Meet Latara Scott | Founder & CEO – LUCI Financial Solutions

We had the good fortune of connecting with Latara Scott and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LaTara, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
After spending over 20 years working full-time in various accounting roles, I began freelancing as a bookkeeper on the side about eight years ago. Initially, it was just a way to supplement my income, but as time went on, my side business started to grow organically through client referrals. What struck me was that I had built a profitable side business without really being intentional about it. This made me realize that if I truly focused on growing my business and embraced the entrepreneurial spirit, I could achieve even greater success.

My passion for helping small businesses has been a constant throughout my career. I’ve always been drawn to working with them, and in starting my own business, I saw an opportunity to make a broader impact on the small business community. Entrepreneurship allows me to directly contribute to the success of these businesses and be a part of their growth journeys.

Another significant factor was my family. I have a 12-year-old daughter who is in middle school and involved in several activities. These are crucial years for her, and I want to be present and actively involved in her life. Running my own business gives me the flexibility to control my schedule and be there for her when she needs me.

Stepping into entrepreneurship has required me to step out of my comfort zone in many ways. As an introvert, networking and self-promotion don’t come naturally to me. However, I’ve embraced the entrepreneurial mindset, which has been about taking risks, learning from challenges, and celebrating the rewards. This journey has been about more than just starting a business—it’s been about personal growth and seizing opportunities to create the life I envision for myself and my family.

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?
My business, LUCI Financial Solutions, is built on the foundation of creating strong relationships with my clients. What sets me apart is that I go beyond the transactional aspects of bookkeeping to provide an experience that is personalized, tailored, and proactive. From the very beginning, I invest the time to truly understand my clients’ businesses, their challenges, and their goals. This allows me to offer solutions that are specifically designed to meet their needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

I am incredibly proud that 60% of my current business comes from client referrals. There is no greater compliment than having a client trust you enough to refer you to their loved ones or professional peers. It’s a testament to the relationships I’ve built and the level of service I strive to provide.

Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles I faced was managing my workload. As the business grew, I found myself juggling the dual responsibilities of delivering top-notch bookkeeping services while also running and expanding the business. It became clear that I couldn’t do it all on my own, so I made the decision to hire help. This was a turning point that allowed me to maintain the quality of service my clients expect while continuing to grow.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is to keep going, even when things get tough. There will be setbacks and disappointments on this journey, but persistence is key. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and improve.

At the heart of LUCI Financial Solutions is my passion for helping small businesses thrive through proper financial management. I am a champion of small businesses, and I genuinely care about my clients and their success. My goal is to empower them with the financial insights they need to make informed decisions and grow their businesses. That’s what drives me every day, and it’s the core of what my brand represents.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d want to showcase the best of the Dallas area and beyond. We’d start with a warm welcome in Carrollton, TX, followed by brunch at The Market at The Star in Frisco. Then, we’d explore Grandscape in The Colony for some shopping, unique attractions, and a fun round of mini-golf at The Puttery. Dinner would be at Hard 8 Barbecue, where they’d get a true taste of Texas-style barbecue.

In Downtown Dallas, we’d visit the JFK Museum to dive into history, stroll through Klyde Warren Park, and enjoy a Tex-Mex dinner at El Fenix. A trip up to Reunion Tower for panoramic views of the city would be the perfect way to end the evening.

For a blend of outdoor adventure and culture, we’d take a nature walk at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, and dine at Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum, followed by exploring the area’s lively music scene.

A highlight of the trip would be a road trip to San Antonio to experience the iconic Riverwalk, visit the historic Alamo, and explore the San Antonio Missions. We’d enjoy meals at riverside spots like Casa Rio and Boudro’s Texas Bistro before returning to Dallas.

Back in Dallas, we’d relax with a visit to The Dallas World Aquarium, enjoy some time at White Rock Lake, and have a casual dinner at Legacy Hall in Plano. We’d wrap up the trip with a visit to the Fort Worth Stockyards for a taste of Texas cowboy culture, a walk through the Fort Worth Botanic Garden or the Kimbell Art Museum, and a final dinner at Joe T. Garcia’s in Fort Worth.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In reflecting on my journey, there is one person who truly stands out as being instrumental to my success—my husband, Mark Scott. Mark has been my biggest cheerleader and supporter every step of the way. From the moment I began considering the leap from full-time employment to entrepreneurship, he was there, encouraging me to take the risk and believe in myself. His unwavering support has been a constant source of strength for me, especially during the challenging moments that come with starting and growing a business.

Mark’s belief in me has helped me push through my doubts and step out of my comfort zone, particularly as I navigated the unfamiliar waters of entrepreneurship. He’s not only been there to celebrate the wins but also to provide comfort and perspective during the tougher times. I am deeply grateful for his love, encouragement, and the many ways he’s helped me turn my vision into reality. My journey wouldn’t be the same without him, and I dedicate this shoutout to him with all my heart.

Website: https://www.lucifinancial.com

Instagram: @lucifinancial

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/luci-financial-solutions/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559703009295