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‘I Wasn’t a Numbers Person’ – How The Blueprint Model Gave Me Financial Clarity

We’ve all been there… Staring at our business bank statements through rose-colored *ahem, I mean blue-light blocking* glasses wondering how to take a calculated next step in our business. Should you hire a virtual assistant or invest more in inventory? Could you actually start paying yourself a consistent paycheck & does it make sense to […]

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Student Spotlight

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Hey, I’m Shanna Skidmore. Former Fortune 100 Financial Advisor turned Business Consultant. For the past 15 years I’ve worked in finance helping entrepreneurs around the world make more money and then manage it well. During that time I’ve unlocked the blueprint to building a profitable and sustainable business designed to align with the life you want to live.

Here’s the thing—the "business side of running a business" can be hard, and it’s not everyone’s best skill—but it *is* mine. I would be honored to come alongside you on your business journey.

Shanna Skidmore

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The reality is that no matter how good you are with numbers, taxes, or following the rules of PEMDAS, sometimes (okay, pretty much every time) you need someone else to help you see things more clearly.

As you chip away at your dream logging countless hours, blood, sweat, & tears—You’re more than likely developing blind spots within your business.

Expert bookkeeper Gala McCray knew enough about numbers to know she needed a trusted voice to speak clarity and purpose into her business. Someone to help see the missing pieces as she continued on her profitable entrepreneurial journey. And oh man, what an honor it’s been to be that voice in her business through my signature course The Blueprint Model!

Gala’s wisdom & kind spirit has made our community that much brighter. I am so proud & excited to have her on the blog to share her story. So here we go— Meet Gala!

Let’s start with some fun stuff! Lightning round, here we go:

Tell us what you do:

I’m the owner and lead bookkeeper at Two Arrows, a boutique firm where we specialize in helping business owners gain clarity and confidence in their finances. My role is more than just handling numbers; I empower clients to make informed decisions by giving them a full, accurate financial picture. By delivering detailed insights and providing a luxury-level, supportive experience, I help clients feel assured and focused on what they do best, knowing their finances are in trusted hands.

Vice/Guilty Pleasure:

Red Hots Candy/ Real Housewives of New York Reboot

Favorite Snack:

Benton’s Iced Mini Oatmeal Cookies

Something you’re proud of:

I’m proud of Two Arrows because we offer more than just bookkeeping; we deliver a boutique, elevated experience where every client feels valued and empowered. Six years ago, I took a leap of faith and started this business at the end of a challenging pregnancy, facing my fears head-on. That journey taught me resilience, and today, Two Arrows embodies that same strength and commitment. We give clients the peace of mind and financial clarity they deserve, allowing them to focus on growth with confidence and ease.

What you’re currently working on:

I’m excited to have recently contributed a chapter titled The Art of Bookkeeping: Consistency, Comfort, and Confidence for We Lead Volume 2. In it, I reflect on how my parents’ influence gave me a foundation of consistency, comfort, and confidence, which I now bring into my work with clients at Two Arrows. The chapter is both personal and practical, guiding readers on how to build these same qualities with their finances. It’s been a meaningful project, and I’m eager to see how my story and approach might resonate with others.

We probably wouldn’t guess…

Something you’d probably never guess about me is that, even though I’m a great bookkeeper, I’m not a human calculator or a ‘numbers person’ in the traditional sense. For me, being a great bookkeeper isn’t about doing complex calculations in my head; it’s about having a methodical approach, a keen eye for details, and a commitment to accuracy. I’ve built Two Arrows on the principles of organization, clarity, and care—not on complex math. My strength lies in creating order, finding patterns, and helping clients see their full financial picture. I empower them to make informed decisions with confidence, knowing their numbers are in good hands.

Best advice ever received?

The best advice I’ve ever received is to show up, even if I’m scared, unprepared, or unsure. As a believer, I trust that God is in control and working for my good, even in the midst of uncertainty. This advice reminds me to have faith in the process and take steps forward, knowing that my part is to be present and give my best, while trusting the outcome to God. It’s a perspective that has carried me through challenges in life and business, helping me to approach each new opportunity with courage and purpose.

Currently Reading/ Listening to/ Watching:

I’m currently rereading She Works His Way by Michelle Myers and Somer Phoebus.

Can’t live without…

The one thing I can’t live without is my faith. It’s the anchor that keeps me going on the best days and the toughest ones. My faith reminds me that my journey is bigger than just me—that every step I take is an opportunity to live out my ministry in a real, everyday way. This perspective gives me purpose and resilience, helping me see each challenge as part of a greater plan.

Secret Fantasy Job:

I didn’t necessarily dream about doing what I do now, but now that I’m on this path, I realize it’s a perfect fit. Helping clients gain clarity and confidence in their finances feels incredibly fulfilling, and it combines my strengths and values in a way I hadn’t imagined. So if I had a secret fantasy job, I’d say I’m already living it, even if I didn’t know it was my dream at first.

What do you want everyone to know reading this?

What I want everyone to know is that leaders and peers in similar industries can truly support and learn from one another. I’m grateful to have Shanna in my corner; she’s taught me so much and challenged me to refine and elevate my work as I continue on this profitable entrepreneurial journey. Her support and example remind me that there’s always room to grow, and I’m glad to have found my place in this space, looking forward to what’s next alongside her.

Let’s talk turkey, I mean, Business!

How did you hear about Shanna?

I came across an ad Shanna was running several years ago. When I couldn’t find her on Social Media, I visited her website and fell in love with this like minded leader.

In what ways have we worked together so far?!

✓ The Blueprint Model

✓ Blueprint at Home

Why did you decide to work with Shanna?

I believe that iron sharpens iron, and just as I guide my clients to seek clarity and support in their finances, I know I need that same level of financial guidance. Working with Shanna has been an investment in my own growth and success, allowing me to bring even greater strength and insight into my business. Just as I advocate for my clients to have a trusted partner, I’m committed to the same for myself.

Tell me about the big ‘aha’ moments you had during The Blueprint Model!

My big ‘aha’ moment in Shanna’s program was realizing how home finances impact the business side. By looking at the whole picture and including my spouse in the process, I can reach my business goals more efficiently. It was a powerful reminder that aligning both sides helps me reach my goals with greater clarity and purpose, allowing me to build a stronger, more intentional foundation for success.

What’s one change or success you’ve experienced since taking The Blueprint Model?

Completing Shanna’s program was transformative. I learned my net worth for the first time, and it’s been powerful to reassess it each year. The biggest change, though, has been that my husband and I are no longer walking parallel paths—we’ve come together on the same financial path. That’s been huge for us, aligning our goals and decisions in a way that strengthens both our personal and business lives.

Okay, real talk— What would you tell someone considering buying a course or working with Shanna?

If I were talking to my best friend about working with Shanna, I’d say it’s absolutely worth it. So many things that felt uncertain became clear once we put pen to paper—I realized we were closer to some of our goals than I thought. We also identified our strengths and areas to manage more closely. Through The Blueprint Model, I gained a clearer view of my profit level and what truly motivates me in business, which has made decision-making and understanding the bottom line so much easier.

Anything else you would like to share about you or your business?

Bookkeeping is truly a labor of love for me. It’s an intimate look into a business, and that’s not something I take lightly. I love working with service-based businesses because I have a servant’s heart, and at Two Arrows, we’re dedicated to providing not only accurate numbers but also genuine support and care. Our brand is built on consistency, comfort, and confidence, and every client relationship reflects that mission. Through Two Arrows, I’m able to offer clients clarity and peace of mind so they can focus on what they love most in their business, knowing they have a trusted partner by their side.

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I believe that iron sharpens iron, and just as I guide my clients to seek clarity and support in their finances, I know I need that same level of financial guidance. Working with Shanna has been an investment in my own growth and success, allowing me to bring even greater strength and insight into my business. Just as I advocate for my clients to have a trusted partner, I’m committed to the same for myself.

”

— Gala McCray

Gala, thank you so much for sharing more of your story and experience working together. I am so grateful for such amazing students like you! And loved getting to know you better through this spotlight!

Want more inspiration? Plenty more stories that are sure to inspire you, click here for more student success stories! If you’re ready to feel empowered in your personal and/or business finances, I’d love to work together through one of my courses!

xo.

Shanna

RESOURCES MENTIONED :

The Blueprint Model

Blueprint at Home

Net Worth Tracker

Shanna Tells All! Running a Business Without Social Media (Part One)

Gala McCray

Gala McCray is the driving force behind Two Arrows where she serves as the owner and expert bookkeeper. Embodying a unique blend of trustworthiness, reliability, compassion, and skill, Gala is dedicated to meeting all your bookkeeping needs with an elevated approach.

As a seasoned small business owner, Gala understands firsthand the intricate workings and perpetual demands of entrepreneurship. With over fifteen years of experience spanning government agencies, non-profits, and corporate entities, she has refined her expertise in budgeting, cash flow management, and financial interpretation. Six years ago, she took a leap of faith to establish Two Arrows, seeing it as a path to offer her clients clarity and peace of mind, founded on the principles of consistency, comfort, and confidence.

At Two Arrows, professionalism is more than a standard; it’s the cornerstone of their ethos. Gala’s approach is judgment-free and deeply supportive, providing practical bookkeeping solutions and validation and empowerment to service professionals. Through her guidance, you’ll find a trusted partner who values your vision and is committed to helping you achieve financial clarity and confidence every step of the way.

CONNECT WITH GALA:

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