We’re so pumped about our conversation with LaToya Owens. LaToya is a Tax Accountant and is also a content partner. Content partners help Voyage in so many ways from spreading the word about the work that we do, sponsoring our mission and collaborating with us on content like this. Check out our conversation with LaToya below.
Hi LaToya, thank you so much for sitting down with us again. For folks who might have missed our initial interview, can you start by briefly introducing yourself?
My name is LaToya Owens. I’ve been married for 17 years and we have 2 beautiful girls together. I am also a Disabled Air Force Veteran where I received the Air Force Achievement Medal. I completed my Bachelor’s Degree at Southeast Missouri State University in General Studies and a minor in Business. I also completed my MBA in Accounting at American Military University. I always had a passion for accounting and wanted to help others by providing my expertise on managing their business and personal finances.
I started Genasis Enterprises in March 2016 and just celebrated 5 years with my firm. I have great clients and I continue to learn so much each day since the accounting industry is so diverse. One of my visions is to assist athletes and entertainers with their finances to ensure they are making the right decisions so they are thinking of retirement and living within their means.
What got you interested in Accounting?
Accounting is something that came natural to me. My parents always trusted me to write the checks for church tithes, pay bills, or even just to purchase items needed. I started taking accounting classes in high school so I could understand the basics of accounting. I joined the Air Force right after high school to pursue more experience in Accounting so I had to take another route and gain it in other ways. I would assist at my church with their books, keeping receipts for employers, making bank deposits, and even creating my own payroll spreadsheets to gather the experience.
How do you set yourself apart from others in your industry?
One thing I always wanted to bring to the industry was honesty and integrity. Accounting is one of those fields that you need to be as transparent as possible since you are handling others money. I treat my client’s information as my own and never leave anything to chance to ensure they are protected at all costs. My clients always tell me they thank me for telling them if I do make a mistake and I always make sure it is corrected and made right. No one is perfect so if you do make a mistake its best to address it and ensure that the trust factor is there to make your client more comfortable.
How do you keep up with all of the recent changes in tax law?
Education is very important to me. I am only as good as the knowledge I have and this knowledge is passed on to my clients. My motto is “If I know, they know” and it seems to be well received with my clients. I also have the mindset of a student since there is never a time you are not able to learn something. I always strive to have an educator mindset when it comes to running my business because this allows me to always grow and challenge myself.
What services do you provide for small businesses?
I provide virtual accounting services that include bookkeeping, business consulting, financial counseling, payroll, and tax services.
What is the best advice you can give to a new entrepreneur or someone thinking of being an entrepreneur?
The best advice I can give is to always do your research when opening a business. I see so many clients that did not have the correct information when starting out and it ends up costing them thousands of dollars in penalties. Unfortunately, ignorance is not an excuse when it comes to making sure you are in compliance with federal and state tax laws. It is best to consult with an attorney and a tax professional so you are aware of all that is required to run your business efficiently.
Thank you so much again for sharing all of this with us. Before we go, can you share with our readers how they can connect with you, learn more or show support?
Website: www.genasisenterprises.com
Facebook: facebook.com/genasisenterprises
Email: latoya.owens@genasisenterprises.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.genasisenterprises.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genasisenterprises
Image Credits
Keocca Bagley Photography
