Influential Woman · Financial Services
Nicole Vargas
Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
Mesa, AZ 85206
Her Story
About Nicole
Nicole Vargas is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones in Mesa, Arizona. Her professional journey spans financial services, entrepreneurship, business coaching, and a 20-year career in the culinary industry. Before transitioning into finance, she built extensive experience in professional kitchens and worked her way into executive chef positions at establishments including Hyatt Regency, Royal Palms, and Andaz. She also appeared on television, including local television programs, to showcase her culinary work. Following the impact of COVID-19 on the restaurant industry and the birth of her first child, Nicole began exploring a new professional direction. She returned to school, developed an interest in numbers and financial management, and founded Page By Paige Bookkeeping, LLC in 2021. Her work with business owners strengthened her interest in helping people understand their finances and improve profitability. She subsequently became a Dave Ramsey-certified financial coach and later transitioned into financial advising with Edward Jones, where she focuses on client service, financial planning, relationship development, and building personalized strategies around clients' goals. Nicole is currently continuing her education through Vision University while balancing her career and family responsibilities. She holds an Associate of Arts in Culinary Arts/Hospitality Management from Scottsdale Culinary Institute with Le Cordon Bleu Honors and is pursuing bachelor's and master's-level education through Vision University. She is also a Certified Maxwell Leadership Coach and is involved with ProReal Women and Ironwood Church, where she volunteers with the children's ministry and nursery. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, attending concerts, hiking, swimming, cooking, and traveling with her family.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nicole
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my willingness to embrace change, learn continuously, and pursue opportunities that align with both my strengths and my responsibilities. My career has taken me from culinary school to a 20-year career as a professional chef, and then into bookkeeping, financial coaching, and financial advising. During COVID-19 and after becoming a mother, I reassessed my career direction and chose to return to school, build a bookkeeping business, become a Dave Ramsey-certified financial coach, and ultimately transition into financial advising with Edward Jones.
I am passionate about being a working mother and wife while continuing to grow professionally. My experience has taught me that a career can evolve through different seasons of life, and I value the ability to adapt while continuing to pursue meaningful work.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I have benefited from excellent mentors throughout my career. Ely Burke has been a significant influence in my professional journey and was instrumental in recognizing my potential and recruiting me from church. My experiences with mentors have reinforced the importance of having people who recognize your strengths, encourage your growth, and open doors to new opportunities. As I continue developing in financial services, I am also intentionally seeking mentors who can support my growth in this new stage of my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to recognize that they can have successful careers across multiple fields and that changing direction does not mean starting over. As women, and particularly as mothers, we may need to pivot at different stages of life. My own journey from professional chef to business owner, financial coach, and financial advisor has shown me that it is possible to adapt your career while making room for family and other priorities. Stay open to new opportunities and don't be afraid to build a career that works for the life you want.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
As someone who has been in my financial advisor role for about a year, one of my primary opportunities is continuing to learn and grow in the financial services industry. I am building my experience, developing client relationships, expanding my professional network, and continuing my education while gaining a deeper understanding of the responsibilities of financial advising.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
One of the values most important to me is being able to share my story and use my experiences to connect with and help others. I value lifelong learning, perseverance, adaptability, family, service, and personal growth. I am proud of having worked my way up through the culinary industry as a woman and of the professional experiences I gained as an executive chef, including opportunities to appear on television and showcase my cuisine. I also value being present for my children and family while continuing to pursue my professional goals.
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