Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chelsey Gonzales, Founder of Safe Haven Accounting, located in Arlington, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Safe Haven Accounting is a bookkeeping firm in Arlington, WA. We support business owners and nonprofits across the US since we work virtually. We specialize in small business and nonprofit finances, including ongoing & historical bookkeeping, payroll, sales/excise taxes, and advisory services.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Chelsey, and I've lived in the Marysville & Arlington communities most of my life. I have 16 years of experience in nonprofit operations and over 12 years of running a small business. One of the reasons I launched my bookkeeping firm was because of my own mistakes in my first business - I didn't hire a bookkeeper when I should have!
There is so much you have to learn when you run your own business or start a nonprofit, and bookkeeping is one of those admin tasks that take time and education. Unless you are passionate about data and numbers, this is a task most owners or nonprofits want to outsource.
I love seeing the relief when I help someone. Whether it's cleaning up the books, getting someone caught up with sales tax filings, or finding a solution for payroll - I'm fulfilled by solving problems for my clients.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
When I launched my bookkeeping firm, I took a lot of the hard lessons I learned in my first business and applied them. Because of this, I have been able to exceed my goals each month!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Anxiety is not something I enjoy. I've discovered that being aware of my financial situation at any given time actually helps me to keep focused and lessen that sense of uncertainty. To the people I work with, I like to convey this feeling.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Track your income and expenses - I recommend QuickBooks Online (Simple Start or higher).
- Understand the taxes that you owe and need to save for.
- Hire a bookkeeper as soon as possible!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Hiring a bookkeeper should be like hiring anyone else - find someone with qualifications and experience. Request a discovery call to find out if they are a fit for what you are looking for. Ask about their certifications, references, and experience. A referral from your tax professional can be a great way to find a good bookkeeper too!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://safehavenaccounting.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/safehavenacct
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safehaven.accounting/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coachchelsey
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgonzales/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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