Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with LoriAnn Kuntz, a bookkeeper based in Covington, OH, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are a bookkeeping and financial consulting company for creative entrepreneurs. Our goal is to bridge the gap between traditional accountants and business owners. So often, business owners will go to their accountants a few times a year (if that) to file taxes, but they are left alone and confused the rest of the year. They don't understand what their finances are saying, why the cash flow is bad, and why the bank account doesn't match what the Profit & Loss is saying. We are here for them in the in-between, helping provide clear, simple, and accurate financial data that will help them make informed business decisions. Our team has the insight to help up-level creative businesses while removing the stress and burden of managing their finances. Whether they are just starting out or they have been in business for years, our mission is to help creatives feel peace about their finances while growing their profit and confidence.

Tell us about yourself

Both of my parents had businesses while I was growing up, and I credit a lot of what I know to them. I was very involved in my family's businesses from a young age, and I quickly saw the importance of not only having up-to-date bookkeeping but actually understanding and being able to read financial data. I started working in the office doing bookkeeping work for my dad's business at around 14 years old, and I instantly fell in love with accounting and bookkeeping. So, of course, I started to go down the traditional accounting path in plans to become to do tax accounting. Within a year of my first corporate tax accounting job, I quickly realized that tax was not for me. Clients would come in once a year, and we would check them off our list and send them out the door with no understanding of how to do their bookkeeping and how to analyze their financial reports. I wanted to serve them more and help them in the day to do. I ended up leaving that job and going back to work for my family's businesses and slowly started to get side jobs. I saw a need in the creative market, and I knew that I was meant to fill it. We have served hundreds of creative businesses, and I can't wait to see what the next few years bring.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is balancing running a business and team while being home and present with my young kids. My goal is to only have a sitter once a week and get most of my work done that day, so I can be with my kids the other days. It's constantly a balancing act, and I'm continually making adjustments to better serve my team, clients, and family. More on a professional side, we increased our revenue by 60% from 2021 to 2022, and I am beyond proud of all the work my team has put into this growth!

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Realizing that I can't do everything has been quite a challenge to overcome. I am a very motivated person and don't like asking for help, but as the business started to grow, I knew that I couldn't handle it all. I have slowly built out an amazing team that does an incredible job supporting my clients and me. Learning to let go of things has allowed me more creative time and freedom to put into growing the business instead of the day-to-day work. It's been fun letting each individual focus on their strengths, and together we are way better than when I was all on my own!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Of course, coming from a bookkeeper and accountant, the number one is that you need to make sure you understand what your numbers are telling you and that you have a financial plan in place. Without that, you are operating with a blindfold on. The second is never stop learning from others. Educate yourself, and put yourself in rooms that have people that are smarter and farther into business than where you are. Stay humble and always look for areas to learn. The final thing is to set boundaries. As an entrepreneur, it's so easy to get so caught up in our business that it becomes our sole identity. We love what we do, and we want it to succeed. However, we have a life outside of our business, and we need to continually remind ourselves of that. Our business isn't our life, it's just part of it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.loriannkuntz.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loriannkuntz.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loriannkuntz.co/

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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