Today we’d like to introduce you to Taucier Smalls-West.
Taucier, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Before starting West Financial Services, I spent 20 years in public education — ten as a classroom teacher and another decade in district-level roles. Over time, I became disenchanted with the “business of education” and started to explore other paths that would allow me to make a meaningful impact in a different way while being in control of my own destiny. I had experience as a tax preparer back in the late 90s, and in 2020 I decided to start a small tax preparation business. For three years, I ran the firm part-time while still working in education. During that time, I realized how challenging it was to build and operate a business without a clear roadmap. There really isn’t a handbook for entrepreneurship and that realization became the spark that led me to help others avoid the same struggles I faced.
In 2023, I left education to run my firm full-time. Since then, West Financial Services has evolved into more than just a tax and bookkeeping business. We help small business owners build compliant, financially healthy businesses while developing the confidence to truly understand their numbers. My goal is to empower entrepreneurs to keep more of what they earn, operate with clarity, and grow with confidence.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but every challenge has taught me something valuable. Transitioning from a stable career in education to full-time entrepreneurship was both exciting and intimidating. I had to rebuild my professional identity, learn how to market myself, and juggle every role — from CEO to bookkeeper to content creator — all while figuring out how to attract the right clients.
In the early days, one of my biggest struggles was balancing client work with building the systems and processes my business needed to grow. There were times when I felt overwhelmed, especially realizing that running a business requires an entirely different skill set than simply being good at your craft. But those moments helped me understand exactly what so many small business owners go through — confusion about compliance, inconsistent cash flow, and that constant feeling of wearing too many hats.
Those struggles became the foundation of my mission. I wanted to create a business that not only provides financial services, but also helps other entrepreneurs find clarity, confidence, and peace of mind in their business journey.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
West Financial Services, LLC is a full-service accounting and advisory firm dedicated to helping small business owners stay organized, financially compliant, and confident about their numbers. We provide done-for-you bookkeeping, payroll, and tax preparation, along with proactive tax planning and tax advisory services.
While we work with a variety of small businesses, we’ve become best known for serving the landscaping industry — helping business owners in this field protect their profits, reduce their tax burden, and finally get a clear picture of where their money is going. Many landscapers are incredible at their craft but don’t have time to manage the financial side of the business. We step in to handle that for them so they can focus on what they do best.
What sets us apart is our educational approach. We don’t just deliver reports — we teach business owners how to understand them. Our goal is to build financial confidence, not dependency. I’m most proud of the trust we’ve built with clients who now see their finances as a tool for growth instead of a source of stress.
At its core, West Financial Services is about empowerment. We believe every small business deserves access to the same level of strategy and financial insight as big corporations — because when small businesses thrive, our communities thrive too.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’ve learned that every meaningful step forward in business, and in life, involves some level of risk. For me, the biggest risk I’ve ever taken was walking away from a 20-year career in public education to pursue entrepreneurship full time. Leaving behind a steady paycheck, benefits, and familiarity to build something from the ground up was terrifying at times. But I also knew that staying in a place where I felt unfulfilled was a different kind of risk — one that could cost me my peace and purpose.
I don’t believe risk-taking always has to be impulsive. I see it as calculated courage…being willing to make bold moves, but with preparation, planning, and faith. Every major shift in my business has come with uncertainty: rebranding, niching down to serve a specific industry, and trusting that my vision would resonate. But each of those “risks” has brought growth, alignment, and new opportunities I couldn’t have imagined before.
To me, risk isn’t about chasing something reckless. It’s about believing in yourself enough to move, even when you don’t have every answer, and trusting that the lessons you learn along the way will guide you exactly where you’re meant to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://westfinancialservicesllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westfinancialservicesllc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westfinancialserves
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westfinancialserves
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@westfinancialservicesllc
