Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Chilson.
Nicole, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I actually got my start in bookkeeping at just 13 years old. My first off-the-farm job was working for a professional field trial dog trainer. In the summers, when the trainer was away at competitions, his wife put me in charge of the books. She taught me how to handle payroll, pay bills, and manage accounts — she even had me signed onto their bank account. That early exposure really sparked my love for bookkeeping and financial management, and it’s something I’ve carried with me ever since.
After high school, I naturally gravitated toward leadership and management roles. Even in positions outside of finance, I was always the one responsible for budgets, HR, and accounting. Over time, I realized that no matter where I worked, I always found myself back in that financial seat. A big milestone for me was working with a nonprofit here in Texas that involved animals — it was really a dream job, blending my passion for animals with my financial background.
In 2014, I was laid off, and instead of looking for another job, I decided to take the leap and start my own bookkeeping business. Just a few months later, my brother passed away, and the same month, after ten years of infertility, we found out we were expecting. I didn’t take either of these life events lightly and knew I was on the right path. I was high-risk, so working from home became a necessity. After my daughter was born, homeschooling became part of our life plan, and building a flexible business around my family’s needs was the right choice. Over time, the business grew steadily, and now 10 years later, I couldn’t be happier with where it stands.
A real turning point came a couple of years ago when I decided that I didn’t just want a business — I wanted to build a legacy. Something that could be carried on by my daughter or niece if they chose, and something sustainable long-term, unlike our horse business which may not be feasible as we age. That shift in mindset led me to scale my business, and we’ve been growing ever since.
Today, I work with clients across the country, with a special focus on nonprofits, agriculture, and construction. I serve on the board of Grace Lake Ministries here in North Texas, and I’m deeply involved with Solid Ground Equine Assisted Services in Oregon. Also serve on the board and highly support The Great Root Movement, founded by a dear friend in memory of her children, and I recently co-founded Charlie’s Promise Farm Animal Rescue & Sanctuary in Frisco. Alongside that nonprofit work, I manage bookkeeping for ranches, farms, construction companies and many other small businesses nationwide.
What I love most is helping small businesses and nonprofits thrive. I know firsthand the challenges of starting and growing something from scratch, and it’s incredibly rewarding to use my skills to give others the clarity, structure, and financial confidence they need to succeed.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — and I don’t think it ever is when you’re starting a new business. In the beginning, growth was slow. I had a few clients who came on board right away — and I’m proud to say I still have some of those same clients today — but building beyond that took time, especially with the personal challenges my family and I were facing early on.
It really was an uphill climb at first. I had to hold on tightly to the clients I had, keep delivering excellent work, and wait for things to level out before the business could really grow. A big part of overcoming that challenge was finding my stride — and more importantly, finding my niche. For me, that meant focusing on areas I was naturally passionate about and knowledgeable in: nonprofits, animals, and agriculture. Those industries became the heart of my work. And because of my background in construction, I was also able to expand into that field naturally.
Looking back, the struggle actually shaped the business into what it is today. It taught me to lean into my strengths, serve the industries I understand best, and trust that if you stay consistent, growth will come.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My business is Texian Belle Bookkeeping & Business Services, and we provide bookkeeping, payroll, business services and financial management support for small businesses and nonprofits across the U.S. What sets us apart is that we don’t just enter numbers — we partner with our clients to really understand their industries and their goals.
I specialize in working with nonprofits, agriculture, construction, retail and small business because those are industries I know personally and care deeply about. I’ve been on the inside — managing farms, supporting nonprofits, and working in construction — so I understand their challenges and can provide solutions that fit their world instead of cookie-cutter answers. That’s something my clients really appreciate.
I’m most proud of the fact that Texian Belle Bookkeeping has grown primarily through referrals and long-term relationships. Some of my very first clients are still with me today, ten years later. That loyalty says a lot about the trust and value we bring.
What I want people to know about my brand is that we’re here to simplify the financial side of their work so they can focus on what they love and do best. Whether that’s running a nonprofit that changes lives, managing a family farm, or building homes, I want them to feel confident that their books are in order, their compliance is handled, and their financial picture is clear.
At the end of the day, Texian Belle Bookkeeping isn’t just about bookkeeping — it’s about building strong foundations for businesses and organizations so they can grow, thrive, and make an impact.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I would say the quality that has been most important to my success is adaptability combined with persistence. Starting a business, especially while navigating personal challenges, meant there were plenty of times where it would have been easier to give up. But I’ve always had the mindset that if one door closes, you find another way forward.
Being adaptable has allowed me to serve a wide range of industries — from nonprofits to agriculture to construction — and to tailor my services to what each client really needs. And persistence has kept me steady through the slow seasons and challenges, allowing me to build long-term trust with clients.
At the heart of it, I genuinely care about the people and organizations I work with, and I think that dedication shines through. That combination of persistence, adaptability, and true care is what has built Texian Belle Bookkeeping into what it is today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://texianbellebooks.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/texianbellebooks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Texianbellebooks
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-chilson-24766857/
