Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanderia Montgomery.
Hi Shanderia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Since this is the opening question, it’s a great opportunity to tell your story in a way that’s personal, professional, and memorable. Here’s a version that reflects the journey you’ve shared over the years.
My journey into accounting began in 2009, but becoming a business owner wasn’t part of my original plan. As I worked with individuals and businesses over the years, I realized that many entrepreneurs didn’t just need someone to prepare their taxes they needed someone to help them understand their finances and use that information to make better business decisions.
That realization led me to start One Chance Bookkeeping. I began as a sole proprietor while working full-time and, after seeing the impact I was making, I took a leap of faith and transitioned into entrepreneurship full-time. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of helping hundreds of business owners gain confidence in their finances through bookkeeping, tax preparation, and financial education.
Throughout my journey, I’ve continued investing in my own education by earning an associate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting, a bachelor’s degree in Accounting with a concentration in Forensic Accounting, and a master’s degree in Accounting with a concentration in Audit. I believe learning should never stop, especially in an industry that is constantly evolving.
Today, I’m proud to lead One Chance Bookkeeping while also mentoring entrepreneurs, teaching financial literacy, and expanding the educational side of my business through One Chance Bookkeeping Academy. Looking back, every challenge, setback, and opportunity has helped shape not only the business I’ve built but also the purpose behind it. My mission has always been to give business owners the confidence that comes from understanding their finances so they can build businesses that thrive and create lasting legacies.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve experienced moments of uncertainty, self-doubt, and the pressure that comes with building a business from the ground up. There were times when I questioned whether I was making the right decisions, especially when growth seemed slower than I had hoped or when I had to navigate difficult business situations.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning that not every client relationship is the right fit. Early on, I wanted to help everyone, but I eventually realized that setting boundaries, establishing policies, and valuing my expertise were just as important as providing great service. That was a difficult lesson, but it helped me build a healthier and more sustainable business.
Balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood has also been one of my greatest challenges. Being responsible for both my family and my clients has required sacrifice, discipline, and a lot of faith. There have been seasons where I had to adjust my priorities, but those experiences have made me a stronger leader and reminded me why I started this journey in the first place.
Looking back, I don’t regret the challenges because each one taught me something I couldn’t have learned any other way. They strengthened my resilience, deepened my empathy for other business owners, and reinforced my commitment to serving my clients with excellence.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about One Chance Bookkeeping?
One Chance Bookkeeping is a full-service accounting and bookkeeping firm dedicated to helping small businesses gain confidence through financial clarity. We provide bookkeeping, tax preparation, tax planning, payroll support, business consulting, and financial education designed to help business owners understand not only where their business stands today, but where it’s capable of going tomorrow.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to education. We don’t believe our clients should feel confused about their finances or intimidated by accounting terminology. Instead of simply delivering reports, we take the time to explain what the numbers mean, answer questions, and equip business owners with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. Our goal is to become a trusted financial partner, not just another service provider.
We’re also known for our customer service and communication. We understand that running a business comes with enough uncertainty, so we prioritize being responsive, transparent, and available to guide our clients through important financial decisions. We genuinely care about the success of the businesses we serve, and that shows in the relationships we build.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve earned within our community. Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to help hundreds of business owners strengthen their financial foundation, and there’s no greater compliment than having clients continue to return and refer others to us.
As we continue to grow, our vision extends beyond bookkeeping. Through One Chance Bookkeeping Academy, we’re expanding our educational efforts to help aspiring bookkeepers and entrepreneurs develop practical financial skills that create stronger businesses and stronger communities.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple mission: to give business owners confidence by helping them understand their finances so they can make informed decisions, build sustainable businesses, and create lasting legacies.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is spending time with my son. Being his mom is my greatest joy, and watching him grow, learn, and experience life reminds me of what truly matters. He is one of my biggest motivations and a constant reminder of why I work so hard.
I also find joy in helping others. Whether it’s helping a business owner finally understand their finances, watching a client reach a milestone they once thought was out of reach, or mentoring someone who’s just beginning their entrepreneurial journey, those moments are incredibly fulfilling.
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, reading, and continuing to learn. Those experiences help me recharge, stay curious, and bring fresh perspectives to both my personal life and my business.
At the end of the day, what brings me the most happiness is knowing that my life and work have purpose. It’s about more than bookkeeping or taxes, it’s about helping people build confidence, create opportunities, and leave a legacy for themselves and their families. Knowing I’ve played even a small part in that is what makes everything I do worthwhile.
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