We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Shawanda “The Tax Docta” Moore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Shawanda, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
There was a time when I seriously considered abandoning my business after the tragic loss of my son, who was not only my beloved child but also my invaluable business partner. His untimely murder shattered my world, leaving me in a state of despair. During that overwhelming period, two of my closest friends recognized my struggle and stepped in to help. They took on the majority of the work, supporting me through the chaos until I found the strength to re-engage with my business.

That experience taught me a profound lesson about resilience. Since then, I have vowed never to give up on anything that I can clearly visualize. Whenever life presents challenges and confusion begins to creep in, I double down on my efforts. I have learned to treat those turbulent moments as essential grind time, using them as fuel to remind myself of my mission and purpose. This journey has reinforced my belief that persistence is key, and I hold steadfast to the idea that no one should ever abandon their passions or aspirations, regardless of the obstacles they face.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Royal Financial Services was founded in 2019, with a strong dedication to supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs. Our wide array of services—including bookkeeping, payroll, financial services, and education on tax credits and deductions—embodies our commitment to uplifting the community. Through our annual community service events, like Thanksgiving Basket Giveaways, Royal Christmas Events, School Supply Drives, and Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy Seminars, we have proudly served our community for 17 remarkable years, providing vital resources and support.

My proudest achievement has been growing Royal Financial Services into a multi-million dollar company, maintaining consistency over the past four years. It has been incredibly fulfilling to witness the vision revealed to me by God come to life. Sharing the impact of our community services has been the most rewarding experience of all.

The success of our business is rooted in my unwavering desire to help others and my commitment to educating myself on tax laws. Inspired by my son, Shaun Moore, who has been my supporter since he was 14, and my daughter, Re’Anda Lyons, who has been mimicking my entrepreneurial spirit since the age of 6, I have found deep motivation. Their enthusiasm for my journey fulfilled my desire to be recognized and positively influenced my children, driving me to forge ahead despite being in a learning stage.

The journey wasn’t without its challenges. I faced financial hurdles, sometimes having to overdraft my account for necessary materials, equipment, and advertisements. I also encountered clients who struggled to understand the tax filing process, facing negativity as a result. Realizing the widespread misconceptions about the tax process spurred me to create educational materials and conduct consultations that demystify this important process, empowering my community.

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned from leading a business is the significance of knowing every aspect of it, regardless of who is in that role. This understanding is essential in ensuring our team meets client needs and drives the business forward. It also allows me to identify stressors affecting employees, discern any additional training or resources required, and recognize any negative influences that could undermine our clients or hinder growth.

Royal Financial Services, “Home of the Tax Docta,” stands as a beacon of hope in the community, dedicated to providing resources and support rather than taking from it. Our team of tax experts, trained by Dr. Shawanda Moore, the Tax Docta herself, embodies the values of professionalism, leadership, innovation, trustworthiness, affordability, and accuracy. We offer franchises for those who wish to join us, partnerships for aspiring entrepreneurs, and mentorship for anyone eager to expand their business, inspiring growth and success across the community.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for my incredible support system, starting with my unwavering faith in God, who has been my guiding light through every challenge and success. At the forefront of my journey are my amazing team members: Shante Williams, whose creativity and resourcefulness have consistently pushed us to new heights; Malika Batiste, whose organizational skills and attention to detail ensure that our operations run smoothly; and Frandrika Dalcour, whose analytical mind and strategic insights have been invaluable in navigating our growth. I also want to honor the memory of my beloved son, Shaun Moore, whose spirit continues to inspire me and whose presence has always been felt in the heart of our company.

Additionally, I cannot express enough appreciation for my fiancé, Marques Coleman. His constant encouragement behind the scenes, along with his innovative ideas and support, has sparked my creativity and helped me craft effective strategies for our business. His belief in me and our vision has been a constant source of motivation.

Lastly, my deepest thanks go to all of my clients. Your continued trust in our services, your referrals, and the invaluable feedback you provide have all played a crucial role in our success. I am also grateful for your participation in our community service events, which allows us to give back and strengthen the bonds within our community. Together, you all form the foundation of my journey, and I am truly thankful for each of you.

Website: https://thetaxdocta.com

Instagram: @drshawandamoore

Other: Instagram
@thetaxdocta @_royalfinancial_services

Image Credits
I have the rights to all photos in part 8 of the form

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