We were lucky to catch up with Camea Franklin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Camea, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the toughest things about progressing in your career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

I started my career in the tax industry by being part of a franchise. I considered entering into this industry at a time when I was in transition. I had just been laid off for the second time and was looking for something that I could level up, control my own future and be able to support my family as I was a single parent. I only had myself to rely on, I was able to learn alot about the industry – how to setup your business, how franchise’s work, what the fees are, and the tax business life cycle. To make a long story short, due to the franchise fees that were required, I ended up owing the franchisor over $100,000 and had to exit the business. Since I already had put my life’s savings and time into making the business successful, I had no choice but to start over. I went back to work a 9-5 job, filed bankruptcy, and contemplated my plans on how to move forward. Fast forward 10 years, I decided to step out on my own using the education and experience I gained during my tenur with the franchise. I am now successful and currently scaling my independent business.

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

Camea, Franklin, proprietor of Tax Divas LLC, is a financial educator, Enrolled Agent, and subject matter expert that has had a well rounded career in the accounting/tax industry. Camea received her BA from Wayne State University and MBA from the University of Phoenix. Over the course of her career, Camea has worked for companies such as Scripps Networks, The Word Network, and Fiat Chrysler Corporation. Serving as the accounting manager for an independent television and radio station in the Detroit market for more than 13 years, her expertise and commitment resulted in her developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and processes for its accounting department. She has been assisting the community at large by providing financial services in the tax compliance, resolution and bookkeeping areas for over twenty years.

Camea also provides niche accounting solutions for businesses in the music, media, and creative industries. Her approach to serving clients is largely inspired by trust, which you will find reflected in her lifestyle and track record of success. Camea also trains others’ who have aspirations of becoming their own boss in the tax industry.

Camea can be reached via email at [email protected]

Phone: 313-434-1775

Instagram – @cameafranklinea,

Facebook – @CameaFranklinEA

www.thetaxdivas.com

www.taxdivasdetroit.com

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

When I decided to go into business this time, I did not want to get into a deficit as I was in my first business venture where I ended up owing hundreds of thousands of dollars. So, I decided to save money and open using my own sourced funds. I spent six months saving up for the down payment and start up expenses for the business. After this, I purchased the items I still needed gradually. I took on an additional job and used that money to fund my business.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I am known as the “most trusted tax professional”. This is because I operate with integrity and I believe in transparent communication, even when mistakes are made. Over time, even if things occur with my clients, they trust me with their personal and financial information because they know I will be truthful, ethical and operate with excellence.

Contact Info:

• Website: thetaxdivas.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/clfranklinea
• Facebook: Facebook.com/cameafranklin
• Linkedin: Linkedin.com/cameafranklinmba