Her Story
About Yelenis
I opened my own beauty salon in 2017, working with clients doing hair and managing two nail technicians. During that time, I made many costly mistakes - I was spending too much on products, my prices were too low, and I didn't understand taxes, deductions, or how to read my numbers. That frustration drove me to get to the root of the problem. I started studying taxes and worked with Jackson Hewitt, then pursued bookkeeping training with IAP College and Intuit, eventually earning my ProAdvisor certification in QuickBooks Online. Working remotely with Intuit was like a school for me - every call was a different business with different problems, and I learned so much from real-life situations, not just textbook concepts. Now I help business owners clarify their numbers with reports they actually understand, offer KPI reviews, implement money management systems like Profit First, and create business plans that serve as roadmaps, not just bank documents. I specialize in beauty salons and construction companies because I have deep experience in both fields. My approach is personal - I explain accounting like I'm talking to a five-year-old because I know it can be hard and boring. I care deeply about my clients' success because I've been in their shoes, and I always stay honest about what I can and cannot do, referring them to partners when they need deeper expertise.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Yelenis
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my genuine desire to help other people. It's joyful for me to help others, not just with my business and clients, but in general. I have empathy with every business owner because I was there - I experienced the same problems and mistakes they're facing. I'm not just talking based on books; I'm talking from real experience, from the day-by-day challenges I lived through. I can see myself in their problems, and I'm like a mirror for them because I combine my personal experience with my studies and knowledge. For me, the most important thing is helping others succeed, whether that's through my professional work or through personal acts like buying toys for children at Christmas or offering food to homeless people downtown. My daughter sees this and helps me, which makes it even more meaningful. I don't need a nonprofit organization or recognition for these things - I just do them because helping each other is what matters most to me.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The most important thing is to study and be prepared. When people say no, you have to say yes and keep pushing. If you don't see results next week or next month, do not worry - just keep posting, keep learning, keep helping, and you will see the results. When you are prepared, when you are doing the right things, when you are learning and reading books (which I love doing all the time), that's when success comes. You have to have the knowledge and be prepared. Do it, because you have only one life. Follow your heart, but always be prepared - it's not just about following your heart like a hobby. You have to be learning everything in your life.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
For me, honesty is the most important value. When I work with my clients, I know money is important, but I care so much about their business that I have to always be honest. If something isn't right, if I'm not sure about something, or if they're going to make a bad decision, I have to tell them what I think because their business matters so much to me - I was there myself. When I'm creating a business plan and someone has an idea that I don't think is a great decision, I have to teach them and say what I believe, so they can make an informed choice. If they need deeper expertise in areas like business taxes that go beyond my knowledge, I always refer them to my partners rather than pretending I know everything. I never want to say I can figure it out when I don't have the complete knowledge to offer proper advice. I see my clients creating something from scratch with so much energy and happiness, and the most important thing for me is that they are successful in their business. That's why I always stay honest - because I genuinely care about their success.
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