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

Shanequa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump into the story of starting your own firm – what should we know?

Smooth Tax Solutions LLC, a thriving tax firm based in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama, has come a long way since its establishment in 2017. Founded by Shanequa Lewis, the company’s journey is a testament to determination, faith, and the power of unwavering support from friends and family.

The path to success began in December 2014 when I ventured into the tax industry, seeking to supplement my income to provide for my three children. At the age of 22 (now 32) I landed a job at a local tax firm, becoming the youngest member of the team. Despite being nervous , I embraced the opportunity, dedicating myself to mastering the intricacies of tax preparation, building client relationships, and staying abreast of evolving tax laws.

As my expertise grew, so did my ambition. In the spring of 2017, with strong faith and determination, I made the bold decision to venture out on my own. Amidst a whirlwind of emotions, nervousness, fear, and doubt I took a leap of faith, trusting in my abilities and the support of my clients. With no business name or physical location at the time, I relied on my faith to guide me .

During this building phase, My business partner and co-founder of Mind Your Assets Tax School, Toya Meadows, played a pivotal role, providing invaluable guidance and support. With newfound knowledge and a resilient spirit, I took on the challenge of balancing my responsibilities as a full-time employee, a part-time college student, and a single parent, all while laying the foundation for my new tax firm.

In August 2017, Smooth Tax Solutions officially entered the scene. Now with a business name and a modest office space, I was ready to share my expertise with the world. In the company’s formative year, I shared my office space with my business partner, a testament to the power of collaboration and mutual support in the face of entrepreneurial challenges.

One of the most significant hurdles I encountered was creating digital marketing content and overcoming self-doubt in public speaking. Additionally, establishing and adhering to competitive pricing strategies presented its own set of challenges.

Despite these obstacles, I persisted, drawing strength from my commitment to my clients and my unshakable faith. This year, Smooth Tax Solutions celebrates 7 years in business. I plan to continue providing top-notch tax services to the community while fostering a culture of trust and reliability.

“Reflecting on my entrepreneurial journey, I strongly believe that every step, stumble, and success has been an equal part of my growth.I don’t think I should have done anything differently in my business’s early development. Because you always grow and learn from your mistakes. This mindset is a commitment to my continuous improvement.

Becoming my own boss has undoubtedly been one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has granted me the freedom to prioritize family time with my children, while also dedicating my time to my passion for serving clients. It’s this balance between professional dedication and personal fulfillment that epitomizes my journey as an entrepreneur and a mother.

For aspiring business professionals, I offer invaluable advice learned from my own experiences. ‘Go hard in what you believe in every day,’ I urge. Through my own journey, I have discovered that strangers can become some of your strongest supporters. I emphasize the importance of perseverance, particularly during slower seasons, highlighting the transformative power of consistency. ‘With consistency, it gets greater later.’

Looking ahead, Smooth Tax Solutions LLC has poised for continued success, driven by my unwavering dedication, my unyielding faith, and my commitment to excellence. My story serves as hope and inspiration for those who dare to dream and strive for their own entrepreneurial success.

In the evolving success of entrepreneurship, My journey stands as proof to the transformative power of determination, faith, and the support of my community. As I continue to make my mark in the world of business, my story serves as an inspiration to all who dare to dream and pursue their passions. 

Shanequa, 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’m Shanequa the Founder of Smooth Tax Solutions LLC. In 2019 I became co-founder and partner at Mind Your Assets Tax School. My financial firm is located in Birmingham, Al where we specialize in individual and small business tax returns. Our firm also offers a range of services to small business owners such as bookkeeping and business development Our firm works with a variety of clients while being able to service all 50 states. Our intentions are to support clients with expert advice, professionalism, responsiveness, and a peace of mind when visiting our firm. Over the years Smooth Tax Solutions has received various awards for outstanding service. As of Dec 2023, we have multiple tax pros in our firm who currently hold AFSP registered tax professional credentials with the internal revenue.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Referrals from clients and social media engagement

Contact Info:

• Website: Smoothtaxsolutions.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smoothtaxsolutions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smoothtaxsolutions
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanequa-lewis-161698243?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Other: www.mindyourassets.academy

Image Credits
JTM Productions