I’m originally from Colombia, I grew up in the majestic mountains ⛰️of The Andes. I moved to the US 14 years ago. Years later I founded an accounting consulting firm, Talent LLC.
I’m a dynamic accountant, passionate about empowering business owners to make their businesses sustainable. As an entrepreneur, I understand that dealing with numbers and starting a business can be quite intimidating and I do my best to minimize the confusion and stress.
2. What made you decide to live in DC?
I moved to DC to grow my business. A lot of my clients are already here, and there are tons of networking events for me to meet new people from different industries and backgrounds.
3. Why did you decide to start your own business?
When I was growing up, I never considered being an entrepreneur. My parents were both entrepreneurs and I witnessed the challenges they faced in Colombia. It wasn’t easy. So, I began my professional career working for a corporation. Unfortunately, I felt limited and unsatisfied.
However, when I moved to the US, my entrepreneurial spirit was awakened. I was surprised to see how entrepreneurship is rewarded, praised, and encouraged in this country. American culture loves entrepreneurs and risk-takers!
4. What was the most challenging time(s) in your business or career and how did you overcome it?
At the end of 2019, I took a leap of faith and left my part-time job to focus entirely on my accounting business. I was full of motivation and ready to tackle all the growth goals I had set. But just four months later, the COVID pandemic hit, and I had to shut down my office. I thought it would be a temporary setback, but weeks later it became clear that normal operations weren't coming back anytime soon.
After several sleepless nights feeling alone, guilty, and like I had made bad decisions, I finally connected with the "What if" and the creativity and enthusiasm started flowing to help me run my business in a different way. Sure, some of our services were slow because of all the uncertainty. But I found a silver lining. I started working as an accounting consultant for several nonprofits — helping small business owners access government funds during the pandemic. It was tough but very rewarding. It was a turning point and a great opportunity to promote my accounting practice and obtain new clients and expand my portfolio.
5. What are you most proud of accomplishing as a female?
I feel proud and grateful that through my expertise I can contribute to improving the lives of women 👩. For example, I’m a part of Latinas USA, a foundation committed to supporting the economic empowerment and emotional wellbeing of Latinas living in the USA.
I’m also part of a team that provides support in financial literacy programs for Hispanic childcare providers in DC.
6. What advice would you give to a fellow woman entrepreneur just starting out?
One of my favorite quotes: “You've always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.” (The Wizard of Oz)
7. If you could write a letter to your future self, what is something you like to tell yourself in 10 years?
I’m proud of you and what you have achieved by being true to yourself. Everything you have experienced has been worth it! Keep going and register for the Boston Marathon. 🏃🏽♀️
8. Name a female leader you admire (dead or alive).
Angela Merkel: All the way! An exceptional leader she has a calm demeanor, and she’s very eloquent and collaborative. We need leaders like this in the world to overcome conflicts.
9. What excites you the most about the future?
Scientific and technological advances, and how humans are going to interact with each other.
10. What would shock most people to learn about you?
I’m a puzzle lover. 🧩
11. What book or podcast are you reading/listening to?
