Meet Jessica Mendoza | Co-Founder @ Be a Butterfly & Acute Talent

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

Hi Jessica, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting a business, for me, begins with something I genuinely love doing, something I’m good at, and something I feel deeply passionate about. That’s the foundation. From there, it’s about layering in the rest—understanding the market, identifying the people who would benefit from what I offer, and figuring out how to meet their needs in a way that feels authentic to me.

Passion is key, but it’s not enough on its own. You have to pair it with purpose, strategy, and a willingness to learn and adapt. A big part of that, especially in today’s world, is leveraging technology. By integrating the right tools, I’ve been able to streamline operations, reduce costs, and make life easier for myself and my team. Technology isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity if you want to stay competitive and efficient while focusing on what really matters—delivering value to your clients.

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?
My business journey has been a blend of passion, technology, and human connection, and that’s what truly sets us apart. At Acute Talent, we specialize in matching businesses with top-tier talent through a highly personalized experience. Our approach combines cutting-edge technology to streamline processes and reduce costs with the warmth of genuine human interaction, ensuring we understand the unique needs of both employers and candidates.

Beyond Acute Talent, I’m incredibly proud of Be a Butterfly, my nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence. It’s a cause close to my heart, and I’m passionate about helping others not just survive but thrive. The work we do through Be a Butterfly is a reminder that business can be a force for good and that every story of success can inspire and uplift others.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. I faced financial struggles, personal setbacks, and the challenge of starting over. What kept me going was resilience, the support of my community, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way—never be afraid to ask for help, invest in the right people, and use technology as a tool to enhance, not replace, genuine connection.

My brand and my story are about more than business; they’re about empowerment, community, and transformation. Through my work with Acute Talent and Be a Butterfly, I aim to show that with the right balance of strategy, heart, and innovation, you can turn adversity into opportunity and make a meaningful impact.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d plan an unforgettable week to showcase the best Arizona has to offer. We’d start in Scottsdale, where the vibe is unbeatable. On the first day, I’d take them to brunch at Hash Kitchen for their amazing build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. Then, we’d explore Old Town Scottsdale, with its art galleries, boutique shops, and maybe a visit to the Museum of the West. We’d wrap up the day with dinner at The Mission for incredible Latin cuisine and drinks at Kazimierz Wine & Whiskey Bar.

We’d spend the second day hiking Camelback Mountain—the views are worth the climb! Afterward, we’d grab lunch at The Henry, and in the evening, take a serene stroll through the Desert Botanical Garden.

Midweek, I’d plan a road trip to Sedona. We’d stop at Montezuma Castle on the way and then hike the iconic Cathedral Rock Trail. Dinner at Elote Café would be a must, and we’d end the day stargazing under Sedona’s beautiful skies.

Back in Scottsdale, we’d have a day of relaxation with a spa session at The Phoenician Spa and lunch at Olive & Ivy on the waterfront. For a lively night, we’d hit Whiskey Row or Bottled Blonde.

We’d spend the last couple of days exploring more outdoor adventures. A sunrise hike at Piestewa Peak or Papago Park’s Hole-in-the-Rock would be perfect. Then, we’d do something more playful, like a visit to Topgolf Scottsdale. If we had time, I’d add a day trip to Jerome and the Verde Valley to mix in a little history and wine tasting.

Arizona has so much to offer—whether it’s nature, great food, or exciting nightlife—and I love showing it off!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My success and journey wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support and mentorship I’ve received along the way. First and foremost, I want to recognize my dad and mentor, Max Mendoza, who is also an entrepreneur. He taught me the value of resilience, hard work, and dreaming big—lessons that continue to guide me every day.

I also want to give a huge shoutout to my partner, Calvin Kwan, the owner of Magnum Opus Mobile Pain Clinic. Calvin has been my rock and a constant source of encouragement. His unwavering belief in me has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.

Finally, I owe so much to my business mentor, Abhay Sathe, a brilliant businessman who shared invaluable knowledge about business and technology. His guidance helped me navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship and scale my ventures.

These individuals have been my pillars of strength and inspiration, and I’m incredibly grateful for the role they’ve played in my story.

When it comes to books. There are a few that I think everyone who is looking to build a self-sustained company MUST read:
1. Atomic Habits by James Clear.
2. Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell.
3. Your Next Five Moves by Patrick Bet-David
4. Start. Scale. Exit. Repeat by Collin Campbell

Website: Https://Acute-talent.com

Instagram: @mepar_jessica

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicamendozap?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Other: Https://beabutterfly.org