As Amy Mikhaiel points out, it’s refreshing to see that more and more people are deciding to take matters into their hands, especially women. “I have always been an advocate for women’s empowerment. I’m glad to see more of them find the courage to enter the business world and build a name for themselves,” says Mikhaiel.

Amy Mikhaiel is a seasoned entrepreneur, real estate investor, business coach, and consultant with four businesses. Like many entrepreneurs, Mikhaiel came from nothing and had to fight tooth and nail to get to where she is today. As she explains, the way to the top was hard and riddled with obstacles, but she made it thanks to hard work, determination, and a never-give-up attitude.

“I came to America in 2008 with no money and no experience. I was born and grew up in Algeria, an Arabic-speaking country, so my English was awful,” she says. “Still, when I came here, I immediately fell in love with the freedom people have here, especially women. So I decided to stay.”

She had hoped to become a journalist, but 2008 wasn’t a welcoming year for anyone. The economic crash left the nation in ruins, and despite having a university degree, Mikhaiel struggled to find a journalist job.

Her family begged her to return to Algeria, but Mikhaiel refused. However, she still had to find a way to put food on the table, so she took her chances as a housekeeper, which ultimately transformed into a brilliant entrepreneurial career.

She started cleaning rich people’s homes in Beverly Hills for $15 per hour. But being there all the time gave her another opportunity. She saw how the rich behaved and started picking up how they walked and talked. It helped her create and shape an entrepreneurial mindset, and the big doors soon opened.

With a bit of help from a neighbor who helped make a business card and support from her little daughter, Amy started her first business. Day after day, her phone rang more and more. She started employing other housekeepers, and her small business first grew into a 6-figure and now into a multi-million corporation.

“I always dreamed of becoming a journalist, and I haven’t had the slightest clue that I would end up in the cleaning business. But that’s life. Sometimes you have no control over where you’ll end up,” says Amy Mikhaiel. “Still, over the past 12 years, I learned that the only thing that separates you from your success is your energy, courage, and ability to learn. Your dream life is out there, so don’t be afraid to grab your happiness.”