Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Diggins.
Stephanie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a native of Coweta County and the middle child of three siblings. My mom always instilled in us that “anything worth having is worth working for.” This year my husband (Constantine) and I celebrated 16 years of marriage. My husband is not only my soulmate, but he’s my praying partner, and also my best friend. He’s MSGT in The United States Air Force as a MSGT. We have one handsome son (Justin) whom we are immensely proud of and would not trade for anything, a beautiful daughter-in-love (Teather) that we adore, two handsome grandsons (Justin & Bryson) that are truly the joy of both of our lives. We also have a special and favorite niece (Hayley) that is more like a daughter to us that we absolutely love and will move mountains for. I have also been blessed with a lot of other kids, both young girls and guys that look up to me and I have the pleasure to mentor.
I have a Business Management AAS (Associate Applied Science) Degree with a concentration in Accounting, a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management with a concentration in Business Management. I am also a Certified Bookkeeper and Payroll Specialist. In April of 2023, I obtained my Life Insurance License followed by my Property and Casualty Insurance License in May of 2023. I am not a CPA (Certified Public Accountant); however, I am a CMA (Certified Management Accountant) the difference is we help companies manage their money, and CPA’S deal with more Corporate Companies.
After my first year in college, while working on my Associate’s Degree God blessed me with my first job at a local Accounting & Tax Firm. After five months of dedication and hard work which what was supposed to be a seasonal position turned into a Full-Time one that I held for over twenty-plus years.
My mother (God rest her soul) was a giver and lover of people, and these are just two of the traits that I inherited from her. She taught us that hard work will eventually pay off if you keep God first and stay consistent. I have never been a follower, but I have always been a leader. It never mattered to me when I was younger and even now what anyone around me was doing, if everyone else is standing on the left, if I do not believe in something and my heart is not feeling right about a situation, I will always stand alone. I enjoy helping people fulfill their ultimate goals in both their personal and business life. I love to see everyone succeed while doing the will of God. My passion is educating my clients so they can see what they did to get themselves in their situations and to help them make better decisions so they can become successful.
In 2020, during the Pandemic God spoke to me and told me it was time to leave the company I was working for and step out on Faith. Although I was confused, fearful, and scared, I never doubted God. So, after much prayer and consulting with my husband and family, I resigned from the company, walked out on Faith, followed the will of God, and became an Entrepreneur.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being an Entrepreneur has its challenges, but for the most part it is rewarding. I often have clients that just come in to receive words of encouragement due to the stress of day-to-day living. My heart is fulfilled to see them leave with a smile on their face.
The only time I have found it to be overwhelming is when people feel as if they do not have to respect me because I am a female and at other times when employees will not take accountable for their actions.
The biggest challenge I have had is to discipline an employee for not respecting my authority.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Integrity Accounting & Tax Solutions?
Integrity Accounting & Tax Solutions accepts walk-ins, appointments, and we also offer virtual services. We specialize in educating our clients in a professional environment all while having fun. We are truly knowledgeable and have the experience to offer a range of Accounting, Tax Planning, Bookkeeping, Payroll, Consulting, and Life Insurance Services to the community.
We make every effort to get to know our clients on a case-by-case basis. We do not treat our clients like a number, because they are more like family to us. Our mission is to serve our clients with the highest level of professionalism. We also believe that integrity, honesty, and being trustworthy is the key to success.
Integrity Accounting & Tax Solutions would not and could not be a successful company if our clients did not believe in us. We must always dedicate our time to all our clients by providing them with top-notch service from the time they walk through the door to the time they leave the office.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
1. Prayer is the key to Success. Always Pray over your business every day and keep God 1st.
2. Determination is the key to achieve your goals regardless of what others say and do.
3. Passion – Stay passionate about what you are doing, and it will not seem like work.
4. Work – Life Balance – Always set boundaries so you can maintain a balance between life and work.
5. Appearance is important. Remember you are a representative of your company on and off the clock. If you come into your business not representing well, how can set the standards for your employees? “Never dress for the job you have, dress for the job you want to have.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://integrityaccttax.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/integrityaccountingtaxsol
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/integrityaccountingandtaxsolutions
- Twitter: Phone: (678) 673-6184
Image Credits
Photo Credits: Carletha Geter, Bryant Moss, & JC Penney Studios
