If there’s one thing CPA and entrepreneur Nikki Bushaw wants you to know, it’s this: your mindset matters more than your metrics.
Yes, the numbers are important. Revenue, efficiency, client load—they all count. But in Nikki’s journey from accountant to founder of Absolute Accountant, the biggest breakthroughs didn’t come from spreadsheets. They came from how she saw herself, how she led her team, and how she chose to show up in her business.
Here’s what she learned about building a thriving firm while raising a family.
You Can’t Wait for Confidence to Start
Many CPA moms think they need to feel ready before they take the leap into business ownership. But as Nikki shared, confidence is built through action, not the other way around. It took courage to leave her firm after her son was born. It took grit to build Absolute Accountant from scratch. And it took self-trust to keep going, even when she doubted herself.
One powerful reminder? You passed the CPA exam. That alone proves your ability. If you can do that, you can run a business too.
Comparison is the Enemy of Progress
Even seasoned CPAs aren’t immune to imposter syndrome. Nikki admitted she still catches herself comparing her journey to others. What helped her shift? Remembering that her strength is in being herself.
When she stopped trying to mirror other professionals and started honoring her own instincts, things clicked. She became a better leader, advisor, and mom. And she started attracting the right clients and team members because she was finally leading authentically.
Mindset is a Daily Practice
Being a mom, business owner, and leader isn’t easy—especially when the lines between home and work blur. That’s why Nikki created daily rituals to ground herself. Her 20-minute meditation isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. It helps her reset, recenter, and bring calm into the chaos.
Nikki also makes space for joy: playing with her kids, catching up with friends, even scheduling walks. She knows now that time away from work isn’t time lost—it’s fuel for the next breakthrough.
Build the Business You Want
Nikki’s definition of success has shifted. It’s no longer just about profit margins. It’s about alignment: with her values, her family, and her purpose. She still tracks metrics, but now she also tracks team satisfaction, client connection, and her own energy.
She built a firm that supports her life, not the other way around. And she believes you can too.
So if you’re holding yourself back, waiting for the perfect moment or perfect plan, remember: you don’t need more credentials. You need to trust yourself. Start small. Take one step. Your mindset will carry you further than any metric ever will.
Want help building your own aligned firm? Let’s get started: https://cpamoms.com/start