We had the good fortune of connecting with Christine Harrison and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Christine, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Well, I had somewhat of an epiphany when I turned 50. I realized the importance of believing in myself. For years, I was okay with just being an employee. Developing and perfecting a craft for the betterment and success of someone else’s company. I realized that I deserved more. I started believing in myself and my ability to create a business that would be beneficial to others. I knew if I could do this for someone else, then I could do the same things for myself. I knew it was time for me to step out on faith and start my legacy for my children and my children’s children. I was finally ready to believe in myself and start living out my dreams. A dream I never knew was my dream until I took that leap of faith, quit my job and started my business, Accounting Specialties & Tax Solutions.
My thought process became very clear when I wanted to own my power, by having more control of my time, and my ability to enjoy the fruits of my labor, again while leaving my legacy for my family to be proud of.
What should our readers know about your business?
Accounting Specialties & Tax Solutions, is more than just an accounting firm. We are a woman owned and operated accounting firm, where quality service, honesty and integrity are our driving force. As a client, you get big firm experience while working with a small firm.
We specialize in individual and business tax needs. The core value and principle exhibited is to maintain integrity, while educating and assuring clients they are not alone when starting and while maintaining their business needs. Keeping them tax compliant and handling IRS issues if they arise, which can be scary for the unknown.
What sets me apart from most tax solution companies is my ability to educate my clients while coming up with the full resolution of record keeping and preparation of taxes…. I don’t just do the work, I take the time to explain and ensure that my clients understand their specifics.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting, and I wanted to show her a great time, I would set up a trip to Ponce City Market on The Atlanta Beltline (Where Atlanta Comes together)
Ponce City Market is a mixed-use development in the former Sears Roebuck building in Atlanta, with national and local retail anchors, restaurants, a food hall, boutiques and offices, and residential units. It’s a unique and ambitious public project that connects 45 neighborhoods in the City of Atlanta through trails, transit, green space, economic development, and housing. My bestie and I could easily make a weekend here and not see or experience everything. We would definitely end the night on the Ponce Rooftop which has skyline park and 9 miles of station restaurant for eats & drinks.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to show my gratitude and appreciation first to my mother. With her guidance, support and encouragement I am who I am today. I will always be grateful and tribute my success to what she instilled in me. Although my mother is not here physically, I feel her presence within my soul and my drive.
I am blessed and do not take for granted that I am surrounded by wonderful people that support me and my dreams and to all of them, I say Thank you!
Some name drops… Brandie, my daughter for encouraging me and for being my #1 fan. Yvette a great sister/ friend for referring me to ShoutOut Atlanta and always thinking of others! Anthony, for pushing me forward when I think I can’t move forward. Encouraging me and telling me the hard truths, unapologetically. For listening, not just listening, remembering details and dealing with the scared version of me. That’s not a simple task! For your friendship and time invested, I thank you.
Website: www.AccountingSpecialties.Com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accountingspecialties/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-specialties-tax-solutions-llc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AccountingSpecialties
Image Credits
B. Jamal Photograph