Introducing Do Paperwork (Your Next Queer CPA!)
All answers were provided by Michelle Miele (any pronouns), Founder of Do Paperwork
Introducing Michelle Miele, Founder of Do Paperwork and Founding Supporter of Everywhere Is Queer! I just have to say Michelle's story and what they've built with Do Paperwork truly embody everything I love to celebrate in this EIQ community. The way they've turned a male-dominated, often intimidating industry into an inclusive, affirming space where queer entrepreneurs actually feel seen is beyond inspiring. They've made taxes (dare I say it?) approachable and that’s no small feat! I love how their journey is rooted in bravery, empathy, and unapologetic authenticity. It’s clear that Do Paperwork isn’t just about numbers; it’s about empowering people to own their stories and thrive! I hope you enjoy this deeper dive interview with Michelle!
Michelle Miele (pronouns: dealers choice),Founder of Do Paperwork1. Tell us about your journey. how did your queer-owned business come to life?
Michelle Miele, a CPA has always envisioned being a business owner, so they spent years working in tax and accounting at different companies to gain the skills and experience needed to succeed. When the timing was right, she left her full time role to launch Do Paperwork, a firm built to make taxes and bookkeeping approachable, inclusive and affirming. What began as a solo venture has grown into a trusted space where entrepreneurs know their identities are respected, their questions are welcomed, and their businesses are set up for long-term success!
Image taken and provided by Michelle Miele
2. What mission or values guide your work and how does being queer-owned shape that vision?
At the heart of Do Paperwork is a mission to make finances feel accessible, empowering, and affirming for every client. Michelle believes that numbers tell the story of a business, but too often that story gets buried under stress and scariness. By centering values of transparency, empathy, and education, Do Paperwork helps entrepreneurs feel confident and supported in their financial decisions. Being queer-owned is integral to that vision, Michelle knows firsthand how important it is to create spaces where identity is respected and clients don’t have to hide parts of themselves for the crusty old accountants they used to work with. That commitment to inclusion shapes every interaction, ensuring clients see their whole selves reflected in the financial care they receive.
3. What challenges have you faced as a queer entrepreneur, and how have you overcome them?
Image taken and provided by Michelle Miele
One of the biggest challenges Michelle has faced as a queer entrepreneur has been navigating a male-dominated industry. Even while serving in high-level roles like Chief Financial Officer, her expertise and opinions weren’t always respected by older male bosses and firm owners. In one meeting, Michelle voiced concern about promoting someone who wasn’t performing in their current role and chuckled at the suggestion. In front of the entire staff, the owner dismissed her perspective, saying that when she had her own business she could run things however she wanted. Without missing a beat, Michelle replied “I will and I will be more successful”. Not long after, she followed through and founded Do Paperwork. That pivotal moment transformed frustration into fuel, giving her the drive to create a firm where both her leadership and her clients’ voices are valued and respected!
4. How do you foster inclusivity and community through your business?
Michelle fosters inclusivity at Do Paperwork by creating a space where every client feels respected and understood. She uses affirming language, breaks down taxes and finances to be understandable, and actively supports queer-owned businesses, turning that scariness and isolation into empowerment!
5. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other queer folks looking to start their own venture?
Image taken and provided by Michelle Miele
Michelle’s advice is super simple: just get started! The community and support is there and people are ready to lift you up. Take the first step, ask all the questions and everything else will fall into place. And when you have questions about your receipts or how to track things or you don’t know where to get started go to Michelle for help!
6. What does "queer joy" mean to you, and how do you create or celebrate it in your space?
For Michelle, queer joy is the everyday moments and connections with clients and the community that put a smile on their face. It is the text that they got this morning that said “the amount of people I've told in the last month 'I FINALLY FOUND AN AMAZING ACCOUNTANT WHO CARES ABOUT ME'’. Celebrating these kinds of queer joy moments means they have successfully created a space where clients feel genuinely cared for, respected and proud to share both financial and personal wins!
7. Who are some queer creators, leaders, or businesses that inspire you right now?
Lately, Michelle has really been enjoying the Hey Famm app. It has allowed them to connect with many other queer business owners, and celebrate other’s successes.
8. What’s a song that feels like the soundtrack to your business journey?
The soundtrack to Michelle’s business journey is “Brave” by Sara Bareilles. At first, she was hesitant to fully embrace and promote herself as a queer business owner in Florida, but ultimately, they knew that they couldn’t be anyone but themselves. The right people would come and support and find their way to a CPA who actually gets it. This “Brave” message about speaking up and being unapologetically yourself, mirrors the values that she brings to her work every day.
Connect & Work with Michelle via their Website!
