Meet Anastasia Saleem | Bookkeeper for Small Businesses

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anastasia Saleem and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anastasia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I started my business, I was in a very uncomfortable position. I had finally made it to my “dream” corporate job and I had been there almost a year. I was enjoying the actual job responsibilities but quickly learned that the culture of the company and the unethical trends of their management was not something I wanted to be a part of. I had become frustrated over the past few years with my corporate jobs for various reasons and this just solidified that maybe Corporate America was not for me. I researched small business ideas that would allow me to continue using my accounting skills but possibly work from home and spend more time with my children. I located a course that taught bookkeeping skills and gave guidelines on starting your own business using these skills. I took the course while still at the job and upon completion and signing my first client, I resigned from the company. It was a definitely a leap of faith in hopes of having a more fulfilled life.

What should our readers know about your business?
The name of my business is Virtuous Bookkeeping Solutions. I chose this name because I recognize that trust is a big factor when it comes to allowing someone to handle or advise you on your finances. I have always been told by friends and family that trustworthiness is one of the first characteristics recognized about me. So I took that into the business since the definition of virtuous is having or showing high moral standards. I’ve gotten so much feedback from clients and their appreciation for being able to trust me and for being a great communicator as that’s not something they experienced prior to me in the accounting field.

I am most proud of the clients that I work with. Many (not all) of my clients are mothers that started their business based on their passions and expertise. I sympathize with mothers that are trying to juggle home life, dating or married life, and then also put the same effort and energy into their business each and every day. This similarity between me and my clients, allows for them to not only consult with me for accounting needs, but also encouraged vent sessions at the beginning of our meetings, and after-hours meetings when necessary. Being a mom, I understand that not all business can be handled within normal business hours so I allow my moms to still know that they are taken care of and I’m available for meetings based on their busy schedules. They make me proud every time I speak with them and they tell me all of the challenges that they are working through and not giving up.

It was not easy getting to where I am now within my business. My challenges were not regarding skill or finding clients, as most of my clients come from referrals. My challenges usually revolved around money-mindset. Since I had been in corporate my whole life, I didn’t fully understand the concept of charging your worth. Imposter syndrome was a big influencer. I began to spend time with more entrepreneurs, attend conferences, and read more books related to charging my worth and understanding the value that I bring to my clients. This is something I will continue to work on as I grow as new challenges come with this as we make more money.

The number one lesson that I’ve learned along the way is to not think for others. This means don’t assume what they can afford, don’t assume what services they do or do not need, and don’t assume you are not the most qualified individual to provide the services they need. I am more than qualified to service all of my clients and as long as they are satisfied and have not communicated anything otherwise, I don’t need to assume anything that doesn’t agree with that.

I want the world to know that I was that person that was following the course that given to me…..get good grades, go to college, get married, get a corporate job and retire, etc. Once I recognized that the course given to me was not working, I created a new path in a different direction. I faced many concerned individuals along the way because it was not a course they were familiar with as everyone around me stayed on the “safe” path. I want others to know it’s ok to stray from the “safe” path as long as you have a plan. I am forever grateful for the change that I made in 2016 and the growth that it has allowed for me and my family, as well as the life lessons it has allowed me to teach my children along the way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well we have to eat first, so my first stop would be Tassili’s Raw Reality because I absolutely love those kale wraps and all the snack options offered. I’ve never had anything like them so if my best friend was visiting I would want them to experience something unique that Atlanta has to offer. Then we would probably make a few additional stops in the West End area as all of my other favorite vegan spots are there too. My best friend loves to shop so we take a trip up to Perimeter Mall and spend a day there shopping and eating. We would have to make our way back down to Fayetteville to visit Frida’s Bar and Grill. Those tacos and drinks are amazing so that’s a definite. I haven’t done Beat the Bomb yet so that would be a good adventure to do together. We may visit Puttshack or TopGolf as those are both cool activities. Before they leave we will definitely have to make a trip the Ga Aquarium because it’s definitely the best aquarium I’ve ever been to.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Wow, there are so many people along the way that had their part in keeping me encouraged during this transition as I was the first person in my immediate circle to take such a risk. I am truly grateful for them all. I will say a few names come to mind that I would like to recognize though. I would love to recognize Ben Robinson who is the founder and original instructor for Bookkeepers.com. This was the course I took in 2016 to learn the skills needed to start my business. I also want to recognize Alvin White, owner of AA White Trucking Inc, for being my first client. He trusted me from day one and is also responsible for referring many of my additional clients throughout the years.He still a client today. I would lastly like to recognize my children, Kaliyah and Jahlil Saleem, as they have been so patient over the years in understanding my business and the freedoms it both allows and takes away at times.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classy_stasia/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasia-saleem/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anastasia.saleem