We recently connected with Cicely Jones and have shared our conversation below.

Cicely, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

20 years ago, My Personal Accountant, was birthed where I ventured into small bookkeeping services along with income tax preparations. After a few years of servicing clients while gaining additional accounting experience and knowledge, the demand for more services arose. I also thought that My Personal Accountant was too long even though I loved the name. At that point, I rebranded and MPA Financials was formed. MPA derives from My Personal Accountant. Services offered were increased and the rebrand was necessary to show the expansion of financial services. Some services MPA Financials offer are Corporate and Individual Income Tax, Accounting, Full-Service Payroll, Financial Consultation, Business Formation and Credit Restoration.

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

I’ve always believed that I was born to be an entrpreneur. From grade school to now, I have always had multiple hustles or businesses. As early as middle school, may be earlier, I made shoe pom poms from yarn and sold them in school. I even sold original art work of drawings to classmates. Becoming a seriel entreprenuer has been a major goal accomplished with so much more to do. While being the owner of a fast-growing Accounting firm, I am passionate about sharing knowledge focused on all things financial with an importance of empowering others to strive for financial freedom.

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

I turned my Hobby into a Business

It’s hard to stay focused on your job when your dream is calling your name. Starting a company is one of the hardest things you can do in life. You will be challenged every day, and you will have to sacrifice a lot if you want to be successful. So, while working a full-time job, I initially turned my hobby into a side-hustle.

In 2000, I worked for an executive suite firm as a bookkeeper where I learned accounting on the job. I loved it so much I went back to school to get a degree in accounting. I found my purpose and passion. As I learned more about accounting, I expressed my interest in creating a side-hustle to earn more money. I started small with preparing minimum tax returns for family and friends.

10 years later, my tenure with this company ended as the owners’ parted ways and the business eventually closed. I at that time had to make a decision to on my next move after being invested in someone else’s company dreams. I did get another accounting job, but I also turned that hobby of a side hustle into a business.
Even though a side hustle years ago, MPA Financials has always been a Full-time business in my eyes and but more importantly, it’s my passion.

Being in this position as an entrepreneur of a fast-growing accounting company has awarded me the opportunity to gain notable accolades over the years. I have been awarded Top 40 under 40, as well as Who’s Who in Birmingham Accounting. I have also received Woman of the Year two years straight as well as serving a second term as Chapter President for the American Business Women Association – Heart of Birmingham Chapter. My philanthropic efforts allow me the opportunity to serve on the Boards of the Crisis Center Birmingham, The Grace House Ministries and ABWA – Heart of Birmingham Chapter.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

My full-time job initially funded my business. I dedicated a lot of my time and personal life to both for years. But I also had to tell myself to be patient with myself as well. The day job fueled the passion until the passion could take care of itself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mpafinancials.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpafinancials/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mpafinancials
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mpafinancials
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpafinancials

Image Credits
@MotiveAvenue EJ Frazier @OpenCollective Johnny J Jones