We were lucky to catch up with Sierra Thomas recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Sierra thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
In 2015, I was at what many would call a stable point in my life. I worked in corporate accounting, a job that provided financial security and a predictable routine. But deep down, I felt a persistent tug—a feeling that I was meant for something greater, something I could call my own. Despite the benefits, I couldn’t shake the sense of being unfulfilled.
The Backstory
The corporate world taught me a lot: discipline, precision, and how to navigate complex financial systems. But it also revealed a harsh reality. I saw firsthand how smaller businesses struggled to survive in a world of overwhelming financial complexity. They didn’t have access to the tools, insights, or guidance that large corporations could afford. Watching this gap grow ignited a fire in me.
I began to envision a business that would bridge this gap—a company that would provide boutique, high-touch financial services for small businesses. I wanted to empower business owners with the clarity and tools they needed to succeed, not just survive.
The Decision
Leaving my corporate job to start this venture felt like standing at the edge of a cliff, unsure if I could build wings before hitting the ground. I had no clients, no business name, and limited savings. But I had a vision, passion, and a deep belief that I could make a difference.
It wasn’t an impulsive decision. I spent months researching the market, building a business plan, and networking with potential clients. I worked evenings and weekends, pouring over spreadsheets and ideas, until the moment came to take the leap.
The Leap
I resigned from my stable job, giving up the steady paycheck and benefits. The first months were challenging. I faced rejection after rejection while trying to build my client base. I learned quickly that running a business is about much more than just providing a service—it’s about marketing, sales, and resilience.
The Outcome
That risk led to the creation of Touche Financial Solutions, which recently celebrated its 9th anniversary. It wasn’t always easy, but it was worth it. Today, I work with incredible clients across various industries, helping them find balance and clarity in their financial journeys. I’ve even expanded into coaching and consulting, further bridging the gap between operational and financial struggles.
Looking back, I realize that the risk I took wasn’t just about leaving a job; it was about betting on myself and my vision. That leap of faith transformed my career and allowed me to help countless others achieve their goals.
Taking that risk showed me the power of trusting your instincts and having the courage to follow your passion, even when the path isn’t clear.
Sierra, 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’m Sierra, the owner of Touche Financial Solutions, a boutique accounting and consulting firm that specializes in helping business owners achieve clarity and balance in their finances. My journey into this industry began in corporate accounting, where I worked with large companies managing intricate financial systems. While I gained valuable experience, I often felt disconnected from the people behind the numbers. It was this realization—and a burning passion to empower small businesses—that led me to take the leap into entrepreneurship in 2015.
What We Do at Touche Financial Solutions
We provide Financial Solutions and Advisory Services, focusing on managerial accounting for professional service industries. Our offerings are divided into three tiers—Essential, Enhanced, and Executive—to meet the diverse needs of our clients.
Here are some of the problems we help solve:
Financial Clarity: Many business owners struggle to make sense of their financials. We develop tailored systems to organize, track, and interpret financial data, making it easier to make informed decisions.
Cash Flow and Revenue Cycle Issues: We address billing complexities, manage accounts receivable, and create sustainable cash flow strategies.
Operational Efficiency: By bridging the gap between financial management and operational challenges, we help businesses streamline processes and improve profitability.
Leadership Development: Through coaching, we guide business leaders in making strategic decisions and fostering a balanced approach to running their businesses.
We also provide tax services, including federal, state, and local filings, as an add-on for clients who want a holistic financial solution.
What Sets Us Apart
Boutique, Personalized Approach: We’re not just another accounting firm. We specialize in working with clients who value high-touch service and tailored strategies.
Holistic Financial Management: We don’t just crunch numbers. We provide actionable insights and guidance, bridging the gap between operations and financial management.
Coaching and Consulting: Our approach goes beyond the books. By incorporating coaching into our services, we empower business owners to overcome challenges and unlock their full potential.
Long-Term Partnerships: We strive to build lasting relationships with our clients, serving as trusted advisors and an integral part of their success.
What I’m Most Proud Of
One of the things I’m most proud of is the ability to transform businesses and, by extension, the lives of the people who run them. Seeing a client go from feeling overwhelmed and uncertain to confidently running their operations with a clear financial strategy is incredibly fulfilling.
I’m also proud of the relationships I’ve built along the way—clients who have trusted me with their businesses for years and partners who believe in the work I do.
Key Takeaways for Clients
If there’s one thing I want potential clients to know, it’s this: We’re here to help you build balance. Whether it’s in your financial structure, operations, or leadership, we work alongside you to create systems that make running your business smoother and more efficient.
At Touche Financial Solutions, our mission is to bring clarity and confidence to every business owner we work with. We understand that no two businesses are the same, and that’s why we craft personalized solutions tailored to your needs.
If you’re looking for a partner who cares deeply about your success, who values transparency, and who understands the challenges of running a business, we’d love to work with you!
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In the early years of running Touche Financial Solutions, I focused primarily on traditional accounting services—bookkeeping, financial reporting, and tax preparation. Business was steady, and I felt confident in the value I was providing. But as I worked closely with clients, I started to notice a recurring theme: their financial challenges weren’t just about the numbers. Often, the root cause stemmed from deeper operational and leadership struggles.
The Moment of Realization
One conversation, in particular, stands out. A client running a small business confided in me during a routine financial review. They felt overwhelmed by their daily operations and unsure how to grow sustainably. Despite having accurate financial reports, they struggled to translate those numbers into actionable decisions.
I realized that my clients didn’t just need an accountant; they needed a partner who could help them connect the dots between their operations, leadership, and finances.
The Pivot
This insight led me to pivot my business model. I decided to move beyond traditional accounting and incorporate business consulting and coaching into my services. It was a bold shift, requiring me to step out of my comfort zone, invest in professional coaching certifications, and rethink how I served my clients.
To support this pivot, I revamped my offerings, creating packages that integrated financial management with coaching. I added services like leadership development, operational consulting, and strategic planning. I also began hosting workshops and webinars to educate clients on financial structure and business growth.
The Challenges
The transition wasn’t without its challenges. Rebranding and educating existing clients about the expanded scope of services took time. Some were hesitant, unsure if they needed the “extra” support. I also had to overcome self-doubt—wondering if this pivot would resonate with my audience or dilute my expertise.
The Outcome
The pivot paid off. By aligning my services with my clients’ broader needs, I deepened relationships and attracted a new audience of business owners who were ready to invest in holistic support. The coaching and consulting aspect of my business has since become one of the most rewarding parts of my work, allowing me to help clients grow not just their bottom line but also their confidence as leaders.
The Lesson
This experience taught me the power of listening to your clients and being willing to evolve. Pivoting isn’t about abandoning your core—it’s about adapting and expanding to serve better. Looking back, I see this decision as a turning point that transformed Touche Financial Solutions into the boutique, premium service provider it is today.
It was a risk, but it was also an opportunity to align my business with my passion for helping others find balance in every aspect of their lives and work.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
When I started Touche Financial Solutions, I believed success as an entrepreneur meant wearing all the hats and handling every aspect of my business on my own. After all, I thought, if I wanted things done right, I had to do them myself. This mindset served me well in the early days when resources were limited, but as my business grew, it became a roadblock to progress.
The Backstory
In the first few years of running my business, I juggled everything: client services, marketing, administration, and even tasks like designing my website. I was proud of how much I was able to manage, but the workload eventually became overwhelming.
One pivotal moment came during tax season a few years ago. I had a packed client roster, several new service rollouts, and a family emergency all happening simultaneously. I worked long hours, skipped meals, and barely slept to keep up. By the time I reached the end of the season, I was completely burned out. I realized that my belief in doing it all alone was unsustainable.
The Shift
That experience forced me to reevaluate how I operated. I started by identifying areas of my business that could be delegated or automated. I brought in specialized tools for project management and client communication and explored the option of hiring an assistant or outsourcing administrative tasks.
I also unlearned the idea that asking for help or outsourcing was a sign of weakness. Instead, I reframed it as a strategy for growth and efficiency.
The Lesson
The biggest takeaway was learning to focus on the aspects of my business where I add the most value—like strategic planning, client relationships, and developing new services. Delegating or automating other tasks freed up my time and energy, allowing me to focus on scaling the business and serving clients at a higher level.
The Outcome
Unlearning the need to do everything myself not only helped me avoid burnout but also improved the quality of my work. It allowed me to elevate my offerings, maintain balance in my personal life, and model the same principles I encourage my clients to adopt in their businesses.
Final Thoughts
Letting go of control isn’t easy, but it’s essential for sustainable success. I now believe that the true mark of a successful entrepreneur isn’t how much they can do on their own—it’s how effectively they can build a system that supports growth while preserving their energy and vision.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.touchefinancialsolutions.com
- Instagram: @touchefinancialsolutions
- Facebook: @touchefinancialsolutions
- Youtube: @balancedinsightspodcast
- Soundcloud: @balancedinsightspodcast
Image Credits
Olivia Kristin Photography