Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Davila.
Hi Stephanie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My Name is Stephanie Davila, I’m the child of immigrant parents. Both my parents migrated to the United States back in the 80s from Nicaragua fleeing the Civil War of the 1980s in that Country. As a First Generation Born in the United States my identity was not very defined. I was not either Full Nicaraguan or Full American. I loved the food from both places and spoke both languages. Growing up in South Florida we have always had a mix of different cultures and many of us came from similar experiences. My family and had a shoe store at a local Flea Market called the Swap Shop. Where we would work on weekends (it’s famous for opening every day of the year). You can only imagine how painful this was for a young kid. However, little did I know that this would be what has shaped my perseverance today in my business.
Back in 2020, I decided to leave my first husband after a failed marriage and a failed business where he left me $50K in debt. I did not know what to do? At the same time, I decided to leave the Tax office I worked for as a freelancer doing Taxes because I did not agree with their Management choice and I applied with the IRS for an EFIN number. That number allows professional tax preparers to become E-file Tax Office Owners. By the end of 2020, I had my EFIN and opened in January of 2021. I have had many lows, and many nights of self-doubt but after two tax seasons alone I feel more confident. I have had my share of losses but more so a lot of moments where I thank God because I left where I was at in life. The comfort Zone that many never leave or are too scared to. I lost friends, money, and even family. But I regained my strength and I’m living proof that well into our 30s we can re-build and recreate ourselves. There is a lot of in-between but here I’m unconventional but real.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I began my business, I had little to no savings. I took a risk on myself worked two jobs and helped shape a positive environment for my son between all that. Sometimes things are slow but we always pull through and more and more people are starting to look for us for Tax and Accounting needs and services. As I mentioned in early 2020 I had a failed marriage, debt, and no real income. All to turn it around 2 years later.
We’ve been impressed with SD TAX LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We specialize in Accounting and Tax Services. My vision is to teach young people about Finance, Latinos, and especially new Hispanics that come to the United States how to use the Tax Code and how to become a success in this Country. I believe in promoting positive vibes and doing it all from the heart. I saw this with my parents, they had terrible guidance and that cost them Hundreds and thousands of dollars. SD Tax did a Free Talk in Georgia last April where we spoke about changes to Zelle. Free talks about money topics (which is still tabu) in our culture and ways to better our habits and money management. I aspire to one day become an affluent speaker and share my experience and how it has changed me.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see my business expanding Nationwide providing Full CFO/ Accounting , Immigration and Business Consultation services. Educating others on Financial Literacy, becoming a professional speaker and motivator as well as a fulfilled mother. I would like to exemplify a woman with balance , poise and success. Turning unforeseen circumstances into motivation for others, especially anyone that has taken a traditional route and has felt stuck at one point in time or another.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sdtaxllc.com/
- Instagram: @sdtaxllc
- Facebook: SD Tax LLC
