Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carolina Aponte, CEO of Caja Holdings, located in Charlotte, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Caja Holdings is a leader in outsourced accounting and Fractional CFO services in the Charlotte area. Since its inception, we have been providing a-la-carte accounting solutions to small businesses and solopreneurs. Everything from banking reconciliation to accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and QuickBooks setup.
Tell us about yourself
I was a receptionist with a lot of free time in my hands, I offered to help the office manager who was overwhelmed with work, and she taught me how to do 'bookkeeping' in a manual ledger; I fell in love with reconciliations! And found my passion for accounting. From there, I moved forward in pursuing jobs and opportunities related to accounting, paving my own way toward career advances, and now I own an accounting firm that makes a positive impact on the lives of business owners and their team members.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
While I have earned several business awards from the business owner of the year to Enterprising Woman of the year, my biggest accomplishment is creating a business that employs women and gives them a balance professional\personal life, and I get free time to mentor other women in my community.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The financial responsibility of your staff managing people with real-life problems and challenges is never an easy task. In our line of work, we are also responsible for delivering results on a daily bases, and that can be difficult at times when facing human capital challenges.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Rely on a powerful network. Build and maintain a network of people you can call on for questions and support, and make sure you make yourself available to these same people when they need help from you. Never be afraid to admit you don't know and need help. Take time to appreciate what you are building and your why!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Try to Be Comfortable with Discomfort. Sometimes, life is uncomfortable. Sometimes, we don't have enough money to do all of the things we want to do. If you have something you really want to pursue, then you must be able to live with some amount of discomfort in order to do that.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.cajaholdings.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cajaholdings
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecarolinaaponte/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cajaholdings
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/araponte/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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