We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sophia Whiteman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sophia below.

Alright, Sophia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Before 2025, I was running my bookkeeping business on the side while also working a job with steady pay. The industry I was in was new to Oklahoma and constantly changing- rules and regulations seemed to shift every few months. The work had its benefits, but I knew I was meant for something bigger. The job was with my family, a group of entrepreneurs, and during the three years I worked there, I felt a strong pull toward growing my own business. That’s how Via Sophia got started in January 2023, initially as a virtual assistant business.

The first few months were… Honestly, TOUGH. I had my LLC, but I didn’t know how to market myself, set prices, or even narrow down my services. I was offering everything from bookkeeping to social media content creation. Around eight months in, I started networking locally and met a tax professional who became my mentor. She saw the potential in me and helped me pivot my business to focus solely on bookkeeping, a field I already had some experience in from college contractor roles.

2024 was all about leveling up. I dove deep into QuickBooks, became a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, and took a course called Trauma of Money. That, combined with my Bachelor of Science in Psychology, gave me a unique perspective- I’m not just tracking numbers, I’m helping clients understand their money mindset too. That’s something that really sets me apart from other bookkeepers.

Going full-time was a huge risk. I was leaving behind financial stability and a predictable routine to pursue something uncertain. It wasn’t just a financial risk- it was trusting myself to consistently attract clients and grow my business.

During my “hustle season,” balancing my family job with Via Sophia, I spent months refining my niche, building systems, and creating a strategy to make the transition as smooth as possible. I designed customizable bookkeeping services, set up automations for efficiency, and honed marketing strategies to reach my ideal clients (check out my Instagram 😉). Even with all that preparation, there were no guarantees.

But it paid off. I went full-time on January 1, 2025, grew my client base locally and virtually, and really stepped into my role as a business owner. Of course, it wasn’t without challenges: imposter syndrome hits (it never really goes away), and client onboarding can be tricky, but taking that leap allowed me to align my work with my values and my expertise.

This experience taught me that calculated risks, paired with preparation and clarity, can lead to growth you wouldn’t get staying in your comfort zone. It also reinforced the importance of trusting my skills and building systems that support both my clients and my business.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Yes, of course! Hiii, I’m Sophia Whiteman, the founder of Via Sophia Bookkeeping Services, a virtual bookkeeping firm for creatives and service providers. I help entrepreneurs simplify their finances, get clarity on their numbers, and make confident business decisions- without feeling overwhelmed.

Honestly, I got into bookkeeping kind of by accident 😆. I’ve always loved systems and psychology, and I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with numbers, lol. While working in a family-run business, I kept feeling pulled toward building my own thing, which led to launching Via Sophia in January 2023. I started out as a virtual assistant doing a little bit of everything, but after connecting with mentors and figuring out where I could really add value, I pivoted to focus solely on bookkeeping. That’s when my skills and passion really came together.

A lot of people think bookkeepers just “track numbers,” but it’s so much more than that. My monthly services include transaction coding, account reconciliation, preparing financial reports, reviewing those reports with you, and collaborating with your tax professional so tax season isn’t stressful. I offer customizable bookkeeping services, set up automations to save clients time, and bring in a bit of money psychology- thanks to my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a course I took called Trauma of Money. I’m also a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, so I can make QuickBooks actually work for you instead of the other way around.

What really sets my brand apart? My vibe, for sure. I’m easy to talk to, 10/10 communication skills, and always down to help. I want clients and followers to feel like they’re not in this alone- after all, we’re all in it together. There’s no single “right” way to be an entrepreneur, and I believe in collaborating over competing. People often tell me, “I love your reels!”, and some friends joke, “but does YOUR bookkeeper even make funny reels?” I love that. Bookkeeping doesn’t have to be boring- it can be approachable, human, and yes, even a little fun.

What I do is solve real problems: I help people escape the stress of messy finances, track deductions properly, and understand their numbers so they can make confident decisions for their business. My goal is to make bookkeeping simple, strategic, and empowering.

I’m most proud of taking Via Sophia from a side hustle to a full-time business serving clients locally and virtually. I’ve built systems that let my clients focus on what they love about their business while I handle the numbers.

What I want people to know is this: working with me isn’t just about bookkeeping- it’s about building a business that supports your dream life, with clarity, confidence, and a little psychology sprinkled in. I work with clients who understand that bookkeeping is an investment, not just another expense. And if you want someone approachable, relatable, and maybe even a little funny while keeping your finances on track…That’s me. 💁🏻‍♀️

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Oof, I’d have to say the biggest lesson I’ve had to unlearn is around setting boundaries and knowing my worth. I’m a recovering people-pleaser, and in the age of social media, that can get tricky. Early on, I had clients messaging me on Instagram or emailing me after hours expecting instant responses. I realized I needed to set clear work hours. I’m human, just like everyone else. I built my business to avoid becoming a workaholic (I know, funny, right?). Even though entrepreneurship often feels like working 24/7, I need to protect my mental energy for my personal life- I’m a dog mom, a wife, a daughter, a friend.

Another piece of this lesson was learning not to devalue my time. When I first started, I was giving discounts left and right because I was new, scared to lose clients, and just wanted income. Over time, I realized that was a scarcity mindset. By undervaluing myself, I was attracting the wrong clients and putting unnecessary pressure on myself. Learning to charge what I’m worth and set boundaries has helped me work with clients who truly value my expertise and it’s been a game-changer for both my business and my sanity.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Most of my management and entrepreneurial philosophy has been shaped over time by my past jobs: learning what to do, what not to do, and how to lead effectively. When I started my entrepreneurial journey, I leaned on podcasts and books to guide me.

One book that really stood out was We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers. It’s a financial guide empowering women to increase their income and build wealth. She talks about shifting from “Broke Ass Decisions” to “Million Dollar Decisions,” building a strong support team, and even includes practical challenges to kickstart wealth-building. Some quotes that stuck with me: “Your success is in your squad” and “95% of your success in life is determined by the people you habitually associate with.”

A podcast I love is The Kristen Boss Podcast, which explores entrepreneurship that’s aligned, sustainable, and intentional. Kristen shares practical insights, real-life pivots, and unfiltered conversations about building a business and life that can truly sustain you. It’s helped me think about structuring my business, communicating with clients, and leading with intention.

I’ve also been inspired by money psychology books like Trauma of Money by Chantel Chapman and The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel, which help me understand the emotional side of money, both for myself and my clients, and how mindset impacts financial decisions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.viasophia.co
• Instagram: @viasophia.co (https://www.instagram.com/viasophia.co/)
• Facebook: Via Sophia Bookkeeping Services (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089683997796)
• Other: Book a discovery call here: https://viasophiallc.hbportal.co/public/discoverycall

Image Credits

Sam Wheeler Photography (https://www.samwheeler.co/)
Myriah B. Photography (https://www.myriahbphotography.com/)