Becoming an Expert: My Journey After Leaving Corporate America
For nearly a decade, I devoted my youth to corporate America, chasing the dream I'd been sold since childhood: the prestigious job title, the flashy business card, the 9-5 grind that would make my immigrant parents proud. But deep down, I knew I was destined for more. Despite the allure of corporate success, I felt a nagging sense of limitation, as if I couldn't break through the invisible barriers that held me back.
I realized that while I was climbing the corporate ladder, I wasn't serving those who needed my expertise the most—my own community. I wanted to dismantle the barriers that hindered first-gen college students and empower small business owners to navigate the complex world of finance. So, in 2022, I took a leap of faith and walked away from corporate life to pursue my true calling.
Starting Castelan Tax Services three years ago was a risk—I had no safety net, no clients, and no guarantees of success. Despite the doubts from my family and the uncertainty ahead, I was filled with determination to prove myself. And prove to myself I did. In my first year alone, I doubled my earnings, realizing that I was more than capable of thriving on my own terms.
Through countless features, interviews, and speaking engagements, I've earned the title of "expert." But the real transformation came when I stopped seeking validation from others and embraced my truth. I am proud to be an expert tax professional, not just because of my credentials, but because I've built a business rooted in integrity, truth, and knowledge-sharing.
In the past three years, I've made a greater impact on my community than I ever did in corporate America. Though the journey has been challenging and the hours long, I've created something meaningful, something I carry with pride in my heart every day. And that, to me, is the true measure of success.
______________________________________
➡️ Questions about your taxes and need to speak to a trained professional? Book a discovery call HERE. Se Habla Español.
#Taxes #FinancialEducationConCultura #BiPoc #FinancialEducation #FinancialLiteracy #Dinero #GenerationalWealth #LatinX