Chamber Insider Blog

Thank you to Fresh Eye Innovative Solutions for answering a few of our questions.
Congratulations on being named a finalist for Superior Service Business of the Year!
The 24th Annual Loudoun Small Business Awards will be on November 1, 2018 –Tickets/More Info Here

1. Tell us your story of how your company got to where it is today? (300 words or less)

FreshEye started out of a need to survive. I worked for four years in public accounting with Ernst & Young and five years helping a winery expand.

But, everything came to a screeching halt when Lyme disease took over my life. I took a medical leave from work and my position was no longer available upon my return.  I had about $2,000 to my name with no job after recovering from a debilitating disease and had to do something!  I started to call connections in my network to see if anyone needed help with my experience.  One entrepreneur in my network said, “you handle accounting and bookkeeping, right?”.  She asked me to create an EIN and send her an invoice to begin work and the rest is history!

I borrowed $2,000 to launch the company and told myself that if I could cover my expenses within three months that I would continue growing FreshEye and if not, then I would get a “real job”.  Now, we have a team of six people.  We work with all different sized businesses from start-up companies to multi-million dollar organizations and we’re about to celebrate our four-year anniversary this coming October!

The amazing thing about it all is that life forced me to do something I never would have done on my own out of fear.  Now, we can have the opportunity to help others to propel forward and surpass their fears!

2. What would it mean to you and your company to win a Small Business Award?

I was shocked to receive an email that FreshEye was selected as a finalist for the Small Business Awards! Truly, being selected as a finalist is in an honor in itself.  The team works so hard and it would be great to acknowledge their accomplishments. Our mission is to help entrepreneurs, small business owners and their employees to balance their books, business and life.  And in this fast-paced environment, it’s amazing to be recognized for seeking balance in life.

3. If you weren’t running your own business/working at this business, what would you be doing?

If I weren’t running the businesses, then I would travel the world!  I’m making it a goal of mine to visit a different place that I haven’t visited at least once a year… it may just be driving to WV to hike a mountain that I’ve never seen before, but at least it’s a start!   One day, I plan to make my dream of traveling the world a reality so I can become immersed in other cultures and view the world from a different perspective.

4. What book are you reading right now? / What is your favorite book?

 I am reading “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek.  The book intrigued me because I am always fascinated and curious about people and what inspires them.  I love to chat with people to learn about what motivates them.  This book digs into that deeper and helps me to be more successful in working with entrepreneurs to understand their “why” and inspire action.

5. If you have 24-hours off, and your family was out of town, what would you do?

I would most likely catch-up on sleep and decorate my house!

6. What is the smallest thing that has made the largest impact on your business?

When we meet with our clients, we really get to know them and form a deep relationship with them to not only understand their business, but understand their passions and how we can ultimately help them to live their best life possible, not only in their business, but in their personal lives as well.  Building relationships with clients has made the largest impact on our business.

7. What did you want to be when you grew up as a child? / What was a childhood dream that you had?

I always wanted to be a performer, just like Beyonce!   When I was little, I would practice dancing and singing in my room.  But, and here’s the infamous but, the fact that I can’t carry a tune didn’t help me to pursue that dream!

8. Who is the one person that has influenced you the most in your career?

When I attended the QuickBooks Conference a couple of years ago, I had the privilege and opportunity to hear Oprah’s speak!  I can’t express to you how much of an impact Oprah’s keynote has made in my life and my career!

One of the core messages I took away from Oprah’s keynote was that nothing can stop you from reaching your dreams when your vision, passion, and purpose have good intentions and will be used to better the world in some way.  The universe will align and everything will naturally align and fall into place.

9. What is your favorite thing about running a business in Loudoun County?

It’s awesome to live and work in a community where there are so many thriving small businesses.  I love the camaraderie between all of the businesses and how people truly want to help each other succeed and grow as individuals and business owners.  I also feel extremely fortunate that I am able to utilize my skills and experiences to help others in the community both personally and professionally.

10. If you’re not in the office where can we find you?

When I’m not in the office, you’ll probably find me either at yoga, spending time with my friends, hiking through the trails, or volunteering.

11. What is your favorite weekend activity in Loudoun County?

My favorite thing to do on the weekend is to drive into Western Loudoun to enjoy the scenery and either go for a hike or visit one of the local wineries.  Visit Loudoun does an awesome job at keeping up with all of the events, restaurants, wineries/ breweries and things to do in the area!