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

Hi Tamecia, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
Other than deciding to work for myself, the single most important decision I made that contributed to my business’ success was building a team. I started my business as a solopreneur, but being an entrepreneur at heart, I eagerly awaited the day when I could hire my first employee. My goal was always to build my business with the hope of growing into a much larger company with key members to manage diversified roles. I initially began working with remote freelance workers and virtual assistants using services such as Upwork, Fiverr and Timeetc to delegate work. This taught me how to better project manage and become comfortable leading a team of people toward a defined goal. I realized the sooner I could delegate tasks like call handling, marketing, web development and database management, the sooner I could focus on building and growing my business. It was initially difficult to carve out a budget to hire regular hourly staff to work in the office. I decided to begin networking at local colleges and universities to build partnerships with the accounting and business departments to find interns. This strategy actually paid off. In exchange for hours worked at my company, the interns received course credit which saved me a ton and allowed me to increase my productivity. Having interns is a great way to delegate administrative and marketing tasks while developing talent for more complex responsibilities. I also enjoy the opportunity to mentor and provide real-world experience to students seeking a career in accounting or desiring to be an entrepreneur. By utilizing internship programs, to date, I’ve been able to hire two former interns, upon their graduation, on a part-time hourly basis. For business owners looking to build or grow their team, I strongly recommend developing an internship program. Now that I’m building my team, I’ve been able to delegate more tasks and step into a managerial role. In doing so, this has freed up needed time for me to continue pursuing my passion, “building and growing my business”.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m a Georgia native and graduate of Clark Atlanta University. I started my career in tax and accounting after a job loss in 2010. I started out working as a seasonal preparer for one of the nation’s leading tax companies. With a marketing background and having acquired enhanced business acumen working for another small business in Metro-Atlanta, I started my own tax company in 2011. I a firm believer in continuing education, and ensure that both myself and my staff receive annual training and certification through the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) Annual Filing Season Program every year. I am a proud member of the National Society of Tax Professionals (NSTP), the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Southern Crescent Women In Business (SCWIB) in Stockbridge, Georgia. I specialize in individual and small business tax returns, audit resolution, small business accounting and tax planning. I founded Harvest Time Tax Services, LLC in 2014. We are now doing business as Harvest Time Tax + Financial Services. Currently, I serve as CEO & Principal Tax Advisor at my company.

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?
My idea of a good time is mostly relaxing! Being a business owner keeps me busy, so on my days off I like spending time with close friends and family. If a friend were visiting, I’d start by taking them to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Stone Mountain, Callaway Gardens and Panola Mountain Park so that we could spend time outdoors, barbecuing and relaxing with family. Currently my favorite place to eat is Juicy Crab. I love seafood and this place has a nice variety and is delicious. I also love soulfood and would take them to This Is It! BBQ & Seafood. I love their vegetables, chargrilled BBQ and customer service. I’d also take them to a Spa. I usually find a local spa on Groupon when I feel like treating myself to a massage or facial. As a hard worker, I think it’s okay to occasionally pamper yourself. Something fun that I’d like to do but have’t tried yet is iFLY – Atlanta. If the friend is a little adventurous, trying out indoor skydiving would be a great experience to share together.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my dearest Aunt Angela. My aunt, Dr. Angela D. Smith, has been a huge supporter and mentor throughout my life. She is always the first person I call when I need help solving a problem. She has helped me to hone my writing and public speaking skills during both my academic and professional development. I am truly grateful for her love and encouragement. Thank you, Aunt Angela!

Website: harvesttimetax.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvesttimetax/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harvest-time-tax-services
Twitter: https://twitter.com/harvesttimetax
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestTimeTax/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/harvest-time-tax-financial-services-stockbridge-2
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDHiBs3ogueOSQsHlgoylkA
Other: Google https://g.page/HarvestTimeTax/review Tax Buzz https://www.taxbuzz.com/find-the-best-tax-preparer/georgia/stockbridge/tamecia-shaheed

Image Credits
Photos by LP Portrait Photography, Luci Pagan

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