We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nikki Ausdemore a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nikki, 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?
After working in a corporate environment for a couple of years, I decided it was not the best environment for me. I started looking for an exit strategy and came across an online training for bookkeeping. Bookkeeping was a perfect blend of my interest in all things finance and organization. I had done some basic bookkeeping for other positions I held and knew it would be a career I would enjoy. I plowed through the training and started working with my first client. It was a steep learning curve, but I soaked up all the information I possibly could and asked many, many questions. After passing the QuickBooks ProAdvisor training, I continued on to pass the QuickBooks Bookkeeper training as well. The training also helped in getting the foundation of my business set up such as getting an EIN, city business license, Facebook and Instagram pages, and much more. I was well on my way to growing my business.
Nikki, 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 am a 50 year old wife to Chris and mom to 4 amazing young adults and teens. I am a breast cancer survivor and entrepreneur. Orange Blossom Bookkeeping is my 4th business over the last 25 years. I love working for myself and growing businesses! My past work revolved primarily around the birth community. I was a doula, childbirth educator, student midwife, and placenta encapsulator. After undergoing treatment for cancer I re-entered the workforce as a maternity advocate for a health share organization. I loved the work, but really wanted to be my own boss again. I served women in the birth space for so many years and wanted to serve the women who serve the birthing women. My target clients are midwives, doulas, and other women-owned, service-based businesses who serve women. Birth is in my blood and I strive to keep it part of my life. However, this does not mean I can’t or don’t serve other types of businesses. I have many different types of clients from all industries across the country.
I work hard to provide my clients with the kind of service I would want from a bookkeeper. Promptness, thoroughness, integrity, and efficiency are traits that help me do so. I pride myself on providing clean monthly reports in a timely manner, quick response to questions, and a friendly, positive attitude.
Orange Blossom Bookkeeping was named in January 2022. I was wracking my brain for a name that brought me joy and happiness. My backdoor was open and the scent of the orange blossoms wafter wafted through my home. This was joy and happiness. My business was named in that moment.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Growing my clientele has been a work in progress not only since my business began, but for many years prior. Because of my past businesses in birth work, I had a long-standing reputation in the birth community. I am known as driven, compassionate, and hard-working. When I announced I was opening my bookkeeping business many business owners reached out to support me and inquire about my services. Today, I find networking and building relationships to be the best way to grow. I participate regularly in both in-person and online networking groups and have even started a small business club in my neighborhood. Oftentimes business owners whom I connected with months ago realize they need some help and reach out to discuss their bookkeeping needs. Building relationships is definitely the strongest way to grow your service based business.
Have you ever had to pivot?
At the time of my cancer diagnosis, I was running my placenta encapsulation business, was the executive director of a birth center, and an administrative assistant for a naturopathic physician and midwife. My life was crazy full with 3 jobs and 4 kids. And then the diagnosis hit. There is nothing like a major illness to throw a wrench in your life. Oddly enough, I didn’t know I was sick and didn’t feel sick! I never would have taken such a significant break from my responsibilities without such a diagnosis though. I was blessed to be able to stop working altogether and focus on my health, treatment, and recovery. I spent the little energy I had making memories with my family and living in the moment. After my treatment and a little time for recovery I decided it was time to get back into the workforce. The health share I was a member of offered me a position in their office. It was a great opportunity to work in a new industry, but was also related to the work I love, helping others. I spent nearly 3 years before deciding to go back to working for myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.orangeblossombookkeepingaz.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/orangeblossombookkeeping
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-ausdemore-368981183/
- Other: www.calendly.com/orangeblossombookkeeping