Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chereese Moore. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Chereese, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
In the quiet corners of my upbringing, where life was far from easy and dreams often felt like distant stars, I discovered the essence of my work ethic. I met my mother when she was 15 years old, and I am the eldest of ten children. Our journey began in the shadows of welfare and food stamps, navigating a turbulent sea of uncertainty.
As we moved from place to place, the backdrop of our lives was often painted with deplorable conditions – no running water, no heat, and no indoor plumbing. Yet, amid adversity, I found a spark within me that refused to be extinguished. This spark led me to my first job at the age of 15, through a summer program that offered a glimmer of hope.
The indescribable feeling that washed over me when I received my first paycheck was a revelation. It wasn’t just about the money; it was about the power to change the narrative of my life. At 17, I became a mother, and with the weight of responsibility on my shoulders, I made a solemn vow to break the chains of generational poverty.
For years, I toiled through 2 to 3 jobs, sometimes burning the midnight oil simply because I was, admittedly, not adept with managing money. The turning point came in 2012 when I decided to venture into entrepreneurship. In 2012, I started a tax business, and though the growth was steady, it was slow. I didn’t know what I needed to grow my business so in 2019, I decided to go back to school.
The story of my life is not just one of overcoming adversity; it is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and the unyielding belief that through education and financial empowerment, we can rewrite the destinies of ourselves and the generations that follow. I am a torchbearer for the transformative impact of breaking the cycle, and with every step forward, I am determined to cast a light that guides others out of the darkness of generational poverty.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Professionally, my focus revolves around the vibrant world of entrepreneurship, specifically within tax services. In 2012, I took a leap of faith and founded DC Taxes, Inc., driven by a vision to address the growing need for dependable and credible tax services nationwide. The inspiration for my company sprang from recognizing the challenges American taxpayers face in navigating our complex and ever-evolving tax code.
DC Taxes, Inc. is not just a business; it’s a commitment to offering individual and family tax preparation, tax resolution, and tax planning services nationally. What sets us apart is our dedication to creating and maintaining relationships with clients year-round, not just during tax season. This approach provides peace of mind to families seeking financial freedom, fostering a sense of trust and dependability.
At DC Taxes, we believe in financial freedom, and our mission is to reduce poverty and social ills. We do this by teaching others to be proactive instead of reactive and offering year-round, nationwide tax services. DC Taxes exists to build relationships with taxpayers and small, emerging businesses. By providing memorable, valuable, customer-oriented experiences, DC Taxes, Inc. can become synonymous with practical tax solutions.
Since its inception in 2012, DC Taxes has been characterized by an innovative business model. Our digital and virtual processes contribute to environmental sustainability by minimizing paper usage and offering clients the speed and accessibility they crave. During the challenging times of the COVID shutdown, while many tax businesses were incapacitated, DC Taxes continued to assist taxpayers nationwide virtually, ensuring they received their deserved stimulus money.
However, like any business, we faced challenges. In 2019, the hurdle was limited growth. To overcome this, I returned to school, pursuing a business degree to deepen my understanding of critical functional areas such as Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, and Operations. Networking with fellow tax professionals and exploring grant opportunities became essential strategies, providing me with the resources to stimulate growth and achieve my goals.
My journey as a first-generation college graduate reflects the resilience and determination required to overcome obstacles. The business degree in Human Resource Management symbolizes personal achievement and the empowerment to drive DC Taxes toward new heights.
Beyond the business bottom line, DC Taxes is deeply committed to giving back to the community. We offer free tax preparation and e-filing for taxpayers with simple returns, conduct free webinars on financial management, and actively share employment opportunities. By increasing individual wealth and financial literacy, we contribute tangibly to our mission of reducing poverty.
In the intricate tapestry of my professional pursuits, DC Taxes, Inc. stands as a beacon of innovation, dedication to clients, and a force for positive change in the community. As we continue to evolve and grow, the excitement lies in the services we offer and the transformative impact we can have on the lives of individuals and families nationwide.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my transformative journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as pivotal in shaping my path: resilience, financial acumen, and continuous learning.
Resilience:
The ability to bounce back from adversity has been a cornerstone of my journey. Growing up in challenging conditions, facing financial hardships, and navigating the intricacies of entrepreneurship demanded a resilient spirit. My advice to those early in their journey is to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Develop resilience by viewing setbacks as temporary, learning from them, and using each experience to build a stronger foundation for the future.
Financial Acumen:
A belief in financial freedom fueled the decision to enter the world of tax services. Understanding the complexities of the tax code and developing financial acumen was crucial for the success of DC Taxes, Inc. For those starting out, I advise actively seeking knowledge in financial management. Whether through formal education, mentorship, or self-directed learning, gaining a deep understanding of financial principles equips individuals to make informed decisions, especially in the realm of entrepreneurship.
Continuous Learning:
In 2019, faced with limited business growth, I returned to college to pursue a business degree. The commitment to continuous learning, whether through formal education or self-directed efforts, has been instrumental in overcoming obstacles. Early in their journey, individuals should embrace a mindset of continuous improvement. Seek out learning opportunities, stay curious, and be open to new ideas. Doing so enhances skills and fosters adaptability, a crucial trait in an ever-evolving professional landscape.
My advice for early journey explorers:
Embrace Challenges:
Challenges are not roadblocks but stepping stones to success. Embrace them, learn from them, and let them fuel your determination to succeed.
Invest in Financial Education:
Financial literacy is a superpower. Invest time in understanding financial principles, budgeting, and long-term financial planning. This knowledge will be invaluable whether you are managing personal finances or steering a business.
Commit to Continuous Learning:
The journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Cultivate a mindset of continuous learning. Seek opportunities for professional development, whether through formal education, workshops, or mentorship. Stay curious and adaptable in the face of change.
Build a Support Network:
Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and a supportive community. Their insights, experiences, and encouragement can be a guiding force in your journey.
Align Passion with Purpose:
Please identify what you are passionate about and align it with a purpose that extends beyond personal success. A mission-driven approach adds depth and meaning to your endeavors.
As you embark on your journey, remember that every step contributes to your growth, regardless of how small. Stay resilient, keep learning, and let your journey unfold with purpose and determination.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client resonates with the core values and mission of DC Taxes, Inc. Our services are tailored to individuals and families across the nation who seek reliable tax assistance and a partner in their journey toward financial freedom. Characteristics that make someone an ideal client for DC Taxes include a commitment to proactive financial management, a desire for year-round support, and an appreciation for personalized, customer-oriented experiences.
Firstly, an ideal client understands the significance of being proactive rather than reactive in their financial decisions. They recognize the value of financial literacy and are eager to actively engage in managing their finances. This aligns with our mission to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to break free from the cycle of generational poverty.
Secondly, our ideal client values the year-round support and relationship-building approach that DC Taxes offers. They recognize the importance of addressing tax-related matters during the filing season and maintaining an ongoing connection for comprehensive financial planning. This commitment to year-round engagement fosters a sense of trust and security as we work together to achieve long-term financial goals.
Lastly, an ideal client for DC Taxes appreciates the personalized, customer-oriented experiences we provide. Understanding the complexities of the tax code can be overwhelming, and our clients value the care and attention we put into every interaction. Whether it’s virtual assistance, educational webinars, or employment opportunity notifications, our ideal client values our holistic approach to support their financial well-being.
Our ideal client views financial empowerment as a means to reduce poverty and social ills. They embrace the principles of resilience, continuous learning, and community support, mirroring the ethos that has propelled my personal and professional journey. As we strive to impact the financial landscape of individuals and families positively, our ideal clients become partners in this shared mission for lasting change.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dctaxes2012.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dctaxes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DcTaxesInc/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dc-taxes-2a1abb58/
