Meet Dede Wells, MBA | Virtual CFO & Boy Mom

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dede Wells, MBA and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dede, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am originally from Macon, Georgia. I’ve lived in a few other states but, after graduating college and separating from the Military, I decided to come back home. I came back home to be close to my siblings. I grew up in a single parent home with 9 children. As you can imagine, there wasn’t a lot of money floating around. I had to learn early on the value of hard work and being independent. I got my first job at the age of 14 through a Workforce Development Program created by our former Mayor, C. Jack Ellis. Working and learning to manage money at the age of 14, is the reason for how I am today. I am very independent, I work extremely hard, and I don’t allow obstacles to stop me. They may slow me down, but I always figure it out. That is the foundation that was set and I apply that everyday on my entrepreneurial journey.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Legacy Accounting Firm is a virtual Tax & Accounting firm for Mothers in business and entrepreneurs who want more freedom and less stress when it comes to their business finances. I started the Legacy Accounting Firm to create a custom experience for mom entrepreneurs to succeed in their business and in their personal lives. At the firm, we are a family first. Providing proactive and personalized service is at the core of what we offer, along with trust, honesty and open communication. We work enthusiastically with our clients to add value, excellence and financial empowerment so they can succeed in every possible way.

I am most proud of who I represent, Mothers! Once I became a Mom, I quickly realized there was an additional layer of challenges that come from being a Mom. Work is constantly interrupted for meals, diapers, accidents, and quality time. Learning how to navigate those things while running a business is taxing and only a Mom can truly FEEL where I am coming from. So now, my team is comprised of Moms and I cater to Moms because sometimes we need a little empathy on this journey. That is what sets me apart from any other Accounting Firm.

I got to where I am today by dreaming. I had a dream for my future and I brought it to fruition. It took a lot of schooling, hard work, mistakes, dedication, late nights, and tears. The journey has been very lonely at times. It has also been a roller coaster. But, I have learned to enjoy the ride! It definitely has been everything BUT easy. I have ran into so many walls, made several mistakes, wanted to give up, and I have also temporarily shut down before. What I learned was having faith, an amazing team, and multiple mentors was the key(s) to succeeding. I can’t know it all and I can’t do it all. I learned to put on my big girl panties and ask for help. I also learned the power of delegation. I am not sure where I would be if not for my two phenomenal bookkeepers, Brianna and Karri.

What I want the world to know is I was put here to empower other Mothers financially. I will help anyone I meet on this journey, but, there’s just something about a Mother that fills my heart. I am on a journey to support as many Moms in Business as possible with all things financial because we carry the weight of our family on our shoulders and it gets heavy. My purpose is to lighten their load.

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.
There are still soo many places for me to visit myself. I tend to stay locked up in the house with my laptop, blanket, and son. But, when I do get out, I like to go for some delightful food. My last outing where everything was absolutely amazing… Rumi’s Kitchen in Colony Square.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are several people who kept me encouraged along the way. But, at this stage of my career, I must credit my son, Teagan! I am sure soo many Mothers can relate to feeling discouraged, overwhelmed, and defeated at times. It’s something about knowing you have a little one looking up to you. Whenever things get tough for me, I think about my son. I want him to grow up and be proud of the Mother he has. I want to show him the results of hard work and dedication. I want to lead through my actions and not just my words. He gives me strength by simply existing. His smile removes all of the pain. His love cures all feeling of defeat. As cliché as it may sound, he is my reason to keep going and I am so honored to be his Mother.

Website: www.thelegacyaccountingfirm.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thelegacyaccountingfirm

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-legacy-accounting-firm/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelegacyaccountingfirm

Image Credits
Mann Photography and Kreative Media Group