(1) Entrepreneurship is a very challenging path to take, with many different possible directions. What made you decide to become an entrepreneur? Why did you choose your industry?

“Ever since I was a young girl, I always had an entrepreneurial mentality where I would try to find ways to make my own money. For example, in high school, I would work odd jobs to get the funds needed for personal necessities. As I got older, I wanted to learn how to incorporate the same qualities into my professional life. It was then that I discovered the freedom and benefits of being a professional entrepreneur. As my journey began, I realized that I wanted to teach others how to not only be in control of their own destiny, but also understand and benefit from this idea called financial freedom in a capitalist society. I chose the tax business as my focus of empowerment to others because understanding taxes and how it applies to the individual’s finances created the initial steps toward effectively creating personal financial freedom.”

(2) Tell me about your experience while attending EDTP. What have the major takeaways been from the program? Have you had any “Ah-hah!” moments? How did the program help you?

“While attending EDTP, one of the major takeaways for me was being confident in my understanding of the information and incorporating it effectively. If I were to share a moment of impact for me it would be realizing that I already had all the tools to start my own business, I just needed to organize my ideas in order to create a visual that made sense. EDTP helped me organize my ideal choice for business and successfully maintain it as well. It is one thing to have a business idea and manifest it, but it is another to keep the business open.”

(3) Tell me about your journey on the road to business startup. What have been some of the challenges, successes, failures, etc.?

“My journey on the road to business startup was very difficult because many individuals of like interests didn’t have the same drive as I did. It wasn’t until I was introduced to LAEDA that I felt confident to proceed with my business idea. Some of my challenges in starting my own business were gathering the information that pertained to my industry and filtering the information that did not. The greatest success thus far is actually getting my business open for service. The trials and errors of others ventures I explored taught me how to avoid the possible failures of this business.”

(4) Could you tell me a little about where your business is today?

“Today my business reflects my determination to succeed at being an entrepreneur. I am grateful when I say that business is consistent and thriving while growing in the direction that I once envisioned.”

(5) Do you have any advice for future (or existing) entrepreneurs?

“My advice for existing or aspiring entrepreneurs would be to never give up on your ideas and continue to surround yourself with others with the same drive in order to prosper. “

Congratulations to Chimere Dotson for completing EDTP and recommitting to her journey on the path of entrepreneurship. Affluent Services is a company offering tax preparation and bookkeeping services. For more information, contact Chimere Dotson at 856-313-0101 and or email her at affluenttaxservices@gmail.com

The Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP) is a free, nine-week business skills training course offered in Camden, NJ in the Winter, Spring, and Fall each year. Qualified entrepreneurs receive 72+ hours of training from industry professionals, business planning, and one year of technical assistance. Apply online at www.LAEDA.com