Devyne Harris
CEO, Divinity Taxes
Indiana
Casey Harrison
CEO, Polished Strategic Communications
Indiana
Financial freedom is a moniker all people aspire to and for Black individuals and their businesses, financial access poses challenges that can be particularly daunting, underscoring the urgent need for specialized guidance and support. Devyne Harris, CEO and founder of Full Circle Consulting by Divinity has responded to this need with the creation of three, interconnected businesses dedicated to financial education and empowerment.
Full Circle Consulting by Divinity distinguishes itself not merely as a financial services company but as a dedicated partner committed to guiding clients through the intricacies of accounting, tax planning, and credit repair. With a resolute commitment to providing a 360-degree perspective on financial affairs, the FCC works tirelessly to empower clients with the knowledge and strategies crucial for achieving their financial goals.
Historically, Black individuals and businesses in the United States have faced profound and systemic challenges in the realm of finance. Rooted in a legacy of slavery, segregation, and institutional racism, the financial complexities for Black communities have been intricate and multifaceted. Limited access to education and employment opportunities, discriminatory lending practices, and a lack of representation in financial institutions have collectively impeded the economic progress of Black individuals and hindered the growth of Black-owned businesses. These historical complexities have had enduring effects, shaping the financial landscape for Black communities and necessitating targeted efforts to dismantle systemic barriers, promote financial inclusion, and provide specialized support for Black businesses and individuals seeking financial empowerment.
The Divinity Difference
What sets Full Circle Consulting (FCC) by Divinity apart is its unwavering commitment to personalized service, a factor especially crucial for Black businesses and individuals. The company recognizes that every financial situation is unique, tailoring its solutions to meet the specific needs of each client. With a team of dedicated professionals, FCC fosters a collaborative partnership, ensuring that clients are informed and empowered every step of the way. Moreover, the company takes pride in sharing its knowledge, actively equipping clients with the education needed to understand and take control of their finances
Expert Accounting Services
At the core of FCC’s offerings lies its expert accounting assistance. The company’s skilled accountants meticulously track and record financial transactions, ensuring accurate and up-to-date financial records. Whether you’re a Black-owned business aiming to enhance profitability or an individual seeking clarity in personal finances, FCC’s comprehensive accounting solutions provide the foundation for sound decision-making and future planning.
Anew Credit Repair: Breaking Barriers to Financial Opportunities
Creditworthiness is a crucial factor that can significantly impact the financial opportunities available to individuals and businesses alike. FCC recognizes the importance of a positive credit profile, especially for Black individuals facing historical challenges. The Anew Credit Repair service offered by the company goes beyond the conventional credit repair offerings.
The Anew Credit Repair service starts with credit education, providing clients with a deep understanding of their credit reports. This educational component is vital, particularly for individuals who may not have had access to comprehensive financial education before. Armed with knowledge, clients can actively participate in the credit repair process, making informed decisions about their financial future.
The service also involves proactive measures, including disputing inaccuracies on credit reports to ensure their accuracy. And FCC goes beyond the technicalities of credit repair. The Anew Credit Repair service includes a focus on budgeting and mindset shift. This holistic approach recognizes that true financial empowerment goes beyond numerical improvements in credit scores; it involves a fundamental shift in how individuals approach and manage their finances.
Divinity Taxes: Navigating the Tax Landscape for Black Businesses
One of the most significant challenges faced by Black businesses is navigating the complex tax landscape. Full Circle Consulting by Divinity addresses this challenge through its Divinity Taxes subsidiary, which operates as a subscription-based model. This service caters to both individuals and small businesses, with a particular focus on the niche of small Black-owned businesses.
Divinity Taxes services go beyond traditional tax support. They involve a comprehensive approach where the company goes through receipts, explains the processes involved, and provides ongoing tax support. This level of engagement is especially valuable for small Black-owned businesses, ensuring that they not only fulfill their tax obligations but also understand the intricacies of the process, empowering them with knowledge for future financial decisions.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs, FCC provides these specialized financial services to foster their success. The company’s services for startups encompass crucial elements such as EIN establishment, business registration with the state, formation of business checking accounts, and payroll support if needed. This suite of services is designed to provide a solid foundation for Black-owned businesses, ensuring they start their journey on solid ground.
Improving personal finances involves strategic planning and disciplined habits. FCC’s CEO and founder, Devyne Harris shared three key ways to enhance your personal financial health:
- Create and Stick to a Budget:
“Establishing a budget is the cornerstone of effective personal financial management,” shared Harris. “ Creating and adhering to a budget ensures that you live within your means, avoid unnecessary debt, and have a clear understanding of where your money is going.”
- Build and Maintain an Emergency Fund:
“An emergency fund serves as a financial safety net, providing a buffer in case of unexpected expenses or sudden income loss, and we advise our clients to aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses in their emergency funds,” Harris explained. “This fund can cover essential costs such as housing, utilities, and groceries during challenging times, preventing the need to rely on credit cards or loans.”
- Invest Wisely and Plan for the Future:
“Take a proactive approach to building wealth and securing your financial future by investing wisely. Consider creating a diversified investment portfolio that aligns with your risk tolerance, financial goals, and time horizon.”
Harris also shared three strategies for business owners looking to improve their business’ financial health.
- Implement Effective Budgeting and Financial Planning:
“Creating and adhering to a well-structured budget is fundamental to financial success,” Harris said. “Start by carefully examining your income and expenses, categorizing expenditures, prioritizing essential costs, and identifying areas where you can potentially cut back. Then, you can establish realistic financial goals and milestones, aligning them with your business objectives. By regularly revisiting and adjusting your budget as circumstances evolve, you can proactively ensure that you allocate resources efficiently, avoid unnecessary debt, and have a clear roadmap for achieving financial objectives.”
- Diversify Revenue Streams:
“Relying solely on one source of income can leave your business vulnerable to economic fluctuations or unexpected challenges,” said Harris. “To fortify your financial position, explore opportunities to diversify your revenue streams—which might involve introducing new products or services, expanding into different markets, or forming strategic partnerships. By diversifying, you can create a more resilient business that is less susceptible to the impact of market changes. It also opens up avenues for growth and helps buffer against potential downturns in specific sectors.”
- Invest in Financial Education and Professional Advice:
“Equip yourself and your team with a strong understanding of financial principles relevant to your industry, and consider investing in financial education programs for yourself and key personnel as needed,” Harris advised. “A well-informed team can make more strategic decisions that positively impact your bottom line, accessing valuable insights, uncovering potential tax-saving opportunities, and ensuring compliance with regulations.”
By combining effective budgeting, diversification of revenue streams, and a commitment to ongoing financial education and professional advice, business owners can lay a robust foundation for improving and sustaining the financial health of their businesses.
By addressing the specific needs of Black entrepreneurs through tailored services for startups, Divinity Taxes, and Anew Credit Repair, Full Circle Consulting by Divinity empowers individuals and businesses to overcome financial challenges and build a secure and prosperous future. In a world where financial literacy is paramount, the company’s dedication to sharing knowledge ensures that clients not only receive top-tier financial services but also gain the tools to take control of their financial destiny.
With Full Circle Consulting by Divinity, the intricate web of financial complexities unravels, paving the way for a brighter, more empowered financial future for Black individuals and businesses alike.
Casey (Cawthon) Harrison has been a lifelong Hoosier since she was two years old. Harrison is a two-time graduate of IUPUI, most recently with her master’s in applied communication specializing in business media. Harrison currently serves as the vice president of marketing and communications with the Indy Chamber and recently celebrated her eleventh year as an associate faculty at IUPUI.