Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiyana Duplantier.
Hi Kiyana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Honestly thinking about it.. My idea initially started my sophomore year in college. A friend of mine and I were typical college students just living and learning, at the time we both lived with our boyfriends and realized that we never had to budget or account for our money, but now that we had bills we needed to figure it out and fast. My mom taught me a little about finances added me as an authorized user on her cc during high school so I knew a little but not enough to apply in practice. So me and my friend being the guinea pig, we tried and utilized different budgets and implemented different ways of keeping track of our spending and having money dates so that we can update our budget and hold each other accountable. Well, over months of trying to figure out how to stay afloat and make our refund checks last us through the semester. I then realized that Personal Finance was my niche. As I went through college, I realized that there were many students who lacked the basics of Financial Literacy and I knew I wanted to do something about it. Still in school finishing up my degree I had many plans to change the world but self-doubt always got in the way. One year after graduating I joined a Life Insurance Firm in hopes of being able to apply this to what I wanted my business to be, I got my first couple of clients and soon gave up because at the time I felt like most people didn’t see the need and I didn’t know how to make them see it. I quickly learned that MONEY in African American Culture is taboo, they see what they want and do what they want until a life situation comes and pivots their thinking. Still not completely confident in myself I kept my business on the low working with those who knew of me and would give me a chance. I received great success but still unsure of how to get the world to see my “small business” as a Big one. Covid came and gave me the push that I was looking for! All the notes I ever wrote about my business I began consolidating them and thinking of ways to make my business what I know it can become. I renewed my life insurance license, started tax preparation, began credit repair, became a notary and also wrote a book “The Why Behind Your finances” (Available on AMAZON now). I knew what all I wanted my business to consist of and I had no time to waste, I’ve spent years sitting on my knowledge and now was the time to persevere. I am currently in the process of obtaining a certificate in Financial Planning.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road is rarely smooth, there are great days and bad ones, but as an entrepreneur that’s what comes with the life, have to be willing to roll with all the hills that are placed in your path. I have an amazing support system who without a doubt encourages and motivates me! They are also ALWAYS my number 1 clientele. I believe having that type of support makes the road smoother, it gives me hope and motivation to keep going because they all know someone who I do not know and one day my business will be brought up! The best type of clients are those that talk about your product long after use or application, they are your walking/talking billboard. I’ve learned that will be about 85% of my clientele will come from people who know people I’ve done business with.
As you know, we’re big fans of Inspiring Financial Freedom. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Inspiring Financial Freedom is your ONE STOP SHOP For all things PERSONAL FINANCE. We offer, Credit Repair, Tax Preparation for Individuals and Businesses, Life Insurance, Notary Services and soon to add Bookkeeping and Financial Classes. Our Speciality is Personal Finance, in every sector of our business we are providing education to you before, during and after your service is complete. The goal is to educate the client so that they are able to implement habits and skills into their daily money life and also be able to share/ pass down the information to family or friends; “we don’t know what we don’t know.”
This year we will be offering Tax training classes for any individuals who are interested in starting their Tax Business.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Zoho is my favorite for work emails, excel spreadsheets, document signing and so much more all in 1 platform. Checkbook is an app that I recommend for my clients who like manually inputting transactions and balancing their accounts. Digit is a good source for non-traditional savings, it saves based on your spending habits and you can set up different savings goals on the app it does have a small fee for it though.
Pricing:
- Credit Repair $190
- Tax Training $399
- Tax Preparation Start $185
- Life Insurance Based on Budget
Contact Info:
- Email: Kiyana@inspiringff.net
- Website: www.inspiringff.net
- Instagram: Instagram.com/inspiringff
- Facebook: facebook.com/inspiringff
Image Credits
Tony Cooks Photos
