Begin, Build, Blossom: Your Business Journey

Co-Hosts: Angela & Clarita - A CME Accounting LLC Podcast

Welcome to 'Begin, Build, Blossom: Your Business Journey' – the podcast that shares wisdom and support from entrepreneurs. Join me as we explore valuable insights, resources, and motivation to inspire your own venture. Let's build a supportive community together.What sets this podcast apart? This podcast is not just about stories but about providing support and a sense of community while we all figure out Beginning, Building or Blossoming in the business world.The episodes are designed to guide us through the different stages of the entrepreneurial journey – Beginning, Building and Blossoming. In each episode, we'll focus on one or all of these crucial phases, ensuring that we all get practical tips and insights that we can apply to our own business.First up, the "Begin" segment. We'll explore the initial steps of beginning a business. From idea generation to crafting a business plan, we'll cover it all. As the host - I'll be asking questions that resonate with anyone contemplating the entrepreneurial leap, giving all of us the tools to turn our vision into a reality.Next, we move on to the "Build" section. Scaling a business is a delicate art, and we'll uncover strategies to take our enterprises to new heights. Whether anyone is looking to expand their team, explore new markets, or enhance their product line, our guests will share their experiences and advice to help us scale effectively.And finally, we'll tackle the "Blossom" phase. Success means different things to different people, and we'll explore various definitions of success in the business world. From achieving financial milestones to making a positive impact on our community, our conversations will inspire you to define and achieve each individual's version of success.Remember, our journey starts here, but it doesn't end here. Let's do this together!

  1. The Power of Saying Yes with Ylyss Taylor-Nurse & Lorraine Millington

    DEC 18

    The Power of Saying Yes with Ylyss Taylor-Nurse & Lorraine Millington

    Send us a text Guests: Ylyss Taylor-Nurse & Lorraine Millington Episode Host: Clarita  Community, Collaboration & Building Your Own Stage In this episode of Begin, Build, Blossom, we’re joined by two accounting professionals who understand the realities of building a business and how community, collaboration, and saying YES can shape the journey. Ylyss Taylor-Nurse, Founder of TaylorMade Accounts LLC, brings nearly 18 years of experience across private and public accounting. She supports small business owners by cleaning up messy books, creating customized financial reports, and putting simple systems in place so entrepreneurs can make confident decisions, stay compliant, and grow without overwhelm. Lorraine Millington is a tax strategist and wealth advisor with over 18 years of experience working with entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and corporate professionals. Her work goes beyond tax filing. Lorraine helps clients align tax strategy with real financial decisions so they can protect what they earn, plan intentionally, and build long-term wealth. Together, we have an honest, energizing conversation about what it really looks like to be a business owner especially when community, collaboration, and visibility are part of the strategy. What We Talk About • The moments where saying YES changed the direction of their journeys • Why collaboration with other professionals is a win for everyone involved • What community and visibility actually mean and what they look like in practice • Networking in a way that feels aligned • Creating your own stage; what that means as a business owner This episode is a reminder that there’s power in saying YES and that our businesses are part of an ecosystem. Meaningful growth happens when you surround yourself with the right people and make intentional moves. Connect with Our Guests Ylyss Taylor-Nurse LinkedIn (Personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/ylyss-taylor LinkedIn (Business): https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylormade-accounts-llc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090339819616 Website: https://www.taylormadeaccounts.com Lorraine Millington LinkedIn (Personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorrainemillington/ LinkedIn (Business): https://www.linkedin.com/company/melanin-tax-solutions/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelaninTax Website: https://melanintax.com #collabs #accounting #bookkeeping #taxplanning #taxpreparation #community #YES #beginbuildblossom

    32 min
  2. What’s Changing This Tax Season and Alan Rosenbaum's Journey Behind Nearly 50 Years in Tax

    DEC 11

    What’s Changing This Tax Season and Alan Rosenbaum's Journey Behind Nearly 50 Years in Tax

    Send us a text Guest: Alan Rosenbaum Episode Host: Clarita  Today’s guest is Alan Rosenbaum, an Income Tax and Accounting Professional with 47 years of experience working with individuals and small businesses. His work includes Personal, Corporate, Fiduciary, and Estate Taxes, as well as Sales Tax, Payroll Tax Preparation, and Business Incorporations. A guiding principle in his practice has been: “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” In this conversation, Alan shares what he’s learned across nearly five decades in the field and offers practical perspectives on tax season, business operations, and the changing landscape for both tax professionals and small business owners. In This Episode, We Discuss: • How he started in tax and accounting and the lessons learned over the years  • The role word-of-mouth plays in sustaining a service-based business  • How small business owners can prepare for tax season and reduce year-end stress  • Updates introduced by the “Big Beautiful Bill” and what they may mean for taxpayers  • Ways bookkeepers and tax professionals can work together to support their clients effectively Looking for guidance on what to do before December 31 to prepare for tax season? This episode highlights several steps business owners can consider as year-end approaches. Connect with Alan: Mobile: 914-582-9875 Office: 718-829-2400 ext. 105 Fax: 718-228-4458 Email: alrtax4u@gmail.com #bigbeautifulbill #tax #endofyear

    44 min
  3. Building a Legacy Through Music: The Bronx School for Music Story

    NOV 26

    Building a Legacy Through Music: The Bronx School for Music Story

    Send us a text Guest: Philip Kwoka Episode Host: Clarita  We’re joined by Philip Kwoka, President and Founder of the Bronx School for Music. Philip is a Polish American pianist who began his studies right here in New York and went on to train at some of the most prestigious institutions in the country, including the Cleveland Institute of Music and the Mannes School of Music. Along the way, he studied with world-renowned teachers, performed on NPR’s From the Top, earned first prizes in multiple international competitions, and received numerous grants and scholarships. Now, he’s extending those same kinds of opportunities to students through his school. Philip shares the story behind launching the Bronx School for Music during the height of Covid, a moment when most people believed it wasn’t the right time to start anything new. But with vision, conviction, and a deep commitment to community, he built a school that continues to grow and make an impact. We explore: How he got started during Covid and why he moved forward despite doubt from othersBuilding a team and creating a culture aligned with purpose and excellenceThe joys and pressures of running a mission-driven music schoolGenerosity in business; what it means, what it looks like, and how he leads with itThe ripple effect of every decision and how today’s choices shape tomorrow’s legacyWhat support truly looks like when you’re building something that serves a communityContact Philip: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipkwoka Email: philip.kwoka@bronxschoolformusic.org This is a thoughtful, inspiring conversation about vision, discipline, and the power of choosing to create opportunity even in uncertain times.

    43 min
  4. Designing With Purpose featuring Megan Spencer, Founder of Meg + Grace Design Studio

    NOV 20

    Designing With Purpose featuring Megan Spencer, Founder of Meg + Grace Design Studio

    Send us a text Guest: Megan Spencer Episode Host: Clarita  Today’s guest is Megan Spencer, Founder and Principal Interior Architect of Meg + Grace Design Studio, a boutique interior architecture and custom art practice based on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia. With over 15 years of industry experience spanning hospitality, healthcare, workplace, and community projects, Megan has built a practice rooted in creating human-centred spaces that balance identity, purpose, and functionality. Through Meg + Grace, she blends interior architecture with custom artwork including murals and commissioned pieces to craft environments that tell a story and leave a lasting impression. In this episode, we dive into the real journey of building a business in the creative space, the passion behind it, the lessons that shape it, and the practical insights that help it grow. In this conversation, we explore: Her first 6 months in business — the surprises, the stretch moments, and the early wins that showed she was on the right path.What led her to entrepreneurship after 15 years in the industry and the key moments that pushed her to take the leap.The highs and the challenges — from standout projects and client highlights to navigating capacity, uncertainty, and the realities of running a creative studio.What makes Meg + Grace unique — blending interior architecture with custom artwork to create purposeful, human-centred spaces.What creatives should consider when stepping into entrepreneurship.How she approaches collaboration and building her project team to bring each design to life with intention and cohesion.Whether you’re a designer, a creative entrepreneur, or someone navigating the early seasons of business ownership, this episode is packed with insights that will resonate with your own journey. Connect With Megan LinkedIn (Megan): https://www.linkedin.com/in/megangracespencer LinkedIn (Meg + Grace): https://www.linkedin.com/company/meg-plus-grace-design-studio/posts Website: https://megplusgrace.com.au

    39 min
  5. Men's Health and Wellbeing with Dr. Joachim Jimie, Consultant Urological Surgeon and Andrologist

    NOV 19

    Men's Health and Wellbeing with Dr. Joachim Jimie, Consultant Urological Surgeon and Andrologist

    Send us a text Happy International Men's Day 2025!  Guest: Dr. Joachim Jimie, Consultant Urological Surgeon & Andrologist Episode Host: Angela  Episode Partner: Saint Lucia High Commission, the official representative of the Government of Saint Lucia in the United Kingdom Listener Note: This episode includes references to men’s health, wellness, and medical terms   that may not be suitable for younger listeners.   Episode Description: In commemoration of International Men’s Day 2025, Begin, Build, Blossom presents a powerful and timely conversation on men’s health in partnership with the Saint Lucia High Commission. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Joachim Jimie, a Saint Lucian Urological Surgeon and Andrologist whose journey embodies passion, purpose, and service. Born and raised in Saint Lucia, Dr. Jimie began his medical journey in Cuba before returning home to serve in the surgical department at Victoria Hospital, where he discovered his calling in Urology. His pursuit of excellence later led him to a prestigious fellowship at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London, one of the UK’s top centres for urological care. This conversation explores his path, his mission, and the vital importance of men's health across communities. In This Episode, We Cover:   ✔️ Dr. Jimie’s journey from Saint Lucia → Cuba → the UK  ✔️ What sparked his calling toward Urology and Andrology  ✔️ Lessons from training, cultural transitions, and serving communities  ✔️ Misconceptions and taboo topics in men’s health  ✔️ Why early check-ups matter more than most men realize  ✔️ His mission to educate, empower, and encourage healthier conversations among men  ✔️ What families and partners should know when supporting men’s wellness    Why This Episode Matters:  Men’s health isn’t just a medical conversation, it’s a family conversation.  A community conversation and ultimately, a legacy conversation.   Dr. Jimie brings clarity, honesty, and compassion to topics that men often shy away from, opening the door for better habits, stronger relationships, and healthier futures.   Whether you're listening from Castries, London, New York, or anywhere across the Caribbean, or the World, this episode will give you insight, perspective, and the encouragement to prioritize wellness for yourself or the men you love.    Where to Find Dr. Jimie:   X: @jimiedean1

    1h 11m
  6. Multi Award winning writer, director and academic — A Conversation with Trix Worrell

    NOV 13

    Multi Award winning writer, director and academic — A Conversation with Trix Worrell

    Send us a text Guest: Trix Worrell Episode Co-Host: Angela In this episode of Begin, Build, Blossom: Your Business Journey, we sit down with BAFTA nominee, British Comedy and the Royal Television Society award winner,  Trix Worrell.  A screen writer, director, producer, academic, cultural activist, and proud Saint Lucian whose work has shaped British media for over 40 years. From creating the iconic sitcom Desmond’s to championing representation behind the scenes, Trix has dedicated his life to shifting narratives, opening doors, and telling stories that reflect the real, diverse fabric of our communities. In this conversation, we unpack: His creative journey — how he became a writer for stage and screen, why he focuses on uplifting Black stories, and the inspiration behind telling the stories of the UK’s migrant population.Themes that shape his work — from generational struggles to the real-life impact of representation and why accurate portrayals on screen matter more than we think.The business behind the art — how he built his company, the biggest leap in his career, and the mindset and habits that have contributed to his long-term success.Life behind the legacy — how he balances professional demands with personal life while staying grounded in his purpose.Learn more about his work: www.distantvoicesgroup.com A powerful conversation for anyone building in business and creativity — and shaping culture along the way.

    1h 9m

About

Welcome to 'Begin, Build, Blossom: Your Business Journey' – the podcast that shares wisdom and support from entrepreneurs. Join me as we explore valuable insights, resources, and motivation to inspire your own venture. Let's build a supportive community together.What sets this podcast apart? This podcast is not just about stories but about providing support and a sense of community while we all figure out Beginning, Building or Blossoming in the business world.The episodes are designed to guide us through the different stages of the entrepreneurial journey – Beginning, Building and Blossoming. In each episode, we'll focus on one or all of these crucial phases, ensuring that we all get practical tips and insights that we can apply to our own business.First up, the "Begin" segment. We'll explore the initial steps of beginning a business. From idea generation to crafting a business plan, we'll cover it all. As the host - I'll be asking questions that resonate with anyone contemplating the entrepreneurial leap, giving all of us the tools to turn our vision into a reality.Next, we move on to the "Build" section. Scaling a business is a delicate art, and we'll uncover strategies to take our enterprises to new heights. Whether anyone is looking to expand their team, explore new markets, or enhance their product line, our guests will share their experiences and advice to help us scale effectively.And finally, we'll tackle the "Blossom" phase. Success means different things to different people, and we'll explore various definitions of success in the business world. From achieving financial milestones to making a positive impact on our community, our conversations will inspire you to define and achieve each individual's version of success.Remember, our journey starts here, but it doesn't end here. Let's do this together!