Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Candice Belcher. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Candice, appreciate you joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

For me, business has always been about seeing an opportunity, solving a problem, and making it happen—fast. I’ve never been the type to sit on an idea for too long. Once I see the vision, it’s go-time.

Take Money Matters Financial Solutions, for example. I knew so many people had the talent and drive to start businesses but lacked the structure and financial backing. The gap was clear—entrepreneurs needed a roadmap to business funding, formation, and financial literacy. Instead of overthinking, I started mapping out the core services, researching compliance, and figuring out what would make my business stand out. I registered the LLC, set up the backend systems, and built a brand that exudes professionalism and trust.

At the same time, my background in finance and marketing made me realize I could do more. I launched my tax prep program to help people not only file taxes but start and grow profitable tax businesses. That meant creating a structured program, vetting software, and putting together a marketing plan that attracts high earners and beautypreneurs. Every move was intentional—pricing, positioning, branding.

Then there’s real estate wholesaling—another strategic pivot. I studied the market, built relationships with buyers and sellers, and developed a streamlined approach to closing deals without needing heavy capital upfront. It was all about execution and leveraging knowledge to create cash flow.

In between, I built CEbonyStyles, my stylist brand at Ulta Beauty, because hair has always been a passion. But I don’t just do hair—I educate, brand, and market my services to stay booked and create multiple streams of income.

Each business started the same way: Identify the need, set up the structure, build the brand, and move with confidence. I didn’t wait for the perfect moment—I built as I went. The biggest lesson? Action beats overthinking. Every business I run today is a result of taking the leap, learning fast, and staying consistent.

Candice, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a serial entrepreneur, financial strategist, real estate broker, and beauty industry professional who doesn’t just build businesses—I build systems that create wealth. Everything I do is about empowering others to secure financial freedom, leverage credit, and maximize their earning potential.

How I Got Started
I’ve always had a business mindset—I don’t just look at what’s in front of me; I see the bigger picture. My journey started in the beauty industry as a hairstylist under my brand CEbonyStyles, working at Ulta Beauty. But I knew I didn’t just want to work in the industry—I wanted to build multiple streams of income, and that’s exactly what I did.

I expanded into business funding, tax preparation, and real estate wholesaling because I saw a gap:

Entrepreneurs struggle to access capital.
Tax professionals need a structured way to grow.
People want to invest in real estate but don’t know where to start.
I stepped in and built Money Matters Financial Solutions to help business owners structure their companies properly and position themselves for funding, credit, and long-term financial success. I also launched a tax program that not only provides professional tax software and training but gives people the blueprint to launch and scale a profitable tax business.

In real estate, I specialize in wholesaling, helping people close deals with no upfront capital while teaching them how to navigate the industry strategically.

What Sets Me Apart?
I don’t just offer services—I provide education, execution, and strategy. Plenty of people talk about starting businesses, fixing credit, or making money in real estate, but I actually show my clients how to do it step by step.

✅ Business Funding & Formation: I help entrepreneurs set up proper business structures, build business credit, and secure working capital.
✅ Tax Industry Success: I offer a complete tax prep & tax office startup program for those looking to build a six-figure business.
✅ Real Estate Wholesaling: I teach my clients how to flip properties without ever owning them, creating instant cash flow.
✅ Beauty Industry Branding: I use my expertise in CEbonyStyles to help beautypreneurs monetize their skills beyond just doing hair.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve built multiple profitable businesses while helping others do the same. I’ve created blueprints that allow entrepreneurs to win in business, real estate, and financial services—not just by giving them information, but by giving them systems that work.

What You Need to Know
If you’re looking for business funding, tax industry success, real estate investment strategies, or branding in the beauty industry, I’m the one to connect with. I don’t just teach it—I’ve done it, and I help others do it too.

Let’s build. Let’s scale. Let’s win. 💰🔥

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In business, you have to know when to adapt or get left behind. As a tax professional, I’ve built a strong foundation helping individuals and businesses navigate taxes, maximize refunds, and stay compliant. But in recent years, the industry has changed dramatically—oversaturation, increasing fraud, and unrealistic client expectations made it clear: sticking to just tax prep wasn’t enough.

Recognizing the Shift
With the IRS tightening regulations and technology automating tax filing, I saw the demand for traditional tax preparers slowly fading. More people were relying on DIY software, and the market was flooded with unqualified preparers making false promises—leading to audits, fraud investigations, and stricter compliance measures. Clients started expecting miracle refunds, and when you run an honest business, you don’t play those games.

The Pivot: Expanding Beyond Tax Prep
Instead of staying in a declining lane, I pivoted and expanded into higher-value financial services within the tax industry:

✅ Tax Business Development: I now teach others how to build and scale their own tax businesses the right way, including software, compliance, and marketing strategies.
✅ Tax Planning & Business Structuring: Instead of just filing taxes, I help business owners structure their finances year-round to reduce liabilities and position themselves for funding and growth.
✅ IRS Compliance & Audit Assistance: With more audits happening, I now assist clients in staying compliant, responding to IRS notices, and avoiding costly mistakes.
✅ Multiple Streams of Income for Tax Professionals: I coach tax pros on how to diversify their services, including credit repair, business funding, and financial education, so they don’t rely solely on seasonal income.

A Time I Had to Pivot
One of my biggest pivots was when I realized relying solely on tax season was limiting my growth. I had built a strong clientele, but once April passed, the income slowed down. Instead of waiting for the next tax season, I focused on year-round financial services—teaching my clients how to set up LLCs, build business credit, and access funding. This shift not only increased my income but positioned me as a go-to financial expert beyond tax prep.

The Lesson? Adapt or Get Left Behind.
The tax industry will never be the same, and I’m not waiting around for it to recover. I’ve built a sustainable business model that thrives beyond tax season, and I help others do the same. If you’re a tax professional struggling with these changes, it’s time to pivot and position yourself for long-term success—because the game has changed, and so should your strategy.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Absolutely—what started as a side hustle quickly turned into a full-time, multi-faceted business.

How It Started
I got into tax preparation as a way to create an extra income stream. At first, it was just about helping family, friends, and a few referrals during tax season. But as I learned more about the tax industry, business structures, and financial strategies, I realized there was a much bigger opportunity than just filing returns. People didn’t just need tax prep—they needed tax planning, business structuring, and financial literacy to truly get ahead.

The Turning Point
The moment I knew I had something bigger was when I started seeing the real financial impact I was having on my clients. Entrepreneurs came to me with messy financials, no structure, and missed tax-saving opportunities. Instead of just filing their taxes, I started offering business entity setup, tax strategy consultations, and financial planning services.

As demand grew, I knew I had to take this seriously. I invested in:
✔️ Advanced tax training & certifications to stand out in the industry.
✔️ Professional tax software to streamline my services.
✔️ Marketing & branding to position myself as a financial expert, not just a tax preparer.
✔️ Business funding strategies to help clients maximize their financial potential.

Scaling Up
Once I mastered the business, I scaled by teaching others. I realized many people wanted to get into the tax industry but didn’t have the guidance, resources, or tools to do it right. That’s when I launched my tax business development program, offering:

✅ Professional tax software
✅ Comprehensive training on tax prep & compliance
✅ Marketing strategies to attract high-value clients
✅ Client acquisition training
✅ Year-round income streams beyond tax season

Key Milestones
🚀 First Tax Season: Went from doing a handful of returns to gaining a steady client base through referrals and word of mouth.
💰 First Five-Figure Month: Once I added tax planning and business structuring services, I saw a major increase in revenue.
📈 Expanding to Business Funding & Credit: Helping clients secure funding and set up their businesses took my tax business from seasonal to year-round profitability.
🎓 Launching My Tax Program: Teaching other aspiring tax professionals how to build and scale their own businesses became a game-changer.

From Side Hustle to Full-Time Empire
What started as a seasonal side hustle is now a full-time financial services business that continues to evolve. I’m no longer just preparing taxes—I’m helping entrepreneurs build wealth, stay compliant, and secure funding for their businesses.

The biggest lesson? If you treat your side hustle like a business from day one, it will eventually pay you like one.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.moneymattersfinancialsolutions.com
• Instagram: @moneymattersfinancialsolutions
• Facebook: @moneymattersfinancialsolutions