BOSS Spotlight Feature: Tamecia Shaheed
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What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career?
The biggest obstacle I've faced in the beginning process of starting my business was building a team. I started my business as a solopreneur, but my goal was always to build my business with the hope of growing into a much larger company. I initially began working with remote freelance workers and virtual assistants using services such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Time Etc to delegate work. It was originally difficult to carve out a budget to hire regular hourly staff to work in the office. I decided to begin networking at local colleges and universities to build partnerships with their career services department to find interns. This strategy paid off. In exchange for hours worked at my company, the interns received course credit which saved me a ton and allowed me to increase my productivity. Having interns is a great way to delegate administrative and marketing tasks while developing talent for more complex responsibilities. I also enjoy the opportunity to mentor and provide real-world experience to students seeking a career in accounting or desiring to be an entrepreneur. By utilizing internship programs, to date, I’ve been able to hire two former interns, upon their graduation, on a part-time hourly basis. For business owners looking to build or grow their team, I strongly recommend developing an internship program. Now that I’m building my team, I’ve been able to delegate more tasks and step into a managerial role. In doing so, this has freed up needed time for me to continue building and growing my business.
What inspired you to break into your industry?
I was inspired to break into the tax and accounting industry while working as a seasonal tax preparer. I had the opportunity to work at a franchise and enjoyed learning about the business side. After that season, I realized that it would not take a lot of resources to start a tax company and that there was a high demand for this service. I also realized that I could create value by helping my clients understand the “whys” behind their refunds and maximize their returns by using the tax code to their benefit.
How do you balance your personal and professional life, or have you been able to find a balance?
I strive to find a balance between my personal and professional life by setting work hours and creating time that is strictly for my family and self-rejuvenation. I block my calendar once a week to relax, study, or take a mini-retreat. I have learned that it is okay to need time to reset and re-energize.
What is an inspirational quote that you live by?
“Your dream was given to you. If someone else can’t see it, that’s fine. It was given to you and not them. It’s your dream. Hold it. Nourish it. Cultivate it. - Les Brown
Who were some influential people or mentors that helped or encouraged you along the way?
I have had many influential people and mentors that have helped and are still helping to encourage me along the way. One who comes to mind, however, is my college professor Ms. Brenda Wright. She had a presence that demanded excellence from her students. At first, I was a little intimidated by her, but I soon realized that the reason she did not accept mediocrity was that she was trying to groom us for greatness. I credit her for helping me to recognize my strengths and unique talents by challenging me and exposing me to new opportunities. She is the one who also inspired me to enroll at Clark Atlanta University (CAU) after obtaining my associate's degree where she also taught as an adjunct professor. During my tenure at CAU, she helped me to learn “the magic of thinking.” I graduated from CAU nearly 15 years ago, but I’ve never forgotten her mentorship and the confidence she instilled in me which helped groom me to be the woman I am today.
What are your "must-haves" to keep your career or business strong?
My "must-haves" are my God and my family. I strive to keep God first in everything that I do, and everything that I do is to leave a legacy for my family.
What is your definition of a BOSS?
A BOSS is a person who has decided to take control of their life's direction and who holds themselves accountable for their own success.
Provide us with two words that describe you. "Tax Strategist"
Learn more about Tamecia at harvesttimetax.com
Twitter: @harvesttimetax Facebook: @HarvestTimeTax
Instagram @harvesttimetax
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