Babes @ Nice & Easy Oyster Bar

Recap of Babes, Booze & Business: Tax Tips, Community Spotlight, and Sweet Treats!

Our 4th Babes, Booze & Business meetup was another incredible evening full of learning, connection, and inspiration. From expert tax advice to community-focused real estate insights, and even a delightful tasting of Anna's Fresh from Scratch Tiramisu, this meetup had it all!

We were thrilled to host a local tax professional, Troy Eckhart, who guided us through the essential do’s and don’ts of business taxes, as well as our amazing showcase speaker, Ms. Brenna Damm, a passionate realtor dedicated to new builds and first-time home buyers. And of course, we couldn't forget about the delicious tiramisu provided by Anna Birta, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth!

Let’s dive into the key takeaways and highlights of the night!

Navigating Business Taxes with a Local Expert

Filing taxes as a business owner can feel overwhelming, but Mr. Eckhart, a seasoned tax professional, broke it down in a way that was both clear and actionable. He started by reminding us that every business is different, but there are foundational practices that apply to all. Here are some key insights from his session:

• Do Utilize Digital Tools for Easy Filing: In today’s tech-driven world, there’s no excuse for not staying organized. One of the best pieces of advice he gave was to upload photos of receipts directly into a digital platform. This not only makes it easier to track expenses but also ensures that you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips when tax season rolls around.

• Don’t Assume All Home Expenses Are Deductible: For those of us running businesses from home, it’s important to understand the boundaries of home office deductions. While you can write off a portion of your home expenses (like rent, utilities, and internet), not everything is deductible. The key is ensuring that the space is used exclusively for business purposes. Be sure to keep detailed records of what qualifies and what doesn’t!

• Keep Detailed Records: Whether it's receipts, invoices, or tax documents, always keep track of your financial records. Being proactive about your bookkeeping can save you from headaches down the line when it’s time to file.

By the end of the session, we all felt more confident about managing our business taxes, knowing exactly what steps we needed to take for a smoother filing process.

Showcase Speaker: Meet Brenna Damm, Realtor & Community Advocate

We were also honored to feature our showcase speaker, Ms. Brenna Damm, a local realtor with a heart for her community. Brenna specializes in helping first-time home buyers and families find their perfect homes, with a focus on new builds.

Not only does Brenna excel in her real estate career, but she is also dedicated to giving back to her community. In addition to her real estate work, she organizes car shows to benefit local nonprofits, combining her love for cars with her passion for supporting causes close to her heart.

Brenna’s story of balancing business with community service was both inspiring and motivating for all of us. It was a powerful reminder that business success doesn’t just come from making money—it’s about creating a positive impact in the community and helping others along the way.

A Delicious Treat: Anna's Fresh from Scratch Tiramisu

To add a little sweetness to the evening, we had the pleasure of tasting Anna’s Fresh from Scratch Tiramisu. If you haven’t had the chance to try her delectable tiramisu yet, you’re missing out! Anna Birta, the mastermind behind this delicious treat, brought her signature tiramisu for everyone to sample—and it was absolutely divine.

If you’re planning a special event or simply craving a delicious dessert, be sure to reach out to Anna Birta for your next cake order. Her passion for creating fresh, mouthwatering desserts is evident in every bite, and we can’t recommend her enough!

Networking, Connection, and Empowerment

As always, Babes, Booze & Business is about more than just learning—it’s about building connections and empowering each other. The energy in the room was incredible as women in business came together to share stories, exchange advice, and support one another’s journeys. Whether you were discussing tax strategies, real estate tips, or simply getting to know each other, it was a reminder of how powerful and supportive our community truly is.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 4th meetup—it was a night full of learning, networking, and fun. A special thank you to our tax expert, Troy, for sharing your invaluable insights with us, and to our sponsor and Showcase Presenter Ms. Brenna Damm for being an inspiring showcase speaker. And of course, thank you to Anna Brita for the delicious tiramisu that made our evening even sweeter!

Looking Ahead: Join Us for the Next Meetup

We’re already looking forward to our next Babes, Booze & Business event! Stay tuned for more details and get ready for another round of connection, inspiration, and growth. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, we’d love to have you join us!

Big News! Starting May 2022 we will be opening a new branch in the Ormond Beach Area so be on the look out on Social Media for those details!!!

Date of Next Meetup: Wednesday April 6th 2022 from 6-8pm Location: The Blind Pig DeLand RSVP Details: Facebook Group Event Page

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