This Tax Professional's Personal Experiences Shaped the Founding of Business

Toni Galang

Team Member

Starting a business in the tax industry requires more than just technical knowledge; it demands resilience, a passion for helping others, and a clear mission. Giselle Marzan, the founder of HerWealth Council, shares her inspiring journey—from overcoming personal financial struggles to empowering women entrepreneurs with financial clarity.

In this article, she reflects on the key moments that led to the founding of HerWealth Council, offers advice for newcomers in the tax industry, and shares the resources that have shaped her growth. Whether you’re looking for business inspiration or practical tips on tax planning, Giselle’s insights are sure to inspire and empower you on your own financial journey.

Giselle Marzan, HerWealth Council

Title: Founder and CEO

Location: Charlotte, NC

Year established: 2024

Services: Bookkeeping, tax planning, tax preparation, and CFO services

Connect with Giselle

Instagram: @theaccountantbae

An accounting and tax firm committed to empowering women entrepreneurs and small business owners by providing financial clarity, relieving overwhelm, and fostering lasting wealth and success.

The Journey Behind HerWealth Council

Q: What key moments or decisions led you to start your business or pursue a career in this field?

Giselle: Key moments that led me to start my business include my journey as a first-generation college graduate navigating financial literacy on my own, overcoming debt, and achieving homeownership as a single mom. These experiences taught me the importance of financial clarity and independence, inspiring me to use my 10+ years of accounting experience to help others avoid the struggles I faced. The decision to start HerWealth Council was fueled by my passion for empowering women entrepreneurs and small business owners to take control of their finances, reduce stress, and build a legacy of wealth for their families.

Q: Describe any early challenges and how you overcame them.

Giselle: Early on, one of my biggest challenges was balancing my role as a single mom while learning financial literacy on my own. Navigating debt, building credit, and managing a household with limited resources was overwhelming at times. I overcame these challenges by educating myself, seeking resources, and staying disciplined in my financial decisions. Those struggles not only taught me resilience but also inspired me to create a business that simplifies finances for others, showing them that even with challenges, financial freedom is possible.

Q: What primary services does your business provide, and who is your typical client?

Giselle: HerWealth Council provides accounting and tax services tailored to women entrepreneurs and small business owners. Our primary services include bookkeeping, tax planning, tax preparation, and CFO services. We specialize in empowering women in industries like beauty, real estate investors/agents, and service-based businesses, helping them gain financial clarity, reduce stress, and build sustainable wealth for their futures.

What Drives Her Business

Q: What are the core values or mission that drive your business?

Giselle: The core values driving HerWealth Council are empowerment, integrity, and resilience.

Q: How do you stay connected with and build trust among your clients?

Giselle: I build trust and stay connected with my clients by prioritizing open communication and creating strong, lasting relationships. I listen to their needs, provide personalized financial solutions, and simplify complex concepts so they feel confident and informed.

Q: Are there any misconceptions about tax preparation that you frequently encounter?

Giselle: Many people think tax preparation is just about filing once a year, but proactive tax planning can save money, prevent surprises, and benefit even small business owners through better deductions and organization. One tax strategy can save you thousands.

A Proud Moment: Becoming a Role Model for My Daughter

Q: Could you share a client success story or impactful project?

Giselle: A client I worked with was struggling to understand her business finances, which left her feeling stuck and uncertain about her next steps. We started by simplifying her financial processes, implementing an easy-to-follow system, and clarifying her tax obligations. Over time, she gained confidence in managing her finances and was able to focus on growing her business. Watching her shift from feeling overwhelmed to being in control of her financial future was an incredibly rewarding experience.

Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Giselle: I’m proud to be a role model for my daughter, demonstrating the power of resilience, hard work, and pursuing your dreams, no matter the challenges.

Essentials for Success in the Tax Industry

Q: Any advice for someone just starting in the tax industry?

Giselle: If you’re just starting in the tax industry, dive in with curiosity and a commitment to building a solid foundation of knowledge—there’s always something new to learn! Don’t be shy about making connections and seeking mentorship; experienced pros can be your greatest resource for boosting your confidence and accelerating your growth. Stay open, stay hungry, and remember—everyone started where you are now!

Q: Are there any resources (books, podcasts, or articles) that you find valuable?

Giselle: "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz

Road to Women Empowerment

Q: What are your goals for the next year?

Giselle: My goals for the next year include scaling HerWealth Council to reach more women entrepreneurs and small business owners, expanding my team to enhance client services, and creating more educational content to empower clients with financial literacy.