Meet Jasmine & Destiny

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jasmine & Destiny and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jasmine & Destiny, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Jasmine: I’m a proud Baton Rouge, Louisiana native, and growing up in a family with my parents and four younger sisters instilled in me strong values of family, responsibility, and looking out for each other. Witnessing the challenges faced by minority communities – the impact of poverty, limited resources, and lack of financial knowledge – deeply affected me. This early exposure ignited a passion to make a real difference and address the systemic inequities I observed.

My entrepreneurial spirit has always been coupled with a desire to help others. My accounting degree from TWU provided the business foundation, while my experience as a teacher reinforced my love for education and empowerment. Now, pursuing my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy is giving me deeper insights into people and families. Launching this tax service is the culmination of these experiences and values.

I see this business as a way to combine my skills and passions to serve the community. We aim to be more than just tax preparers; we want to be a trusted resource offering financial literacy, mentoring, business support, community events, and access to vital resources. My background has instilled a deep commitment to creating opportunities and fostering trust, with the goal of becoming ‘THAT Tax Company’ that truly cares and makes a lasting positive impact for generations.

Destiny: Originally hailing from Pleasant Grove, a resilient and tight-knit neighborhood in Dallas, my upbringing deeply shaped my understanding of community and the critical need for financial awareness. Growing up in an underserved area provided firsthand exposure to the economic challenges many face and underscored the importance of empowerment through financial literacy. This experience ignited an early interest in urban development and fostered a profound appreciation for how economic systems directly impact the daily lives of individuals and families within a community. These formative years instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and a strong desire to contribute to positive change within similar environments.

With over fifteen years dedicated to the profession of tax preparation, my background has become inextricably linked to my approach to client service. My roots in Pleasant Grove have not only honed my expertise in navigating the complexities of the tax system but have also instilled a fundamental commitment to serving individuals, particularly those from communities mirroring my own. I firmly believe in empowering people with the knowledge and confidence to manage their finances effectively. This mission extends beyond simply preparing tax returns; it involves providing clear guidance, fostering understanding, and acting as a reliable resource for financial well-being.

Ultimately, my journey from Pleasant Grove has equipped me with more than just technical skills in tax preparation. It has provided me with invaluable empathy, unwavering grit, and a unique insight into the financial realities of underserved communities. This background fuels my dedication to being more than just a tax preparer. I strive to be a trusted advocate for my clients, empowering them towards greater financial stability and fostering opportunities for growth within their own communities. My aim is to be a catalyst for positive financial change, one client at a time.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As a newly established tax business in our inaugural year, what distinguishes us is our heartfelt mission centered on empowering the community. We focus on more than just numbers; our passion lies in delivering trustworthy and dependable tax services, particularly to underserved areas. We are thrilled about the possibility of evolving into a franchise that genuinely opens doors and serves as a reliable resource for the community.

Our journey to this point has been driven by personal experiences and a dedication to making a positive impact. It hasn’t been without its challenges—self-funding our first year and tackling the initial obstacles of launching a business have tested us. However, we’ve navigated these difficulties by maintaining a lean operation, prioritizing exceptional virtual and mobile services, and keeping our long-term goals in sight.

The most significant lesson we’ve learned thus far is the value of authentic connections and building trust from the ground up. We want everyone to understand that our brand and narrative extend beyond mere tax services. We aim to create a business that genuinely serves the community, promotes financial health, and ultimately evolves into a company that stands for reliability, opportunity, and a sincere commitment to those we serve.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were to spend a week in Dallas, our plans would surely reflect our passion for discovering local spots and embracing a carefree spirit. We might kick things off with burgers from The Grill (Buckner Blvd), followed by a laid-back night at BlackJack. Our days could be filled with leisurely walks or bike rides around White Rock Lake, and might enjoy some quiet time browsing at the White Rock Library or a nearby bookstore. A visit to the lively Dallas Farmer’s Market would be essential for sampling local goodies, and we’d definitely take some time to relax and people-watch at Klyde Warren Park. For a cultural experience, we’d explore the Dallas Museum of Art and the surrounding Dallas Arts District. Depending on our vibe, our evenings could lead us to the energetic streets of Deep Ellum for music and art or the more sophisticated atmosphere of Uptown for drinks.

What I find exciting about Dallas is the mix of charming local treasures and vibrant urban areas, all perfectly suited for our spontaneous adventures. We can easily shift from a tranquil afternoon by the lake to the lively arts scene or the bustling nightlife, always supporting local businesses and embracing unexpected finds. The city is full of diverse experiences, ensuring there’s always something thrilling to discover, whether it’s a quaint bookstore, a distinctive restaurant, or an energetic street performance in Deep Ellum.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We are the women we are today because of the extraordinary mothers who raised us. They taught us the power of perseverance, the resilience of strength, the importance of hard work, and the drive of determination – lessons we carry with us in everything we do. To our valued clients, thank you for trusting us with your taxes. Your confidence in us means the world.

Website: https://www.jdtaxservicesllc.com

Instagram: @jdtaxservicesllc

Facebook: J&D Tax Services, LLC

Other: Email: JDTax@jdtaxservicesllc.com
Phone: 214-785-0427

Image Credits
Photographer: Ariana Gillyard | Instagram @ariana_jamiyaaa