Meet Erikka Watts | Accountant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erikka Watts and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erikka, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
In 2015, I started my accounting business as a side hustle. I was a single woman in a new city just trying to save for a nice vacation and a new purse. Seven years later, I was blessed to accumulate a solid client base, become fully self-employed, establish an LLC, and hire my first employee. When I became a mother four years ago, my priorities shifted. My new goal became generational wealth. I take my profession very seriously and invested in high quality computers and software. So when my daughter snuck into my office and started playing with my keyboard, I was very upset. I started to reprimand her, but she said something that stopped me in my tracks–“Mommy, I’m working in my office. Like you!” I shut my mouth and walked away before I burst into tears. It was the first time I realized that I was her role model! I’m showing her that she can step out on faith and be a successful business professional. I am beyond proud and grateful.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started Merit Resources out of frustration. I moved to a new city and was hired by an older married couple. I did the accounting for their HOA business and assisted in offsite audits for non-profit organizations. Although they praised me for my knowledge and expertise, they treated me terribly. The husband even locked me out of the office when I sat outside to eat lunch. I sat there and wondered why I allowed myself to be the most important person in the company, while being underpaid and mistreated. It was a simple decision to not allow others to determine my worth; I can be my own a**hole boss!

Going through that experience helped me to shape the type of accounting professional and employer that I am today. I treat my clients like they are my employees; I check in with their business and ask how I can support them in other ways to ensure their success. I treat my employees like nieces and nephews; I check in with their work progress, listen to their issues, teach them ways to problem solve, have a little fun, and then they go back home (lol). My community is built on mutual professionalism, respect, trust, and support. Anyone who enters my community will receive no less from me and for that, I am most proud.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my bestie was visiting, we’d go to one of the many natural spas in the area to relax. Then, I’d take her to wine country and go straight to Doffo Winery. The wine is of award-winning quality, the property is picturesque, and the staff is knowledgeable and attentive. There are so many places to eat! We would walk around Old Town until we decide what we’re in the mood for. Dancing is always on the agenda! Temecula Sports Lounge always has the best music and welcoming atmosphere. It’s hard to imagine a perfect day when there are so many places to go. From farmer markets, petting zoos, rose gardens, great drinks, breweries, and hot air balloon rides–Temecula Valley has it all.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shout out my mentor, Kimberly Applewhite! She showed empowered me to go after my passion and that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be successful entrepreneur. Without her example, I never would have dreamed that I could own my own business.

Website: http://merit-resources.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merit.resources

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeritResources1

Image Credits
Greg Vogel Photography