Today we’d like to introduce you to Zaneilia Harris.
Zaneilia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I believe I’ve been on this journey of growing my understanding of money management since I was young. This is what led me to consider pursuing it as a career. While in college, I purchased a Money Magazine every month with a goal. I wanted to learn as much as I could about managing money. It was my endeavor. I figured the more I read, despite not understanding all the concepts, the more my knowledge would grow. This knowledge would help me to become a better steward of my money once I began my career.
Reading Money magazine inspired my career aspirations. There was a segment in the magazine that focused on experts providing recommendations to individuals seeking financial advice. This section piqued my interest. Then, I came across another article in Black Enterprise magazine that explained the different career choices available if you wanted to pursue a career in finance.
That solidified my career goal. I wanted to help others manage their money. It didn’t happen right away, but at every job I had before becoming a financial advisor, there was a colleague who encouraged me to not give up on my dream. In 2000, I took a leap of faith and started my career as a financial advisor.
Along the way, I worked for the Department of Defense, EPA, The Nasdaq Stock Market, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. The positions I had helped train me to be the type of financial planner I am today. I learned that I am good at building connections with people, which is extremely important when you work with them regarding their money. While the journey of being a business owner and an independent financial planner hasn’t been easy, I have no regrets.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been easy. I started my business after having my daughter. So, I was a new mother with a young child in a field dominated by men. Thankfully, I have a supportive husband and friends. The days I wanted to give up, someone would encourage me, or something would happen that signaled for me to keep going. Then there is a song from church that comes to mind, “nobody told me that the road would be easy, I don’t believe he brought me this far to leave me.”
However, there were days I did take a break to rejuvenate. You must focus on your personal self-care. It is essential to your physical and mental health. Owning a business is more than just doing what you’re good at, it’s learning marketing, business development, contracting, operations, accounting, leadership development, and human resources – areas that you may not have expertise in – on the job. Every day becomes an opportunity to grow and learn.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Harris & Harris Wealth Management Group, LLC is a minority woman-owned registered investment advisory firm. That means we help professional executive women manage their wealth. We work with women specifically because our owner, Zaneilia Harris, is a woman and she felt there was a need for that focus in the marketplace.
Zaneilia Harris is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and is one of less than 2,000 African American CFPs across the country. She helps her clients with the following: salary negotiations, and retirement planning. insurance planning, education planning, estate planning, tax planning, and investment management. The goal is to understand what you want to do with your life in order to match your money to those goals. The firm wants clients who are interested in having a collaborative relationship around managing their money.
Not only is Zaneilia Harris the President of Harris & Harris Wealth Management Group, LLC, but she is the author of the book, Finance ‘n Stilettos – Money Matter for the Well-Heeled Woman. She is a blogger and podcaster, which she uses as an educational tool for the public. She has been featured in many publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Black Enterprise, The New York Times, Kiplinger, and Essence Magazine.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Know what you want and be willing to go after it. Have people around you that believe in and encourage you. Open yourself up to learn and grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hhwealth.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/hhwealth
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/zaneiliaharris
