Today we’d like to introduce you to Stormy Barrett.
Stormy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My path here has been shaped by a mix of motherhood, community, creativity, and a deep need for work that actually fits real life. I’ve always been a natural organizer—the person people lean on when things feel scattered—but for a long time, that showed up in many different places at once: raising kids, serving in my community, working behind the scenes in theatre, and helping others keep moving forward.
The “aha” moment came when I realized I was already doing the work—just without calling it a career. I was helping small business owners untangle their finances, answering “quick questions” that turned into systems, and bringing clarity to situations that felt overwhelming to them. At the same time, I needed work that allowed me to be present for my family and continue doing theatre in a semi-professional way, where rehearsals, performances, and community commitments don’t fit into a rigid 9–5 box.
Bookkeeping and business support became the bridge. It let me use my strengths—organization, problem-solving, and calm leadership—while building something that genuinely helps other small business owners succeed. Theatre sharpened my ability to manage people, deadlines, and moving parts; motherhood taught me efficiency, adaptability, and empathy; and community involvement reinforced how much I value relationships and trust.
Today, I run my own practice and intentionally choose work that aligns with both my skills and my life. I care deeply about doing meaningful work, supporting small businesses, and creating stability—for my clients and my family—without giving up the creative and community-driven parts of who I am. That balance is what drives me, and it’s why I’m so committed to showing up fully in every role I take on.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road—but looking back, I believe it was meant to unfold that way. Balancing motherhood, community involvement, and a creative life in theatre while trying to build a sustainable income has come with plenty of hard seasons. There were times when I was juggling too much, saying yes out of necessity instead of alignment, and learning the hard way what didn’t work for my family or my energy.
One of the biggest struggles was realizing that traditional roles with rigid schedules weren’t sustainable long-term. I needed flexibility, but I also needed work that was real, valuable, and dependable. There were moments of uncertainty—financial pressure, starting over professionally, and having to trust my skills even when the path forward wasn’t clearly laid out. I had to learn to advocate for myself, set boundaries, and build systems that supported both my clients and my life.
Those challenges shaped how I work today. They made me more intentional, more resilient, and far more empathetic toward the small business owners I support—because I understand what it’s like to carry responsibility while trying to build something meaningful. The road wasn’t smooth, but it clarified what matters most to me, and it’s the reason I approach my work with care, ownership, and perspective.
As you know, we’re big fans of ThriveCounts. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
ThriveCounts was born out of real life, not a business plan on paper. I built it because I saw how many small business owners were overwhelmed by their numbers, unsure what to look at, and quietly carrying stress they didn’t talk about. I wanted to create something that didn’t just “do the books,” but actually helped people understand what was happening in their business and feel supported along the way.
At its core, ThriveCounts provides bookkeeping and financial organization for small businesses, but what I’m really known for is clarity and cleanup. I specialize in untangling messy or incomplete books, creating simple, sustainable systems, and helping business owners move from guessing to confidence. I work closely with my clients, communicate in plain language, and focus on accuracy, consistency, and follow-through—so their financials become a tool, not a source of anxiety.
What sets ThriveCounts apart is the relationship piece. I don’t operate like a transaction-based service. I care deeply about trust, integrity, and doing things the right way, even when it takes longer. I meet clients where they are, whether they need a full cleanup, steady monthly support, or someone who will finally explain the numbers without judgment.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that ThriveCounts is known as a safe place for small business owners. A place where questions are welcome, mistakes can be fixed, and growth is approached thoughtfully. It’s built on honesty, stewardship, and kindness, and designed to support both the business and the person behind it.
What I want readers to know is that ThriveCounts exists to help small businesses thrive where it counts—by bringing order to the numbers, peace of mind to the process, and space for owners to focus on what they do best.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I don’t see myself as a reckless risk-taker, but I do believe in intentional risk. For me, risk has always been less about big, dramatic leaps and more about choosing courage over comfort when staying put no longer made sense.
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was stepping away from traditional, stable roles to build ThriveCounts. It meant walking away from predictability and choosing uncertainty in order to create work that aligned with my values, my family, and my creative life in theatre. That decision came with real financial pressure and a lot of responsibility, but it also gave me ownership over my time and the ability to build something that genuinely helps other small business owners.
I think about risk through the lens of sustainability. I ask myself: Does this move create more alignment long-term, or am I avoiding short-term discomfort? If a risk brings me closer to integrity, balance, and growth — even if it feels scary — it’s usually worth taking. If it costs my peace, my family, or my ability to show up fully, it’s not the right risk.
The risks I’m most comfortable taking are the ones that are thoughtful, grounded, and values-driven. They’re not about chasing fast wins, but about building something steady and meaningful over time. Looking back, the risks that mattered most were the ones that allowed me to trust myself, stretch my capabilities, and create a life and business that truly fit.
Pricing:
- Monthly bookkeeping services are typically offered on a flat monthly rate, based on transaction volume, complexity, and support needs
- Cleanup and catch-up projects are usually billed hourly or as a scoped project, depending on how far behind the books are and what needs to be corrected
- Hourly support (for cleanups, special projects, or advisory-style work) generally ranges from $65–$75 per hour
- Project-based quotes are provided upfront whenever possible, so clients know the scope and cost before work begins
- No one-size-fits-all packages — pricing is customized to fit the business, not forced into a template
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thrivecounts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivecounts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577332741291
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stormy-barrett-b64698372/
