Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in finance but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shornell Lafleur, Founder of Fleur Tax Prep Services LLC, located in Brooklyn, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Fleur Tax Prep Services LLC is a professional Tax Preparation Firm. Fleur Tax Prep Services LLC was established to assist individuals and primarily small businesses in fulfilling their Federal and State tax obligations. More importantly, the goal here at Fleur Tax Prep Services LLC is to ensure our client(s) have a full understanding of the tax preparation process and that any and all tax inquiries have been answered. In addition to Tax Preparation Services, we also offer Free Prior Year Review, Pay-by-Refund services, Protection Plus and Identity Theft Restoration (for new clients), New York State business formation and management consulting, and Notarial Services.
Tell us about yourself
As a mother of two small children, I wanted to be able to control my time. I have a vibrant, intelligent, funny, beautiful five-year-old daughter who is Autistic and nonverbal and an inquisitive, loving, handsome four-year-old son. They fueled my inspiration in wanting to become an entrepreneur and implement my dream. In 2020, as many individuals were losing their streams of income due to the pandemic, I decided to fast-track an idea to a reality. I decided that I wanted to start my business in a field that I was currently in. In addition, I wanted to also ensure that wealth was created and sustained for my family for generations to come. I wanted to also create a platform for my community that could provide financial planning and education. It has become surprisingly apparent the significance of misinformation out there in regard to taxes, tax preparation, business formation, and the benefits of tax planning. It is my duty to give back and educate.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Twenty percent of small businesses fail within the first year. Thus my biggest accomplishment is still being in business since establishing my company in 2021. Another accomplishment I want to highlight was receiving the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant in 2022. Being a recipient of that grant truly opened many doors for Fleur Tax Prep Services LLC.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner, I find, is time and fear of failure. For those who are parents, spouses, wage earners, and running a business, where do you find the time? I can speak from experience that the twenty-four hours provided never seem like enough. To combat that is to learn how to appropriately manage your time, set goals, write out a task, create appointments, and stick with it. Fear is a true obstacle. It can blind and paralyze you. What if I am not good enough? What if I can't handle this? Am I way over my head? Do I have enough capital? Taking risks is a part of life, and it's the unknown that truly causes the fright. I've learned if you try, learn from each experience, and give yourself a chance, you are already successful!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Research, take notes, and apply what you've learned.
- Tackle one task and a time. There is only so much you can do day and night.
- Give yourself grace and keep pushing. Success is not an easy road travelled.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.fleurtaxprepservices.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fleurtaxprep/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.