Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheryl Blazej
Hi Cheryl, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was raised in Huntington Beach, California. I was very lucky to have two supporting parents who encouraged my interests, passion and goals. My father, born in Argentina, really encouraged me to get an education, pursue career goals, and travel to see the world; while my mother really encouraged me to volunteer to help others.
I was very fortunate that my dad worked for Western Airlines, which was later purchased by Delta Airlines, so we were able to travel when I was a child. One highlight, I remember my first visit to Argentina when I was nine years old. I went as an unaccompanied minor since my grandparents wanted to visit with me before my parents and sister came a few days later. It was so much fun. I still remember the experience today. The love of travel stays with me. I’m always seeking the next travel adventure!
After high school I went to college, took a break, then went to work for a computer hardware/software Fortune 500 company. I started as a temporary employee and once they hired me full-time, my supervisor encouraged me to return to college. During that time, you could not get promoted to become even a supervisor without a college degree. One of the best parts — the company offered tuition reimbursement.
The experience taught me that making commitments and some sacrifices were well worth it to achieve my goals. I knew I wanted to become a Financial Analyst. Working full-time during the day and going to school at night and being fortunate enough to move to various accounting and customer service positions within a major corporation was key to achieving my goal.
Once I graduated from college, I was promoted to a Financial Analyst position at the regional office. I remember smiling on the inside once I had achieved my goal. It took three years which is really fast while you’re living through it. The Financial Analyst position taught me a lot about reading “real life” numbers, statistics and interpreting data for our corporate and divisional management. About a year after graduation, I was transferred to Atlanta which was a blessing since my parents had moved to Atlanta four years before. Unfortunately, since I was working with a major computer company during the 1991 computer downturn, I was laid off but all of the experiences at that company paid off. I became a Financial Analyst with another Fortune 500 corporation that had recently moved to Atlanta. I was with them for a few years. Then, with my parents’ support and encouragement and my personal goal of owning my own business, I transitioned to working with small businesses. They were some of the best “teachers” I ever had. I witnessed the frustration if clients didn’t pay and payroll was due, the taxes that had to be put aside for the necessary due dates, upset clients if a shipment or task was late, and many other facets of business that you don’t see first-hand at a major corporation. I did this for about 12 years and then opened my own business which I’ve owned for nearly 19 years.
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?
Absolutely not! Starting a self-funded business is a struggle but I would not let that stop me. I worked part-time at a temporary service to bring income into my home and my family, and I set a 6-month goal – clients either came or I would go back to work for someone else. I was blessed that I could continue with my business. There were sacrifices but there were also rewards. We didn’t eat out as much but I could watch my son play sports after school and then just catch up that evening.
As the fifth business year approached, my husband passed away unexpectedly. This was devastating to me and my 19-year-old son. The business and my son kept me going and pushing forward to grow the business and keeping focused on what had to be done. I was blessed to have a team of employees that picked up the slack when I just couldn’t and my family who stepped in when needed. It was a hard lesson about what is important and it showed my son that no matter how bad it gets, push yourself to keep going.
Since that time, the struggles have been things like increasing costs to keep the lights on, losing key employees that helped build the foundation of the business, the unknowns of how COVID could affect the business, how important your banker is and “normal” business owner struggles.
I believe the struggles keep you humble and keep pushing you toward the ultimate goal. Each person has their own personal goal and the struggle can keep you going to the next step!
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?
Blazej Accounting is an accounting firm but more than an accounting firm; we are business partners with our clients. We are the resource to assist with general accounting activities, the structure needed to have accurate financials while assisting with management reporting, offering both a historical and proactive approach to accounting.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I would suggest either finding an organization that offers mentors, like the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC), a manager in your company, a person at your church or house of worship. I was a mentor through GNFCC, and we keep in touch with one another and have regular calls and lunch meetings. When I was rising in my career, I had two mentors. One was my manager while I was in college and she encouraged me to keep going even when things were tough. She would say to keep my eyes on the ultimate prize of what I wanted. My second mentor became my manager when I graduated college. She always challenged me and pushed me to become more than I thought I could be. I think of both ladies as they took a chance on me and helped me become the business owner I am today.
One key item: Really listen and ask a lot of questions – the mentor really wants to help you grow!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blazejaccounting.com
