Kym Brake needed a business that would allow her to earn a living and be there for her daughter. As a single mom caring for a medically fragile child, flexibility was essential to making their life work.

In this week’s Penny for your Shots conversation, Kymbirley “Kym” Brake shares how her business began in a hospital room. While her daughter was receiving care, Kym helped other parents with tax returns and paperwork for medical coverage. She had skills they needed, and helping them became the beginning of something she could build.

Recognizing the gifts you already have

Kym has always loved numbers and learning. As a child, though, being quiet and uncomfortable in groups often drew criticism. Then a teacher, Sister Maria, noticed how much she enjoyed math and gave her more challenging work.

Having someone recognize that ability mattered. Instead of being pushed to participate in the same way as everyone else, Kym had room to develop something she loved.

We talked about how the qualities that make us feel different can become part of how we serve others. Kym’s curiosity, attention to numbers, and willingness to keep learning have all found a place in her work.

Getting comfortable asking questions about money

Our conversation also gets into the financial side of owning a business. Kym discusses her approach to tax preparation and strategy, reviewing past returns, and helping people understand the questions they can bring to a professional.

I shared my own experience of being audited and how stressful it was, even with paperwork in hand. Money conversations can bring up fear, frustration, and the feeling that everyone else understands something we don’t.

Asking questions is a useful place to begin. What does your tax professional need to know about changes in your business? What should you be discussing during the year? And does the advice you’re hearing account for your particular situation?

Knowing when to keep going and when to pivot

Kym is candid about the difficult parts of entrepreneurship. Building her business has included uncertainty, setbacks, and moments when she wanted to give up.

We also talked about the other side of perseverance: recognizing when something needs to change. That can be especially hard when you’ve given your word that you’ll make it work. I’ve been there, too. You can care deeply about the people you’re serving and still reach a point where the circumstances require a different approach.

Kym’s priorities have helped guide those choices. Her daughter comes first. Financial independence matters. And increasingly, she’s making decisions that leave room for her own needs, including letting go of client relationships that drain her.

Making room for enjoyment

Kym and her daughter recently traveled to Italy with a caregiver, and her daughter has a new goal: visiting all 50 states. Their opinions about cold weather may require a little negotiation!

We also talk about Kym’s go-to Mexican Coke, an occasional Shirley Temple, and learning to give herself some of the care she has spent years giving others.

Building a business around your life is an ongoing process. The people who need you, the work you want to do, and your own capacity can all change. Kym’s story is a reminder to keep those needs in the conversation when you decide what comes next.

Connect with Kym at OC Tax Brake to explore her services, courses, and membership, or follow @octaxbrake on Instagram.

This conversation is for general information and is not individualized tax or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional about your circumstances before acting on any tax strategy discussed.