We recently connected with Sheila Williams and have shared our conversation below.
Sheila, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Early in your career, how did you think through the decision of whether to start your own firm or join an established firm?
When I first started out, I didn’t immediately launch my own firm. I began my career working inside CPA firms and corporate accounting departments. At the time, I felt it was important to learn the structure, systems, and discipline that came with working in environments where there were layers of oversight and clear processes. Looking back, I think that decision gave me a foundation I would not have had if I had gone straight into business ownership.
Those early years weren’t glamorous. I was putting in long hours, learning tax codes, reconciling accounts until late at night, and watching how the partners and managers handled clients. I remember feeling both inspired and frustrated — inspired by how much knowledge they had but frustrated because I often saw gaps in how clients were educated. Numbers were handled, but explanations were rarely given. I knew even then that one day I wanted to build something that not only managed finances but also empowered entrepreneurs to understand them.
When I eventually stepped out to start Shewins Bookkeeping Services, it was because I had reached a point where I wanted more control over the way client relationships were built. I wanted to educate, not just produce reports. The decision was not easy — leaving behind the security of a paycheck and benefits is always a leap of faith. But I felt strongly that the skills and lessons I had gained gave me the foundation to succeed.
Looking back now, it was absolutely the right choice. Those first few years of running my firm were tough — wearing every hat, chasing clients, and often wondering if I had made a mistake. But they were also the years that shaped my resilience, discipline, and vision. I learned how to manage not just numbers, but people, systems, and most importantly, myself.
If I could go back and tell my younger self one thing, it would be this: “The struggles are part of the story. Don’t rush past them. They are building you into the professional you need to be.”
Today, I can say with confidence that starting within a firm gave me structure, and stepping out on my own gave me purpose. Both were necessary parts of the journey, and together, they created the career and business I have today.
Sheila, 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?
My name is Sheila Williams, and I am the founder and owner of Shewins Bookkeeping Services Inc., an accounting and tax firm based in Nevada. I’m also an Enrolled Agent, a Certified Forensic Accountant, an author, and the voice behind the Business Fumbles Podcast.
My journey into this industry wasn’t accidental — it was built on more than 35 years of hands-on experience in accounting and finance. Early in my career, I worked inside corporate accounting departments and CPA firms. Those roles taught me discipline, compliance, and structure, but they also opened my eyes to something many professionals overlooked: the human side of finance. Too often, clients were given reports and numbers without real education or understanding. I knew then that my mission would be to not only manage finances but also empower people with the knowledge to make better decisions. That is what ultimately inspired me to build my own firm.
At Shewins Bookkeeping Services, we provide a full suite of services including bookkeeping, tax preparation and planning, payroll, trust creation, budgeting, and business consulting. We work with a wide range of industries — from trucking and restaurants to beauty salons, med-spas, and real estate investors. But regardless of industry, our purpose is always the same: to bring clarity, compliance, and confidence to our clients’ financial lives.
The problems we solve are real and often urgent. Many entrepreneurs come to us overwhelmed by messy books, tax notices, payroll complications, or the fear of not knowing where their money is going. We take that stress off their shoulders, put systems in place, and create a clear roadmap so they can focus on growth and peace of mind. What sets us apart is our educational approach — we don’t just hand clients numbers, we explain what they mean, why they matter, and how to use them as tools to build wealth and stability.
Beyond the firm, I am the author of A Long Road to Success: Business Mistakes Are Preventable and the upcoming book Business Fumbles, where I share real-life stories of entrepreneurs and the lessons they teach us about resilience, mistakes, and growth. I’m also the host of the Business Fumbles Podcast, a platform where business owners openly share their challenges so others can learn from their experiences. Both the book and podcast reflect my belief that mistakes aren’t failures — they are lessons that, if shared, can prevent others from making the same missteps.
What I’m most proud of is not just building a successful business, but building a brand that has become a resource for entrepreneurs. I take pride in knowing that my work doesn’t just balance books or file taxes — it helps business owners sleep at night, make smarter choices, and build legacies for their families.
If there’s one thing I want potential clients, followers, and readers to know, it’s this: Shewins is more than a bookkeeping service. We are a partner in your success. We stand for education, empowerment, and excellence. Whether it’s through my firm, my books, or my podcast, my goal is always the same — to equip people with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to avoid preventable mistakes and achieve financial freedom.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of education and relationships. Instead of relying only on traditional advertising, I focus on teaching — through workshops, speaking engagements, my podcast, and even simple one-minute social media tips. When people learn something valuable from you before they ever hire you, they start to see you as a trusted advisor, not just another service provider.
Alongside education, I’ve built my business on referrals and word-of-mouth. Every client we serve at Shewins Bookkeeping Services knows that our goal is not just to balance their books but to give them peace of mind and clarity. When you provide that level of service, clients naturally tell others. Over time, that trust compounds, and your name becomes associated with reliability and results.
So, in short, my growth strategy has been: teach first, serve with excellence, and let relationships do the marketing. That approach has consistently attracted clients who are the right fit and who stay for the long term.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One story that stands out about my resilience comes from a time when I decided to branch into the trucking industry. I had already built a strong foundation in bookkeeping and tax services, but like many entrepreneurs, I wanted to expand and diversify. At first, it looked promising. But what I didn’t realize was that I had stepped into an industry with very different rules, regulations, and risks. Trucks broke down, payments were delayed, and before long, what was supposed to be an exciting new venture became a financial and emotional burden.
There were moments when I questioned everything — my decision-making, my abilities as a business owner, and even whether I should continue as an entrepreneur at all. But here’s where resilience came in: instead of letting that failure define me, I chose to learn from it. I studied where I went wrong, I leaned back into my strengths in accounting and financial management, and I used that hard lesson to reshape how I run my firm and advise my clients.
That experience taught me that resilience is not about avoiding mistakes — it’s about standing back up, being honest about what went wrong, and using that knowledge to build something stronger. Today, I use my story not just as a reminder for myself but as a teaching tool for my clients. I remind them that setbacks are not the end — they’re the training ground for long-term success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shewinsbookkeeping.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shewins1919
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shewinsbookkeeping
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/sheilawilliams
- Youtube: https://WWW.youtube.com/sheilawilliams-s5p
