Meet Joi Whitley | Tax Accountant, Educator, and Community Activist

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

Hi Joi, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am originally from Jacksonville, Florida. I would consider myself a “southern belle.” Growing up in Jacksonville was like growing up in a big city, yet a small town. When it comes to landmass, Jacksonville is the biggest city in the continental United States. Growing up, it always felt like it took so long to get from one side of town to another. I’m a beach bum and beaches are my favorite geographical features. I love family, water, friendly people, and fun, which is what I think of when I think about Jacksonville. Jacksonville is an older city, established in the late 1700s. When compared to Phoenix, things are less modernized, which dictates the way of life for most people who live there.

Jacksonville, like many other Floridian cities, is high in crime and low in opportunities for growth. This was the primary reason we migrated to Phoenix for the very first time in 2004. Coming to Phoenix as a teen was very eye-opening because I had never left the southern states before moving to Arizona. Most southern states look similar and the people share many of the same cultural norms. This has not stopped me from being the true southern belle that I am in my new environment. My daily goal is to bring “Joi” and peace to others. My hustle is unmatched. I call it “The Duval Way.” In Duval County, AKA Jacksonville, you have a city with low opportunities. We learn at an early age to create our own opportunities. Time and growth do not wait for anyone!

I grew up in a family-oriented, strong, pentecostal family, hence the name of my business, Anointed Hands Tax. Going to church and having a strong commitment to Christ is the preferred way of life for most southerners. Growing up in church and being a member of such a strong holiness family helped me build my core values in life and helped shape me into a servant leader. I pride myself on showing love to everyone I come in contact with, including my clients. Anointed Hands Tax is a human-centered business. Attending church functions and events 3-4 times a week also gave me plenty of opportunities to get in front of large crowds, enhancing my public speaking skills at a very early age. Even now, I use a lot of those same skills in teaching and educating others, while speaking publicly.

I’ve used my southern-pentecostal background and hustle to create a trusted brand in the valley. Anointed Hands Tax services individuals, businesses, and corporations for all states, but our dominant population is in the greater Phoenix area. Phoenix is home and I hope to continue using my background to grow and reach the various communities, expanding across the valley. Anointed Hands Tax is a community-focused business, that embodies all of the core factors of my background, growing up in Jacksonville. I live to create opportunities and inspire others. By educating others about taxes, I can change financial situations, which ultimately changes lives.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Anointed Hands Tax is incorporated in Jacksonville, Florida, but services businesses and clients in all states. Our office is located in central Phoenix and we provide tax, accounting, and bookkeeping services. What sets us apart from most other accounting firms is our customer service and education. I have a customer service background, working in banking and higher education, prior to accounting. I’ve worked many call center jobs. I use many of the same customer service models from my prior jobs to form and organize the operations for Anointed Hands Tax. As the owner and principal accountant, I set policies that will help engage and secure lifetime clients. The number one goal is always to educate and the number two goal is for life-long relationships and networks. Many people fear taxes because they lack knowledge and education about taxes. My goal is to change this narrative in my communities and it starts with education. We allow time to speak with and educate our clients.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
South-Central Phoenix has some of the best entertainment and food. My favorite nightlife/restaurant location is Island Sensation Cuisine, located at 8th St and Indian School Rd. I’m a true Floridian and love Caribbean vibes and food. On some weeknights, they have karaoke and every weekend the restaurant is typically packed with customers ready to hear Carribran tunes, drink island-style drinks, and eat great, authentic, Jamaican food.

Nickel City Baby is a women’s clothing store located on 28th St and Thomas Rd. I love the clothing and also love that the owner is active in the community. A portion of the proceeds she puts back into the community. So many cute outfits for everyday wear, special events, and nightlife outfits.

Korporate Smoke is a new clothing store and dispensary located at 16th St and Southern Ave. I find the latest fashions for men and women here. The dispensary also has the best deals in town for recreational use.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My grandparents gave me the name of my business. My grandfather started Anointed Hands Automotive over 20 years ago. Although he did not maintain the business, I maintained the name. Anointed Hands Tax and I would not be who we are today without the prayers, love, and help from my maternal grandparents, Amos and Mary Ann McPhee, of Jacksonville, Florida.

Website: www.anointedhandstax.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anointedhandstax/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joiwhitley

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