Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alexandrea Dendy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alexandrea, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
When I was younger, I lost my sister and my father within three years of each other and both a week before my birthday. Coping with the loss of loved ones requires a great amount of resilience. It is natural to find strength in support systems, faith, or even within oneself to handle such trying times. I watched my mother lean on God in an extraordinary way that gave me hope that no matter the circumstances, I could still be victorious through my pain. Experiencing the loss of a loved one can certainly teach resilience. It was a life-changing experience that shaped my perspective on life and challenges. I would always say that I would either sulk and drown or rise and make my sister and father proud of everything I would accomplish. This ability to endure and adapt became a part of who I am today.
Through that experience, I was able to take that resilience and apply it to my entrepreneurial endeavors. The adaptability and determination I developed allowed me to learn new skills, embrace change, and thrive in unfamiliar environments. When I began my journey as an entrepreneur, I owned an online clothing boutique. I had the assumption that since I loved fashion and would get many compliments on my attire, I would own my store and make women feel confident in their clothing. I quickly learned managing the financial side of the business was a potential stressor many small business owners faced. Due to my experience in the accounting field, I could pivot, innovate, and persevere in the face of starting a new business as my old one closed down.
Ultimately, personal resilience is a powerful force that can be channeled into various aspects of life, including career transitions. It is about harnessing the strength gained from overcoming personal hardships and applying it to conquer the evolving landscape of the business world.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I own a virtual bookkeeping company providing efficient, accurate, cost-effective bookkeeping services to entrepreneurs and small business owners. We strive to be a reliable partner in managing our clients’ finances by delivering timely financial information with integrity and transparency. The most special part of owning my business is connecting with clients worldwide without being tied down to a physical location. The flexibility allows for a diverse clientele and opens doors to various industries and businesses. Another special aspect is our impact on businesses. Bookkeeping might seem mundane to some, but it is the backbone of any successful company. Helping entrepreneurs get control over their finances and witnessing businesses flourish can be incredibly rewarding.
This year, we plan to launch a DIY income and expense tracker to help solopreneurs take control of their finances even if they do not have the resources to outsource our services. We are also adding a QuickBooks setup service and offering QuickBooks training. We are so excited to expand our services to fulfill the needs of every business level.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three qualities and skills that were most impactful in my journey were patience, attention to detail, and a love for learning. For those who are early in their journey, patience is essential when building clientele. A lot of times, when starting, you take on everyone who comes your way. Still, it is essential to have discernment and patience when determining which client is serious about outsourcing your services and ensure you both are an excellent fit for a professional relationship. Attention to detail is another important skill because the smallest oversight can have significant implications. Being detail-oriented builds trust with clients and allows for efficiency. Lastly, being a lifelong learner is invaluable. Staying curious and embracing learning as a continuous journey can help bookkeepers perfect their craft and grow in their careers.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was encourage me to lean into every passion or interest I had. Often, there is pressure to fit into a box or know precisely what you want to be when you grow up. My ideal career has ranged everywhere from a model to a Kindergarten teacher to a marriage counselor to an accountant to a fashion stylist and beyond. There was never any pressure to pick one and focus on it; I was given the space to dive into each option, learn more about it, and determine if it was indeed a passion or just a good idea. I have to thank them for allowing me that space because I have combined each of those ideas into quite a few passion projects that are either doing well or in the works.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sunflowerbookkeeping.co
- Instagram: sunflower.bookkeeping
Image Credits
Photographer: Jo Espejo
