Introducing Tytianna Gray, a dedicated tax professional whose mission is to bring clarity and empowerment to her clients’ financial journeys. Driven by a personal commitment to make a meaningful difference, Tytianna turned her quest for financial knowledge into a career that now helps others gain control over their tax strategies. Known for her friendly approach and insightful guidance, she excels at breaking down complex tax matters and making financial literacy accessible to all. Tytianna’s work isn’t just about numbers; it’s about fostering a sense of confidence and empowerment in each client she serves.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Share with the readers of Sheen Magazine who you are and your story.
Grand rising, my name is Tytianna Gray. I am 36 years old and I was born and raised on the Westside of Chicago, Illinois. I have been a hairstylist for 23 years. In 2015 I graduated Olive Harvey College with my associates in Science. In 2017 I received my license as a Cosmetologist and in 2021 I inherited a salon and became a salon owner. I’ve worked in the medical field as a CNA since 2007. I have been a registered tax professional since 2022 with Wealth Prodigy Financial and in 2024 just became a licensed life insurance agent in the state of Illinois. 💕🔥👏🏾
I was able to work my way up as a team lead within Wealth Prodigy Financial in the first year. In my 2nd year as a tax professional, I was awarded an “Inspirational Leader of the Year “award at our Million Dollar Milestone Gala for my continuous support, leadership, encouragement, help, and guidance throughout the entire Wealth Prodigy company. I’ve assisted over 500 new team members through each tax season, assisting them with filing taxes, addressing any tax issues concerning clients, weekly motivational calls to keep their spirits and minds focused and just simply being who I am, a servant!
What led you to start a career as a tax professional, and can you share a pivotal moment or experience that influenced your choice?
Being a hairstylist and now owning my own business I didn’t have the knowledge nor understanding on how to properly handle my finances. So, it was all new to me. For the first few years, I had someone else preparing my taxes but I felt as if I wasn’t acquiring all that was due to me being a business owner. Especially when COVID-19 hit omg, I missed it all lol.
I’m a researcher and I love to learn new things I’ve always heard that when you want something done right, Do it yourself! So, with that being said I told myself let me learn how to do my taxes, so I can make sure it’s done right.
Having this experience led me to take a course with Wealth Prodigy Financial whom I immediately joined, and from there I was pushed out into the tax industry to start doing taxes. It was not my intention to be a tax preparer. Ughh lol. I just wanted to learn solely for my business’s sake. But being l partnered with Kyla she was like not so.
This was a pivotal moment in my life as she introduced me to a new stream of income and instructed me on how I could become a solution to others who were just like me, needing to know and understand how to properly and legally file taxes. I didn’t understand at first but since then I can see the difference you can make in helping people. I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunity that was provided.
As a tax professional, what continues to drive your passion for this field, and how do you stay motivated year after year?
As a tax professional, my passion stems from a deep commitment to helping families and businesses navigate the complexities of the tax system. I believe everyone deserves peace of mind when it comes to their tax obligation and knowing how to face them without fear.
I’ve been able to help over 100 families and businesses become compliant and properly file their taxes. I’ve helped families and businesses recover tax refunds that were due to them from previous tax years. I’ve helped non-profit businesses reinstate their organizations after years of being revoked due to non-tax compliance. I’ve helped families whom were facing audits owing thousands of dollars bring that tax liability down to mere cents on the dollars with no fear.
These situations have driven my motivation to continually do my best to make a tangible difference in the communities I serve. It’s sad to say but most people in impoverished communities lack financial literacy. Stepping into the tax industry has helped me become a beacon of hope to help those families.
This dynamic keeps me thriving in staying knowledgeable about new tax laws, being compliant, and being aware of anything that may come down the pipe, so I can continually advise the people year after year.
Who are some of your inspirational role models within the tax industry, and how have they influenced your approach to tax planning and advising?
“My #1 role model is Kyla Brown. She has helped me tremendously to step out on faith when it comes to this tax industry. She has shown me the ropes of using social platforms to gain clients, spread awareness, and be able to give back to the communities by providing a space to bring in and teach others who may be interested or have a desire to step into the field by giving me my branch within her company. From this Wealth Prodigy Chicago was formed. I am now able to hire new agents, train them, and set them up to be successful in the tax industry. This is major for me and I am forever grateful. Thank you, Kyla Brown.
From this exposure, I’ve been introduced to other leading role models like Dr. Rosie Thomas with Thomas Financial who hosts an amazing tax conference every year which provides a great opportunity for networking and collaboration with other successful leaders in the tax industry. Some of that collaboration has led to great friendships and other mentorships, whether it was classes, seminars, or simply helping me expand the business to thrive to the next level, it all has been an influence on my approach to tax planning and advising.
Can you discuss how the tax industry has evolved and changed over the past few decades, including any notable shifts or trends from 10 years ago and 20 years ago?
The tax industry has changed significantly over the last decade. These changes have included technology integration where you can now use tax software and automated processes like e-filing to help streamline the workflow.
Globalization, where we can reach a broader spectrum of clients across the 50 states and not just be limited to your local community.
Being able to work remotely, is a huge trend now where you can be anywhere in the world and still get the job done. Whereas 10 or 20 years ago, you had to go into the office and work and even paper file your return and really crunch those numbers.
These are some notable shifts that have allowed the tax industry to grow tremendously. Because of these changes, it has made room for the younger generation to be able to move in and dominate the industry.
If our readers were looking to work with you as a tax professional, what characteristics or traits should they possess?
If you’re looking to work with me as your tax professional, I service all clients whom have verifiable income. Whether you have a business, have w-2 income, or both, I can make sure you qualify for any deductions about your specific needs, or I can help lower your tax liabilities. I look for clients to be transparent. Keep it real with me so I can know how to go about helping you in your situation. Being honest is always a must. This helps me better service you in the long run. Be understanding, knowing that each client’s situation may not look like someone else’s, and understand that I’ll do my best to work with them.
Share with our reader what’s next for you.
I am currently expanding my Wealth Prodigy Chicago office to not just service tax clients, but to help those same clients with their overall financial lifestyle. From credit repair to personal and business funding, estate planning, life insurance, and mutual funds.
I have 2 speaking events coming soon. The first event is an entrepreneurial brunch where I’ll be able to share what it is like being a woman entrepreneur and share knowledge about the importance of being financially literate.
The second event will be a women’s retreat where I’ll be speaking about the importance of incorporating God and his word within our businesses and everyday life to help keep the balance, using his scriptures as the keys to help thrive in entrepreneurship and the importance of maintaining a relationship with him.
Also, every 3rd Saturday of the month I give food out to the Englewood community in Chicago, Illinois. Helping impoverished families fight hunger. I’ve been partnered with HOJO Family Assistance and TradebangerZ for the past 3 years doing this. We currently are working on getting resources out to the Chicagoland areas about financial literacy and how it can change your life.
Where can our readers follow you on social media?
You can follow me on fb @Tytianna Gray
Instagram @wealthprodigychicago
Facebook and Instagram @tyti_g_braids,
Tictok @tyti_g and Snapchat @tyti-gbraids”
Photo Credit: Kevin Russell @himovertherephotography, AL Sutton @suttonvideography, and Nikki Bruce @graymattersphotography
Great article. It is awesome to see financial literacy being teach in our community. The info is needed.