Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariel Fry.
Mariel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started working in corporate America at 21 years old working for a travel agency, working on billing, admin, reconciling, expense reports (to name a few) and that led me to doing similar work for companies such as HBO and BBC Studios. In between I also worked at a healthcare start up and a video game company helping them implement a better structure for billing. It was when I was laid off in Oct 2022 that I started to think about my life differently. I had the opportunity to start my own business, thinking about bookkeeping for years before my husband and I both agreed to give it 12 months (1 full calendar year) to see how the business would go if I hustled, networked, and learned along the way.
With amazing mentors, guidance, and grit, I have been able to be successful within my own business, making more money, having more flexibility, and freedom with the life that I am looking to create without having to ask for permission. Many people think entrepreneurship is glamorous, and it definitely is not glamorous, but if you are willing to work hard, network, connect, and continue to always be adaptable, a sponge, and to learn, you will do amazing.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
NEVER a smooth road. There have been times where I threw in the towel and thought “is this for me.” One time in particular I had a busy week and that Thursday I woke up with my body extremely sore. Not sore from the gym, but sore rom physically exhausting myself. I worked a little bit that day, but gave my mind, body, and soul the rest that it needed to get back up and say it’s okay, it’s another day, and I can do this.
People doubted me in the beginning, they couldn’t understand why I was doing what I was doing. Family + friends criticized me, questioned my abilities, and doubted that I was capable. It was one evening where my husband explained to my dad my business model and what I was doing (didn’t have the heart to tell my parents my full business since they are not entrepreneurs). A week later my dad texted me and goes “you’re the smartest person for your business” realizing that I created a sustainable business for myself to continue to flourish and grow.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am most proud of not giving up on my business and feeling worthy enough to be a business owner. I was always a “coordinator” my entire corporate career, trying to climb up the ladder, and feeling worthless for never having the opportunity to grow. My husband’s best quote he always tells me is judging the fish’s ability to climb a tree because he will never be able to made me realize we all have strengths and weaknesses. I never enjoyed the question when interviewing of “what are your weaknesses” because why should we focus so much time on that when we should be focusing on someone’s strength.
What sets me apart from others is I joke that I am “Your Extroverted Bookkeeper” because many bookkeepers are introverted and while they might be amazing bookkeepers, they struggle with the sales side, networking, and marketing to continue to grow + flourish their business. I also have a newsletter called Two Cents Events where we send a weekly newsletter about the local business networking events in Charleston since that is how I started my business and I wanted to give back to the community that gave so much back to me.
What does success mean to you?
Success for me is having a roof over my head, food on the table, love from my husband + family, and continuing to help others as much as possible. Money is important of course to grow, but also having the ability to afford a vacation and to live in the moment. It’s also about being comfortable in your own skin.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fmbookkeeping.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fmbookkeeping
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fmbookkeeping
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marielfry
Image Credits
Jennifer Mary Photography
