The world has changed drastically since the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. While some entrepreneurs have floundered, other professionals have taken the lead in creating innovative and agile new business models in their industries.
Celeste Summerton, with two decades of experience in management and accounting, felt the same pressure many did during the lock down.
From this, the idea for the Business Boutique was borne. With lock down resulting in economic upheaval around the world, she identified the need for companies to improve their accounting practices.
She knew from first-hand experience how common accounting processes had become outdated and inefficient. Celeste decided it was time for innovation and change, and she was going to be the one to lead it.
The Business Boutique came to fruition in May of 2020.
With the belief that things had to change, and that it was evident that old-fashioned accounting practices were not going to help businesses survive the pandemic.
Celeste strongly believed that some accounting practices were just not beneficial to businesses or customers. They did not take individual clients’ needs into account, and lack of adherence to statutory requirements left too many businesses crippled with fines.
The ever present, negative perception of accountants, was a personal challenge that Celeste was also keen to change. With this said, reading Christy Wright’s Business Boutique: A Woman’s Guide for Making Money Doing What She Loves, was the final dose of inspiration for Celeste.
The title and motto inspired her to take the first steps to improve how accounting is done.
The Business Boutique offers a number of financial and business-related services, including accounting, tax and statutory services, financial and business consulting, and accounting and software training. Within 18 months, the company had turned a profit and was able to move to a premium workspace in Johannesburg. Being a small company ensures that all seven employees share a similar commitment to centering their clients in all their business practices.
The Business Boutique describes Celeste as “the passion, the fury, our guiding light.” It’s not just anyone who can see room for improvement in their profession and single handedly decide to redefine an entire industry. Of course, an entrepreneurial spirit runs in Celeste’s family; her father has owned his own business for the past 40 years.
Celeste has more than just an innovative business model, dedicated team, and cutting-edge technology on her side—she also has decades of industry experience and strong reputation in the accounting industry for helping businesses both big and small in a variety of industries thrive.
Prior to starting the Business Boutique, she worked for 12 years as an accountant, eventually becoming a director. She then spent 8 years as the Financial Director of Purple Plumm Brand Communications and has also worked as the Managing Director of Northplan Business Solutions.
Celeste attended the University of South Africa and holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Financial Management Services. She is also certified as a Business Accountant in Practice by the South African Institute for Business Accountants and as a General Tax Practitioner by the South African Institute of Tax Professionals.
But Celeste doesn’t just know accounting—she knows people and is committed to helping them. With a strong sense of loyalty and dependability, she knows how to build relationships. And when it comes to growing your business, a strong relationship with everyone on your team—including your accountant—makes all the difference.
Celeste’s years of experience have equipped her with sage knowledge that can give your business a competitive advantage. Her natural curiosity also helps her stay on top of new developments and solutions for accounting and business both on and offline, knowledge she is more than happy to share with you at the Business Boutique.