Meet Marie Sutton | Tax Professional and Financial Consultant

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

Hi Marie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business.
Level Up Academy came about as a way to assist people with multiple financial needs; to help them get educated on financial literacy, credit, taxes and offer consults all in one place.

But we do not only serve individuals we also provide services to Business Owners.

So there were several things I had to overcome at a young age and that helped fuel my passion for helping others. Because I can provide the knowledge and help that I did not have extended to me.

I have always possessed a curiosity and desire to learn most anything and go after it.

So I knew that I could succeed if I applied myself; to get financially educated.

I taught myself everything I could on how to build great credit, how to budget money, financial literacy, proper money management, investing, and so on.

 So that I could set my current and future self up for financial success.

It took me a LOT of self-discipline, delayed gratification, and patience to do, but it all allowed me to become debt free at 27.

I became a homeowner, paid off a vehicle of mine 3 years early, paid off all my credit card debt, and saved. And made smart investments.

While being a full-time custodial parent of 2 kids.

There are not a lot of people in that age range who can say they have done the same so I want to be the person who helps others achieve the same things by educating them on these topics to make it a reality.

So that is where My Business “Level Up Academy” came about- we offer an academy of financial services to individuals and Business Owners alike.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business Level Up Academy came about after I saw the need for financial literacy and education in my communities. After educating myself on these topics and becoming debt free, a homeowner, and an investor all before 30 I knew that I could help others do the same.

And trust me no it has not been easy, because while accomplishing all these things I was and am a single mother raising 2 kids at the same time.

But I think that is what makes me so relatable- I don’t come from a wealthy background or have parents that taught me these concepts, I was not given money to help me reach my goals or a handout.

I am a woman who did not let the odds stop me, who knew she was destined for more and did everything she could to get the ball rolling in that direction.

I did it scared, I did it tired, I did it when I had little money to my name and I did it by myself (and with God by my side).

I overcame the challenges by shifting my mindset from “why is this happening to me?” to “what am I supposed to learn from this situation?” “what am I supposed to learn from this?”.

We have to realize that WE ALL have experienced setbacks and unfortunate events in our lives but what makes you different is how you choose to handle those sets backs and learn from them.

It’ll either make or break you, keep you a victim or make you into a victor. The choice is ours.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well lets see!

I’m a Native Houstonian!
I love Houston’s history and culture so we would definitely have lots to do and see and eat!

Monday-
We would start by having breakfast at the one and only “Break Klub” on Travis street for some amazing and filling breakfast!
I highly recommend the chicken and waffles

We would then head to Buffalo Bayou Park to ride scooters, get some fresh air and explore.

For lunch: We would enjoy Mikkis Soul Food Cafe

Afterwards we would head to Museum District to explore all 4 museums in the district!

Tuesday: If its rodeo Season we would def spend all day at the Rodeo to enjoy all the food and festivities!

Wednesday: Breakfast at Broken Egg Cafe-
And we would check out the Gerald D. Hines Waterfall Park and take lots of pictures
Head to the Galleria and Shop!
And finally take a break from being inside and head to Houston Arboretum & Nature Center.

We would have dinner at Burns Orginal BarBQue to end the night.

Thursday: We would spend some time up North in the Woodlands area.
We would spend time exploring the waterway and surrounding areas, there are walking trails, swan boats, kayaking, and many restaurants surrounding the area in walking distance

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My journey into financial education was heavily influenced by my desire always seek knowledge and about 3 years into my financial education journey I stumbled upon “thebudgetnista” Tiffany Aliche on Fb and learned a lot from her as well.

Website: https://levelupacademy.godaddysites.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/levelupacademyllc

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/level-up-consulting-services/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LevelUp_Taxes?t=tEsRELktj2EisSuhqYwxdg&s=09

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

Other: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/MarieRojasLevelUp?fbclid=PAAaZsTZsXZz3Gp1ZLaa0zjhkZZtS7rtnvOTR4BEEm61R5UghvZVfNkbwYwOY