By: Allison Albery
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your entrepreneurial journey?
A: I am a senior at Grand Valley State University. I am from right outside Detroit in Macomb, Michigan. I have a major in finance and am the founder of Villaire Financial which is a registered Investment advisor (RIA). This RIA works on financial advising and specializes in helping young professionals understand and improve their current financial situation while simultaneously building their financial future. Villaire Financial is currently helping students and young families build a financial picture so that they can understand where they are financially and build up their financial statements and foundations as early as possible.
Q: Who or what inspired you to open your own firm?
A: My Uncle Jason is a financial advisor, who is a major role model, and has had a big impact on my life. When I was 11 years old he gave me a book called, “How to Make Money in Stocks.” That book and his work ethic inspired me to buy my first stock at age 11 and then I started investing from there. He went from working hours upon hours in the office to now, being able to build a schedule in which he is maybe in the office for 2-3 hours. He is one of the most-inspiring people that I am grateful to know.
Q: What are some milestones that you have accomplished to get where you are today?
A: I always had a very business-formulated way of thinking. In middle school, I would sell fidget spinners, and in high school, I designed water bottles and sold those, always finding myself being very entrepreneurial while also growing an interest in investing. While graduating high school, I realized I wanted to start getting more into investments, so I started studying for a licensing exam called the Series 65. Passing the exam was a huge milestone because it proved that I was capable of achieving my dream. Then, I waited till 2022, for tax purposes, to set everything up and get it approved by the state. The RIA was then approved and registered, making the final milestone of acquiring my first client. Villaire Financial has now been operational and growing since March 2022.
Q: How did you find clients that would work with you?
A: The largest source of clients I get is through referrals. It makes me proud that previous clients are pleased with my work and are sharing it with others. Also, a big way of getting clients is through my campaigning programs and social media platforms such as Linkedin, and Instagram. Villaire Financial attempts to target younger individuals not currently targeted by other firms. I realized when starting up the firm that I was not connected to a bunch of 45-year-olds, but rather I was connected to a bunch of college-aged students. Finding an audience that was not prioritized by other financial firms became an opening for me to take advantage of and thrive in. Not only did this provide a service for individuals who need financial support, but it also connected me with people whom I found myself most passionate about helping.
Q: Why is helping others so important to you in the financial world?
A: I couldn’t care less when it comes to how much money I make from my clients or the numerical worth of this firm. What I truly care about, at the core, is helping others become less stressed and more successful with the ways they are using their money. I am very passionate about numbers, finances, and doing all things investing. When I realized that I could use this gift and give back it made me excited to continue pursuing this business.
Q: When starting your company did you face any hurdles? How do you overcome those hurdles?
A: The biggest challenge is that I am 19 years old, and the average financial advisor is 55. When it comes to everyday challenges, age is 100% my biggest barrier. When I get clients who have the negative mindset fixed off age it gets frustrating knowing the work and effort I do put in. Getting customers is a big part of being a financial advisor. Finding a way to obtain and maintain customers has been something I strive to improve every day.
Q: In closing, what advice would you give to those who are aspiring to also be entrepreneurs?
A: I would say three things:
- Stay grounded in the work that you are doing: Do not let yourself find worth and value solely in the outcomes. When you base your worth on quantitative values, that’s when the passion and purpose can get lost… I joined Campus Ministries at Grand Valley which allowed me to get more plugged into the community. Through it, I was able to see and find something greater than myself.
- Find your why. Use your gifts to benefit others: This is my why, I love talking about the stock market, Microsoft Excel, and investment strategy; I am the biggest nerd when it comes to all that. However, the bigger picture is my passion to help use the knowledge I was blessed to get and use it to improve the lives of others.
- Profit without purpose is a recipe for disaster: My gift is I have found that I am very passionate about numbers, finances, and doing all things investing. When I realized that I could use this gift and give back to others. Some people set goals on profitability, but what most do not realize is that when you do this, it slowly demotivates you and, in the long run, will cause you to lose to your competitors who have a stronger purpose.
NEU 