We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Demetrius Williams. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Demetrius below.
Hi Demetrius , thanks for joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
I discovered my talent for doing taxes in February 2008, and although it was initially a side gig, I laid the groundwork for a promising future. When Covid hit in 2020, my commercial maintenance and janitorial business, which had five charter school contracts, was severely impacted as everything shut down, leaving me with a significant void to fill. My brother encouraged me to pivot and focus on doing taxes full time, and after conducting thorough research, I obtained the necessary licenses and certifications. I recall feeling a mix of nerves and determination, telling myself that I had nothing to lose and everything to gain by taking this leap of faith.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am the world’s Good Tax Lady, dedicated to making a positive impact by providing expert tax services and empowering individuals and businesses to achieve their financial goals. We all have the potential to create a better world by supporting one another, and I am proud to be the owner of The Good Tax Lady, located at 7395 US Hwy 64, suite 105, Bartlett, TN, where we serve clients globally with personalized tax solutions. Our team excels at addressing complex tax issues for both individuals and businesses, and we are committed to being a year-round resource for our clients, no matter the size or scope of their tax needs. As a trusted advisor, we were honored to be voted best in Bartlett for the 2024 tax year, and we appreciate the opportunity to work with each client who walks through our door or partners with us virtually. By taking the time to educate our clients, we aim to simplify the tax process and foster a deeper understanding of their financial situation. Additionally, we offer business consulting classes, guidance on starting or saving a business, and annual seminars to equip our clients with the knowledge and tools necessary to successfully launch, finance, and market their ventures.
Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?
I’ve been a business owner since 2013 and I recall a particularly pivotal moment that year. With 10 employees and no overhead, I was driven by my faith and determination. My team had been working tirelessly for two weeks, their enthusiasm and dedication evident in their eyes. Despite my own uncertainty about the company’s financial future, due to my limited understanding of our new contract at the time, I had taken a leap of faith by signing the contract and leaving my job as an accountant, which is a testament to my willingness to take calculated risks, lol. Just three days before payroll, I found myself on the verge of applying for a loan, unsure if I would even qualify. But as I sat on my bed, I felt an inner prompting to check my business bank account, and to my surprise, I had been receiving payments for all the projects we had completed on a weekly basis. The wave of relief that washed over me was overwhelming, and I was moved to tears. This experience has fueled my passion for encouraging others to embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys, as it has taught me that even in the face of uncertainty, there is always the potential for a positive outcome, and that taking control of one’s own destiny can be a truly liberating experience.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
As a business owner, some of the most liberating discoveries to make and embrace include the realization that you can share the load, the understanding that productivity and efficiency can often trump long hours, recognizing the value of customer feedback over personal ego, being open to evolving your business model, and adopting a mindset that prioritizes sustainable growth and intentional development. I recall a pivotal moment when I empowered Nikki, Nicole Jones, to support me with critical paperwork, and I was initially on edge, struggling to relinquish control after shouldering the entire business alone. However, she reassured me with a simple yet profound statement, ‘relax, your troubles are over,’ and it marked a significant shift. Now, I have the freedom to leave the office behind and focus on what truly matters, spending quality time with my family and exploring new horizons, all because I took a leap of faith and allowed someone else to share the load.