We caught up with the brilliant and insightful LaTasha Bellamy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

LaTasha , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career.

As both an Accounting Instructor teaching in higher education, and the owner of an accounting firm, I offer a distinctive perspective on education. I began my accounting career in high school, and since then have remained in finance and the accounting industry. This background shapes my view on education. After experiencing a layoff from my first job in my early twenties, I made the decision to return to school to pursue an accounting degree.

I have observed that many students struggle to secure positions in their field of study, due to lack of relevant experience. To address a challenge such as this, an effective approach encouraging students to seek part-time or entry-level positions that are related to their degree or field of study, whenever possible. This hands-on experience can have a significant impact on their employability once they have graduated.

LaTasha , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I began my journey in finance as a high school student, working as a file clerk in a trucking company. Driven by my fascination with finances, I gradually advanced within the company as accounting staff transitioned out. The company’s familial atmosphere instilled in me the confidence to venture into entrepreneurship, leading me to establish my own accounting and tax firm in 2016. Since then, I’ve not only sustained this business but also founded several others.

In my role, I tackle a spectrum of financial challenges for my clients, whether it’s confronting back taxes head-on or strategizing for future business endeavors. My multifaceted background—as a business owner, employee, banker, and tax accountant, and now accounting instructor—equips me with diverse perspectives to address financial situations, tailored to each client’s objectives.

What I treasure most is my role as a trailblazer in my family, being the first to graduate from both high school and college, and the first to establish a business. I currently hold a master’s degree in accounting and will soon have a doctorate in education. This legacy inspires me to pave the way for my siblings, nieces, and nephews, offering them a blueprint for success.

Above all, integrity and transparency define my approach. I prioritize treating my clients and team with the same respect and care I would expect. When I engage with clients, I emphasize empathy and understanding, recognizing their aspirations and treating them like family, working together toward the future that they envision.

Ultimately, my aim is to serve as a trusted financial guide, empowering individuals and businesses to navigate their financial journeys with confidence.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Referrals are the lifeblood of my client base. As someone deeply committed to providing exceptional service to my existing clients, I’ve foregone traditional advertising methods. Instead, I rely on the power of word-of-mouth recommendations, which have consistently brought new clients to my doorstep.

My dedication to excellence in every client interaction is my primary marketing strategy. Satisfied clients naturally share their positive experiences with others, leading to a steady stream of referrals. This organic growth model not only sustains my business but also ensures that each new client comes with a trusted endorsement.

While attracting new clients is essential, I prioritize quality over quantity. I recognize the importance of managing my workload responsibly to maintain the highest standards of service. By growing my client base thoughtfully and sustainably, I ensure the long-term success and reputation of my company.

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

Before launching my business, I invested time and effort in gaining practical experience by volunteering at a non-profit organization during tax seasons. This allowed me to grasp the intricacies of running a tax business successfully. When the time came to officially establish my company, I diligently took care of initial expenses, such as business formation and local licensing fees.

To keep costs manageable, I conducted thorough research to find budget-friendly solutions, including choosing an affordable website platform and determining federal licensing fees. As I was still working full-time, I utilized the funds I had saved to cover these essential startup expenses.

Recognizing the financial implications of hiring employees, I initially operated as a solopreneur to keep overhead a manageable rate. The minimal overhead costs associated with running an accounting firm—primarily internet, computer, software, and time—allowed me to sustain my business independently. Despite steady growth, I’ve been able to manage expenses without requiring significant capital infusion.

As my business evolves and demands increase, particularly with the prospect of purchasing a building and expanding the team, I approach these challenges with careful planning and financial prudence. By reinvesting earnings into the business and maintaining a disciplined savings strategy, I ensure sustainable growth while effectively managing rising expenses.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tgnaenterprise.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latashabellamy/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latasha-bellamy/

Image Credits
Kimazingphotos.com @kimazingphotos