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

Hi Mikaela, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Honestly, I was tired of asking for opportunities I could create myself. I kept seeing gaps in the industry, whether it was taxes, branding, or business development and I knew I had the skills to fill them. I didn’t start my business because I had everything figured out. I started it because I got tired of being overworked, undervalued, and underpaid in environments that would replace me before they recognized me. My thought process was simple. If I’m going to lose sleep, it might as well be building my own vision. I knew I could help people, and I knew I could make money doing it. So I bet on myself. That’s really all it takes sometimes. You don’t need a million-dollar plan. You just need the courage to move when it’s your time.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I own Kae’s Tax Pros, a multi-city tax firm that helps everyday people take control of their finances, maximize their refunds, and finally understand how money works. But we’re not just a tax office. We’re a team of trained professionals who know how to turn tax prep into real tax strategy. I also own Kae’s Klients, my branding and marketing company, and I’ve recently launched other ventures that focus on AI tools, business automation, and digital products. So yeah, I’ve got my hands in a few things, but they’re all rooted in helping people build something real.

What sets me apart is I don’t just make it look good. I make sure my clients and my team actually know what they’re doing. I’m big on education. I don’t believe in gatekeeping. I teach what I know, I lead with clarity, and I care about the long game. I’ve trained tax professionals who now make four to five figures per month doing what they love. I’ve helped small businesses stop guessing and start operating like actual companies. And I’m still learning, still growing, still evolving with every season.

Was it easy? Absolutely not. I’ve had breakdowns behind the scenes. I’ve had months where everything was falling apart and I still had to show up and lead. I’ve lost money, I’ve trusted the wrong people, and I’ve had to start over more times than I’d like to admit. But every challenge taught me something. I learned how to build systems. I learned how to ask for help. I learned how to pivot and keep going, even when it didn’t feel pretty.

If I want the world to know anything, it’s this, my brand is built on resilience. I didn’t wake up with a perfect business or a six-figure blueprint. I built it. I failed forward. I adjusted. I believed in what I was creating before anyone else did. And now I use that same belief to empower others. My story is still being written, but one thing’s for sure: I’m just getting started.

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 for the week, just know they’d need a carry-on for clothes and an empty stomach because I’m showing them a real Austin experience.

Monday we’re starting chill. Maybe hit up JuiceLand for a quick reset after travel, then grab dinner at Rolling Rooster (that’s my besties favorite), Black-owned, fire every time, and the vibe is just right. That’s our warm-up.

Tuesday we’re on full tourist energy. We’ll hit Zilker Park, take pics at the “I Love You So Much” mural, and then slide over GOAT so we can drink while I get some work done.

Wednesday is a food tour day. Start with SALTT for breakfast, then later we’ll swing by a few food trucks and visit a local boutique or two.

Thursday it’s up at TaterQue for karaoke night. The food is already a hit, but add karaoke and it’s one of the livest nights in the city. That mic don’t owe us nothing by the end of the night.

Friday we’re doing something for the soul and the brand. Maybe a quick visit to Black Pearl Books, then content creation and girl talk at a cute café. At night, it’s giving Down South Cajjun Eats for R&B night or wherever the Black locals are outside… not the tourist spots.

Saturday is the turn up. We definitely have to be outside whether it’s CajjunEats, Spinners or just a cute bar & grill, we’re in there having a TIME.

Sunday we wrap it up right. Brunch at my mama’s spot Scales Cafe. Cajun and homestyle, and she do not play in that kitchen. After that? We sliding over to Taterque AGAIN to soak up the last bit of the weekend with a daiquiri and good vibes.

There’s so many dope spots out here. Black-owned, creative, authentic and the people are just as vibrant. If you’re in Austin and not tapping in with the locals, you’re missing the real magic.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and always, shout out to God. None of this would even make sense without Him. Every door that opened, every pivot I made, every moment I didn’t give up… that was Him guiding me.

Second, my team. I wouldn’t be here without them. It’s one thing to have a vision, but it’s another when people see it, believe in it, and invest their time and energy to help bring it to life. That means everything to me.

I also have to shout out my business bestie Ashley. She owns her own tax company and we literally pour into each other without ego. We’ve had late night work sessions, celebrated each other’s wins, and held space when things got hard. That kind of partnership is rare in this game.

And really, I want to recognize all the entrepreneurs who’ve ever poured into me or allowed me to do the same for them. Iron sharpens iron, and I’m so grateful for the people who helped me grow just by being in the room with me.

Last but never least, my village and my family. They’ve supported me through every season, even when they didn’t fully understand what I was building. That support gave me the freedom to keep going.

Website: https://www.kaestaxpros.com

Instagram: therealkaeswiss

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikaela-perkins-b14a12127?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Facebook: Mikaela Perkins & Kae’s Tax Pros

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