Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Fitzgerald.
Hi Nicole, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up talking about finance around the kitchen table. My father and grandfather were bankers, and I learned how to reconcile a checking account before I learned how to drive. After graduating with an Economics degree from UCLA, I married a freelance advertising photographer who was building his business in the fashion industry. By drawing on my financial and organizational skills, I managed the operations of his photography business from our home office, which also gave me the flexibility to be home with our two sons.
Those years were busy, balancing professional and personal demands, but I loved building and managing a successful business alongside my husband. That experience taught me what it really takes to keep a small business running, not just passion for the work, but discipline in managing the behind-the-scenes operations that often determine whether a business thrives or struggles.
Fifteen years later, when we closed the photography business and my husband transitioned into education, I explored new roles in office management, sales, and marketing. While those jobs were rewarding, I realized what I truly missed was the creative, hands-on process of building and supporting a business.
I then began bookkeeping for a friend who ran an architectural firm. The numbers came naturally to me, but what really excited me was partnering with her to help the business thrive. That first engagement quickly led to more, and I knew I had found my calling.
Through this journey, I recognized how much small business owners share in common. Regardless of industry, they’re asked to juggle countless responsibilities — sales, marketing, HR, operations, finance — often outside their areas of expertise. It’s no wonder so many feel overwhelmed.
My goal is to take financial stress off their plate so they can focus on what they do best. I don’t just “do the books.” I partner with my clients to help them understand their numbers, make better decisions, and feel confident about the direction of their business. I’ve walked the same road, so I know how valuable it is to have a trusted advisor who gets both the emotional and financial weight of running a company.
Looking ahead, I want to continue building a practice where small business owners feel supported, not just with accurate books, but with insight and perspective that helps them grow. My favorite part of what I do is the relationships, seeing a client breathe easier, regain control, and even rediscover excitement about their business is the most rewarding part of my work.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Running a small business can be isolating and lonely. Even when opportunities or support are nearby, it can feel hard to reach them. I learned this lesson in our photography business, and it’s a challenge I still encounter in my bookkeeping work today.
One of the biggest struggles for me has been team building. For years, I was accustomed to working on my own, wearing every hat and trying to manage all the operational tasks by myself. It was exhausting and unsustainable. Over time, I realized that to grow (and to stay sane) I had to step off the island and build a team. Delegating the tasks that aren’t my strengths has been a game changer, and it’s the same advice I give to my clients. None of us can do everything well, and smart business owners recognize their weaknesses and surround themselves with support.
Like many entrepreneurs, I also face external challenges: economic uncertainty, clients with diverse and evolving needs, and the constant pace of new technology. But I see those as opportunities as well. By facing these same challenges in my business and with my clients, I’m reminded to think creatively, adapt quickly, and solve problems in new ways. In that sense, the challenges strengthen not only my business, but also my ability to serve as a better partner to my clients.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Black + White Bookkeeping LLC?
Black + White Bookkeeping LLC partners with small business owners who would like to improve their bookkeeping processes. We work on Quickbooks Online, migrating from other platforms, taking over an existing set of books, or establishing brand new books.
Our clients span a wide range of industries, including retail, professional services, healthcare, non-profits, and technology. Each industry has unique needs and business models, and we pride ourselves on creating customized bookkeeping solutions that fit those specific circumstances rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach.
What sets us apart is the way we work with our clients. I take personal pride in building strong relationships and collaborating closely with each client. My goal is to become part of their team, someone they can rely on when making important decisions or even when they simply need a quick answer to a question.
Bookkeeping is often thought of as just tagging and moving data, and we do that well at Black + White. But our mission goes further: we aim to be trusted advisors and an integral part of our clients’ business community. Our name reflects our philosophy, making the financial side of business clear, straightforward, and easy to understand.
What does success mean to you?
Many people answer this question from a financial perspective. And of course, financial goals and targets are important to keep us on track.
For me, success is more internal than external. Running a small business is never neat; there are always fires to put out (or at least keep smoldering) while still finding the focus and energy to manage daily operations. Chaos is often the normal state of a small business.
My definition of success is finding peace in the middle of that chaos. By accepting that uncertainty is part of entrepreneurship, and choosing to focus my energy in a realistic and productive direction, I avoid getting swept up in the turbulence of the unknown. When I can do that, I feel more capable of handling challenges, and I end the day with a real sense of accomplishment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bwbookkeep.com/
- Instagram: @bwbookkeep
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-white-bookkeeping/
Image Credits
Rick Steil
