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

Stacey, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

Starting my own firm has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It’s a journey that has tested my resilience, challenged my creativity, and constantly pushed me to grow. When I made the decision to take the leap, I already had a strong foundation of business acumen from previous experiences, but I knew I would need to continuously sharpen my technical skills to deliver the best possible outcomes for my clients. This leap meant stepping into roles that stretched beyond my comfort zone, evolving into a strategist, leader, and mentor.
One of my key motivations came from a simple but powerful phrase: “see a need, fill a need,” a memorable lesson from the children’s movie Robots. Early on, I recognized a major gap in the financial services available to small businesses. Many startups, especially in their growth phases, couldn’t afford high-dollar CFOs or executive-level coaching. They needed someone who could provide expert financial guidance without the hefty price tag, a role that acts as a bridge between day-to-day bookkeeping and strategic consulting. We strive to fill that gap by offering trust, reliability, and clarity in their financial operations. Our goal is to be a strategic partner in their development, helping them build a solid foundation until they’re ready for the next level of consulting services. This role is crucial in preparing businesses for future growth and success.
Interestingly, the process of growing my firm has come quite naturally to me. Unlike the long nights and relentless stress many entrepreneurs have described, I found that building relationships and establishing strong business processes aligned with my strengths. With each milestone—whether it was signing my first major client, expanding my team, or receiving positive feedback—I felt an increasing sense of purpose and fulfillment.
While I’m not often asked if I ever regret starting my own firm, Canvas Rebel prompted me to reflect on whether I’ve ever considered what it would be like to have a more traditional job. To be honest, there have been fleeting moments—usually during periods of uncertainty—when I’ve wondered about the stability that working for an established organization might offer but these moments have been rare and short-lived.
One such moment occurred during a particularly challenging quarter when demand for my services was growing rapidly. I faced a pivotal decision: should I scale my business to meet this rising demand or step back, maintaining a smaller operation, or consider the stability of working for someone else? The thought of having established processes, a steady income, and a well-defined role was tempting, especially as I navigated the pressures of managing growth.
I remember sitting at my desk, weighing the risks and rewards. On one hand, there was the allure of predictability and reduced responsibility. On the other hand, I knew that growth was an opportunity I had worked hard to create. Turning back didn’t align with the vision I had for my business. Ultimately, I chose to embrace the challenge, knowing that it was a chance to take my firm to the next level.”
However, as quickly as that thought entered my mind, it faded. I reminded myself why I started this journey in the first place. The autonomy I have to shape my firm’s direction, the deep relationships I’ve built with my clients, and the ability to make a meaningful impact far outweigh the occasional hardships. I thought through the possibilities and realized that no job security could replace the pride I feel in building something of my own.
The experience reaffirmed for me that entrepreneurship, with all its ups and downs, is where I’m meant to be. It’s not about never facing doubts—it’s about knowing how to overcome them and staying true to your purpose. This reflection helped me reframe challenges as opportunities to grow and led me to approach future hurdles with a renewed sense of confidence.
For me, the opportunity to shape my firm’s vision and values has been priceless. I have the freedom to innovate, make strategic decisions, and create something meaningful for both my clients and my team. I prioritize what matters most to me—providing personalized service, fostering genuine relationships, and promoting a work culture centered on balance and growth.
That said, I’ve also come to appreciate the importance of partnerships and mentorships outside of my business. Networking with other professionals has allowed my clients to discover valuable connections they might not have found on their own. We collaborate as equals at the owner’s round table, all working toward a shared goal of growth and success.
Ultimately, I recognize that entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone—and that’s perfectly okay. Success and fulfillment can take many forms. But for me, the risk and reward of building something from the ground up has been worth every challenge. This journey has not only shaped my career but has also defined who I am as a person.

Stacey, 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?

For those who may not know me, my name is Stacey, and I am the founder of a firm specializing in financial services for small businesses. My journey into this field was driven by a deep understanding of the challenges that many entrepreneurs face. Early in my career, I observed a recurring problem: small businesses often struggled to access the know how of detailed financials needed to support sustainable growth. High-dollar CFO services were out of reach for many, yet these businesses still needed reliable guidance to strengthen their financial operations.

That realization inspired me to create a firm focused on bridging that gap. Our real niche is stepping in to clean up financial messes for businesses, and then maintaining those improvements through continued education and support. We offer services that provide both immediate clarity and long-term strategic insight, helping clients organize their finances, resolve inconsistencies, and establish solid processes for sustainable growth.

One thing that sets us apart is our personalized approach. We understand that every business has unique needs, and we tailor our services accordingly. For example, while some clients may need extensive support during periods of rapid growth, others may simply require ongoing financial oversight to ensure they’re on track with their goals. We build strong, trusting relationships by being deeply involved in our clients’ financial journey—something that larger firms often struggle to deliver.

A defining moment for me came early in the business when demand for our services surged. I had to make a pivotal decision: should I scale up or step back to maintain stability? Ultimately, I chose to grow with the opportunity, which reinforced my belief in the importance of adaptability and resilience. Something all business owners face. 

Today, I’m most proud of the impact we’ve had on our clients. Seeing businesses flourish after implementing the strategies we’ve worked on together is incredibly rewarding. Our role is not just to balance books but to empower businesses to achieve their vision with confidence.

Potential clients and partners should know that we prioritize integrity, collaboration, and measurable results. We’re here to be more than a service provider; we aim to be a trusted partner in your business’s success story. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling to new heights, we’re committed to providing the guidance and support you need to navigate each step of the journey.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

Starting a business is always a balancing act of vision and resources. For me, it was about leveraging careful planning and patience to build something sustainable and impactful. I kept my startup costs low, knowing that my reputation would take me where I needed to go. I limited advertising expenses, relying instead on word-of-mouth referrals and strong relationships built over time. This approach doesn’t work for everyone, but I was fortunate enough to focus on slow and steady growth. I often reference the story of the tortoise and the hare to my team and clients, emphasizing that sustainable success often comes from patience and perseverance.

The early days of the business were all about reinvestment. I worked at a steady pace, building the team as demand grew. I prioritized finding individuals who shared my passion and were eager to grow alongside the business. Together, we focused on improving our service offerings and refining our processes to ensure sustainable growth. This organic growth model allowed us to scale at a manageable pace, ensuring we could maintain the high level of personalized service that’s a core part of our identity.

Looking back, I’m proud of the fact that we’ve grown without taking on debt or compromising our principles. Funding a business is never easy, but for me, the key was preparation, discipline, and a clear understanding of my priorities. This approach laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth and positioned us to support other entrepreneurs on their own journeys.

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

Referrals, referrals, referrals—they have been the lifeblood of my business from day one. I’ve always prioritized building genuine relationships with my clients, providing them with personalized service and results they can trust. When clients are happy, they talk about it, and that word-of-mouth becomes a powerful tool for growth. Happy clients become enthusiastic advocates, often bringing in other businesses that could benefit from our services.

These referrals have been invaluable because they come from a place of trust. When a client recommends my services to someone else, it’s more than just a passing endorsement—it’s a reflection of their confidence in our ability to deliver. That trust often leads to stronger client relationships right from the start. Prospective clients feel reassured knowing that someone they trust has already experienced success with my firm.

Beyond word-of-mouth, networking has also played a crucial role. By staying engaged with other professionals and attending industry events, I’ve been able to expand my reach and connect with potential clients. Collaborating with other service providers who work with small businesses has also opened doors to new opportunities. These partnerships create a referral network where we can support one another’s growth.

Another factor that has contributed to our client growth is our commitment to continuous improvement. As we refine our processes and expand our expertise, our current clients see the benefits and often refer others who could benefit from similar services. Maintaining a reputation for reliability and excellence has been a key driver in keeping those referrals coming.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tmbookkeeping.net
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TMBooks
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylormadebookkeeping/

Image Credits

Ashley Grace Photography