Meet Ashley Reina | Bookkeeping Goddess

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Reina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I always knew I wanted to run my own business! I ran a babysitting business when I was a teen. When I got older, I ended up working for other people, and I was never truly happy doing that. Once I started my family, I knew that finding a way to work for myself needed to happen. I wanted to be able to do work that meant something to me and to work with people who really needed me. I started out running an in-home child care and preschool. That was fun for a while, but eventually I realized I wasn’t feeling fulfilled by that. So I went back to something I had been doing for years while working at Pappas Restaurants. Only this time it would be as an Entrepreneur!! And thus Blue Skies Bookkeeping was born.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I run a small bookkeeping firm. I specialize in small “Mom & Pop” type businesses and “micro-businesses” and solo-preneurs. Most little business owners try to do everything themselves, mostly because they don’t think they can afford any help. My services are very affordable! Also, all bookkeeping service fees are 100% tax deductible, so that is a win!

I got where I am today by never giving up. I am an introvert, as most bookkeepers are. So just getting in front of people to tell them about my services was a huge thing for me. It has not been easy at all! I read a book that was suggested by my mentor called “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” by Susan Jeffers. That helped me so much. I was able to slowly overcome my shyness and fear by just going for it. Which has helped me in more ways than just building my business!

I want the world to know that being a business owner is hard! Make sure to find the right people to take some of the tasks you aren’t great at off your hands. You don’t have to do everything yourself!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The Woodlands is truly the BEST place to live! There is so much to do. Since I am the mother of two young boys, most of my hotspots are kid friendly. Walking the Waterway is a fabulous way to spend a few hours. We love to eat at Pappadeaux, as we are huge fans of scratch kitchens. Thistle Draftshop has some really great beer and good people. Urban Air is a fantastic place to let your littles run off some energy. It is also really fun to go for a quick hike along the Spring Creek Greenway! There is also a new little VR Game company in Oak Ridge North called Zero Latency which is a blast to do. There are also a ton of gorgeous parks to enjoy!

I am also a very active member of the Woodlands Chamber of Commerce! The best Chamber in the entire Houston region!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband! I couldn’t do any of the things I want to do without his love and support. He has been a pillar of strength for me during this journey. We have two young boys and he is always willing to take over when I need to be at a meeting or any of the many Woodlands Chamber events I attend. I owe my success to him!

Website: www.blueskiesbk.com

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-reina

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueskiesbk