SPOTLIGHT: Interview with Frankline N. Mbunu, President & CEO of Frank Dedicated Services


Can you tell us about your business and what you do?

I founded FDS in July of 2012 with the goal of providing high quality accounting, tax and financial consulting services to businesses and individuals. We are a reputable Certified Public Accountant (CPA) firm located in Alexandria, VA with clients all over the United States.

We’re not just like most accountants doing accounting and bookkeeping. We look at the business as a whole to make sure we’ve kicked every tire, and turned over every rock. If you’re not as financially successful as you want to be, we’ll help you get there.

From entity structure, tax planning, to accounting, budgeting, and profit analysis, we help businesses extract the maximum amount of value for the business.

How did you get into this business?

I have always loved helping people. When I worked for a financial institution, helping people achieving financial stability and resolving the day to day challenges they faced with their financial situation, I always felt I could do more. After I completed my second Masters degree, I figured it was a good time to get into business since I had the time.

Also, I have always had the entrepreneur mindset growing up with my mom who was very business minded. She owned a restaurant and was very successful in it. So given my family background and my deep willingness to help people succeed, starting a business where I can really help people was an easy decision.

What is the most enjoyable thing about this business?

The satisfaction I bring to my clients and the lives I change a long the way. There’s nothing more exciting to me than putting smiles on my clients’ faces.

Recently, with innovative strategies and best business practices, we helped a small business automate and improve their accounting processes, identified more than $250K in cost savings and grow their profits by more than $300K within 180 days. It has really been a humbling experience and a dream come true.

What are some of your greatest challenges?

It really has not been all smooth. The first challenge was at the very beginning when I founded FDS. It was very difficult to get it off the ground, like with every other start up business – getting clients, balancing business with my family and personal lives, getting the necessary financing to run the business.

Other challenges have really come from some clients who we usually go extra mile to have them realize the values we provide and how the services we provide can change and better their businesses, and frankly their lives.

If you could provide any advice to fellow business owners, what would it be?

I always tell business owners that having a job is a good place to start in life, but not a good place to end. For the folks who have already taken that big step to own a business I want to say kudos to them. Owning a business is very challenging, it is not easy.

Most of the time success does not happen over night – it takes a lot of hard work, commitment, dedication and consistency. But the good news is if you do these things, and never give up you will succeed. I cannot count the number of sleepless nights I have had, but I think it’s worth it.

Another piece of advice I would provide is not to try to do everything by yourself – get professional help and assistance. For example, it’s hard enough trying to grow your business and making sure your clients are satisfied. Worrying about your finances is not something you can afford. That is why we help take care of our clients’ finances so they run their businesses.

To learn more and speak with a Tax and Accounting professional, call 703-224-8873 or visit FrankDedicatedServices.com.

 

Interview with Alice Abiya of Abiya’s Art

We recently had an opportunity to sit down with Alice Abiya, an artist based in Pittsburgh, PA. Through Abiya’s Art, she creates a variety of beautiful masterpieces inspired by her African heritage. She told us about her art and experiences as a small business owner.



Can you tell us about your business and what you do?

My business Abiyas’Art focuses on western and African cultural styles. We express these styles through the artistic composition of each item and through the way we name them as well. 
The uniqueness of these items, the names, and the materials are what make Abiya’s Art one of a kind in the market place. I make paintings, t-shirts, greeting cards, beautiful jewelry and more!
How did you get into this business?
When I was little, I had a chance to be around folks at home in Cameroon who were using their hands and crafting was one of the major occupations. Art in general was a main inspiration for anyone who was falling in love with creativity and expression of his or her own mind. I wanted to create something beautiful.

I found that this gives character to a group of people to cultivate their own roots as cultural art. A saying comes to mind, “There is no culture without art and there is no art without culture.”

When I moved to the U.S., I took a couple art classes, specifically for painting, even when my concentration was more in business. I also developed other skills to be able to do what I do today.

So by having these elements together, this was my motivational point to start with something unique for the first time, in my life here in US, my own business.



What is the most enjoyable thing about this business?

Most enjoyable thing in this business is that from out of nowhere, I can come out with something beautiful, unique and artistic to present to the market place. And in addition, I enjoy seeing folks appreciating my works, which gives me a pleasant desire to do this business.
What are some of your greatest challenges?
Well one of my greatest challenges in this business I believe is to make the public know about our product. The marketing point still and need to be developed so that we could create as maximum as possible a lot traffic in our website, and to generate more sale…!
If you could provide any advice to fellow business owners, what would it be?
Never give up on your dream no matter what! Sometimes, failure brings with it a seed of a valuable advantage. I once heard, “fail and fail better!” So for my fellow business owners out there, do not give up! Ever!

How people can find you online?
You can visit my website at www.AbiyasArt.com. In addition, you can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

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Interview with Areeb Shahid of Presto Productions


We recently had the privilege to chat with Areeb Shahid of Presto Productions. This ambitious young entrepreneur and has started several companies including an Artificial Intelligence program! We truly enjoyed learning about his vision to improve life in his home country of Pakistan and the rest of the world.





Can you tell us about more about Presto Productions and what you do?




Presto Productions is a multimedia production company specializing in web development and video production. Founded in 2014, Presto Production’s mission is to give people the power to make the world happier. We want to inspire the best in others and we want everyone to know that they’re awesome and can achieve anything.
Have you always been interested in business? Why or why not?
I’ve always wanted to create something that can change lives. The process of seeing something in your mind and working until it is brought to reality is addicting.
What are some of your greatest challenges?
We live in a very uncertain world, and I think that uncertainty generates an environment where it’s really hard to make decisions and stay focused.

Staying focused on the process alone is likely the greatest challenge but history is filled with countless examples of dramatic shifts and I think that the excitement – overcoming these issues, learning as you go, and committing yourself to your product is what makes it so enjoyable. 



Are you involved with any other organizations right now?
Yes, I am the founder of an organization called Earth Fall that aims to work together for peace, social justice, equality, human rights, respect for international law, helping build and keep the peace in conflict-ridden areas, supporting governments and their citizens to advance development and fight poverty, and promoting human rights worldwide.

We’re a bunch of young and collaborative students trying to make a positive impact in the world. So, I consider myself lucky to be a part of this wonderful organization.

Any advice for someone just starting out?
My number one piece of advice for people just starting out would be to just go for it. Find your dream, Then risk everything to make it into reality. Devote yourself to an idea.

You have to give 100% and never stop believing in your dream. No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world. It’s one person at a time, and hopefully there are people in positions of power who can and will change the world or even your life, but it can be a first step in learning things.

Anything else you want the readers to know?
I have recently been working on an AI program that is in live beta right now. Things are just getting started and i would love to hear from you as we continue to evolve. If you have ideas, feedback or would like to help us along this path. Please reach out directly to helloorthoinc@gmail.com.
Learn more about Presto Productions and Earth Fall at https://www.facebook.com/PrestoProds and https://www.facebook.com/earthfallodp
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