an unassuming street corner was affecting the lives of its employees and customers positively. It made us believe that everyone, advantaged or disadvantaged, should do what they can for their fellow man to improve the situation.

Therefore, I decided to offer my services free of charge for CARES Act guidance and assistance during the loan/grant application process. Making a significant impact on various industries, especially during the pandemic, enabled me to build strong relationships.

My business philosophy is to focus on being community orientated and employee-centric. Making sure that I prioritize the needs of my employees while looking for ways of how my work impacts society is what motivates me.

I wish I could say that our achievements come from just hard work and grit. While that’s a part of it, we also treat clients as more than just numbers on a spreadsheet.

We care deeply about their success, and I think it translates into what we do and how we do it. We laugh a lot, even when it’s only to keep from crying. So I believe that one of the biggest compliments we could ever receive from a client is that we are relatable and approachable.

As a result, every time I see a giant smile on the face of a client who has just had a lightbulb moment after an interaction with us, it fills me with immense satisfaction.

To get to this position, I’ve been fortunate to have had terrific mentors who’ve assisted me in my career and given me the platform to be myself.

The general idea is that accountants are dull and type-A personalities, so I’ve been on a personal campaign to prove this stereotype wrong. While the profession does attract analytical folks, I can honestly say that most accountants I’ve met are a wild and fun bunch. Get us all in one room with drinks and a DJ, and that will be one rowdy party!

Therefore, I’m looking forward to attending concerts again. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I can’t wait for the day to be able to sing along with my favorite band while someone accidentally spills a drink on me and steps on my foot. :)

In addition, I greatly enjoy being outdoors, which may sound a little cliché coming to the Pacific Northwest. After all, who wouldn’t want to be out amongst the fantastic greenery and natural wonders we have at our disposal?

Camping has become a favorite hobby of mine, and I’m hoping to be one of those cool people on a ski slope someday. Right now, it’s just the bunny hills for me.

I have enjoyed sharing my story about the things which matter to me and how they influence the way I do business.

If you or someone you know could benefit from my expertise as an accountant/ bookkeeper in Portland, Oregon, I invite you to get in touch. Please visit my website at www.brioaccounting.com.

Sincerely,

Yamile