Meet course creator and online mentor for new and aspiring women entrepreneurs Candice Montgomery. Founder of Candice Montgomery LLC, Candice’s mission is to help other women achieve their business goals by helping those who have no idea where to begin.
She provides valuable frameworks on what steps to take first, who to call, business basics, taxes, and budgeting. Moreover, Candice offers personalized coaching and accountability to her clients as they learn to navigate the business world.
Below we sat down with Candice to learn a bit more about her journey as an entrepreneur.
Q. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
Candice: Well, if I really think about it, my parents and husband have been a big source of inspiration. My dad dabbled or talked about having his own business, while my mom was a hairstylist for over 40 years and worked for herself most of the time.
On the other hand, my husband expressed his desire to have his own HVAC business early in our marriage, so I got really involved. I’ve been surrounded by hard-working people with entrepreneurial spirits, which is very inspiring.
Q. What are your top 3 favorite online apps, tools, or resources, and what do you love about them?
Candice: Slack. It allows me to communicate with my team and others outside of my business quickly without waiting for emails to go back and forth.
Trello. It is a project/task management and communication tool that allows me to see what my team or I am working on and easily pivot if something needs to be prioritized.
Scanner. I love my scanner because it allows me to scan all the paper that comes my way to keep things organized, decluttered, and as paperless as possible.
Q. In one sentence, what’s the best advice you’d give to someone just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey?
Candice: Find a mentor who can help you fast-track your success and provide motivation when feeling down.
Q. What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made?
Candice: Financial Peace University has helped me and our family become 100% debt-free, both in our personal lives and in business. I wish I would’ve done it sooner!
Q. Who are your mentors? What valuable knowledge or insight did they provide?
Candice: I have had several mentors over the years, but most recently, I would say Kelly Ann Callahan and Veronique Munro are important mentors for me and they’ve become my close friends.
They both have taught me much; Kelly inspired and encouraged me to create my course and start this business. Veronique has helped me prioritize knowledge and see the value I bring (which is hard to see often). She has also provided me with opportunities that propelled me forward.
Q. What does your perfect day look like?
Candice: Sitting on a beach or traveling while my business is running in the background!
Q. What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Candice: When I went to the bank to make the final payment on a 10-year loan after only 5 years. We became completely debt-free at that moment and I only wish my dad could’ve been there to see it happen.
Q. What has been your biggest failures or challenges? How did it set you up for later success?
Candice: Learning taxes the hard way has been my biggest challenge. At 22, I didn’t know wherewithal to ask what I should be doing to prepare and save. We went through a sales tax audit, and we thought our records were clear, but it turns out they were not clear enough for the state.
We spent so much time, and research went into it, but it was still not enough to satisfy their standards. I remember going under my desk just to cry when it was all over. I wanted to quit right then and there, but that was 12 years ago, and I’m still going strong with my husband and team.
To keep up to date with Candice and her journey, connect with her on her Instagram and LinkedIn.