TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS.
Audrey: I started Blackburn Consulting in 2015. I finally realized I was not cut out to be an employee and take direction from others. I love owning my own decisions and calling the shots. I cried when I realized that the reason I always felt inadequate in my job was because I was not made to be an employee. It was such a breath of fresh air to realize this was what I was called to do. I love serving and helping others. As a women business owner I seek to raise up and encourage other women. I work with women led nonprofits and women owned and run small businesses. I’m an accountant by trade but I see myself more as a Business Advisor. This is my passion. I don’t see competitors. I see collaborators. I don’t see lack. I see abundance. I want others to see them same. I get excited when the business owners I serve have successes and realize their mission and purpose.
DID YOU HAVE A CAREER BEFORE YOU BEGAN YOUR BUSINESS? IF SO, WHAT?
Audrey: I worked for many years in the nonprofit sector as Finance Director, Business Administrator, etc. I have always been involved in Accounting since I was 19.
WHAT DREW YOU TO THIS CAREER PATH?
Audrey: I like Accounting in high school and honestly I looked for a career where I could make good money as a woman. I had my son when I was young so I needed to be able to support him. Accounting was a career where women could excel and I love how numbers tell the stories of our businesses and can articulate the mission of the nonprofit. I use numbers every day to tell the beautiful stories of the lives that nonprofits change.
WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS/SERVICE YOU PROVIDE THAT PEOPLE MAY NOT REALIZE?
Audrey: Many people think of me as a bookkeeper because it is what they relate with most. But that is only a small part of the services I offer. I offer bookkeeping services to clients as we must have good records before we can make decisions based on those numbers that affect people, what we offer and our lives. I serve as a key member of management for many of my clients in that I am assisting with financial decisions, running their business and many operational issues. I will be certified as an Operational and Financial Advisor by year end but that is simply a certification for something I already do. I don’t provide investment advice. I don’t prepare taxes.
IF YOU COULD GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF ONE PIECE OF ADVICE HAVING THE EXPERIENCE YOU DO NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Audrey: Be confident. Don’t think you are not good enough, wise enough, accomplished enough. You don’t need degrees or certifications to make a difference. Be yourself even when it seems that others don’t understand you.