Meet Yaniqua Chambers | Artist & Accountant

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

Hi Yaniqua, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
The ability to take calculated risks is often overlooked, but it’s one of the key factors in achieving success. I learned the importance of taking risks from my mother, who made the bold decision to leave one of the toughest areas of Jamaica and move to America when I was just a baby. She left behind her three children to build a better future for us. People around me, including my friends and family, often describe me as a risk-taker. I’m the first in my family to graduate from college, the first to venture out to Los Angeles to chase my dreams, and I often pursue things that many others only dream of but are too afraid to try. I don’t shy away from risks, even if they lead to failure, because I don’t fear failure.

Taking risks has been a pinnacle in my life and career. Balancing a financial services company as an accountant while pursuing acting and filmmaking is a risk within itself. Many people might assume I take risks based on spontaneity, but every risk I’ve taken has been calculated. I always weigh the pros and cons of each decision and evaluate how it aligns with my purpose and goals. Majority of the time, the risks I take pay off, but even when they don’t, I walk away with valuable lessons that guide me on life’s journey.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve never been one to stay in a “box” when it comes to my career. After graduating with an accounting degree from FAMU, I spent two years at home trying to figure out what I wanted to do next. The unconventional creative half of my brain and the logical accountant half have always been at odds with each other, so it was hard deciding what to do next.

I spent some time working in the nonprofit sector and the service industry before, in late 2018, feeling a strong pull to move to LA.. I took a huge risk by moving to LA with no job, no friends, no family, and only $5000 to my name. But within a month of arriving, I landed a corporate accountant position with a prominent logistics company. I later decided to pursue my CPA license. There are no Doctors, Lawyers, Engineers, or CPAs in my close family, and knowing only about 2% of CPAs are black, I wanted to show the younger generations that it’s possible to break barriers and succeed. Pursuing the CPA license is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but I’m so thankful I did it.

When COVID hit, I transitioned into public accounting as a tax accountant and used the downtime during the pandemic to pass my exams. I also started my own company, Virtual Financial Pros, which came with its own set of challenges. The key to overcoming challenges has been persistence. I’ve learned that you can’t fail if you keep pushing forward. Along the way, I became an Enrolled Agent, specializing in tax and general accounting. After earning my CPA license and processing the loss of a close friend and my grandmother, I realized how short life really is. It was time to pursue some of my other creative passions, including acting and filmmaking. Last year, I completed my first acting class and began working on my writing and filmmaking projects.

Growing up in the ghetto in Jamaica and later working in corporate America, I’ve encountered people from all walks of life, each with their own unique stories. These experiences have inspired me to one day share some of these incredible stories on the big screen. Over the years, I’ve learned so much from everyone I’ve met, and I believe it would be a disservice not to share these stories with the world.

I want the world to know that as long as you still have breath, you should pursue your dreams, no matter how long it takes. If you’re not living in pursuit of your dreams, then what would be the point? Right now, I’m working on a TV series that I plan to submit for pilot season next year. What excites me most about this series is that while we often see shows about doctors and lawyers, there’s never been one focused on accountants. I’m also working on my first short film, which I plan to release later this year.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Mmmh this is a good one because whenever people come to visit, I always explore new parts of LA that I’ve never experienced before.

When I have a visitor, the first place I take them is Calo Kitchen + Tequila south of the airport but if we are in a time crunch, I take them to the In and Out right outside of LAX.
Next on the itinerary is what I call the “tourist experience”. A tour of LA on the Big Bus, Hollywood Blvd. to see the stars and Madam Tussaud Wax Museum.
Mid-week, a tour of Warner Bros Studio and/or Universal Studios is a must.
Every 1st Wednesday, I recommend Love, Peace and Spades game night.
If Make A Move LA has an event while they’re here then definitely check it out for the half time show performances even if you don’t play chess.
There are also various running, wellness and community groups to check out such as Walkgood LA, LA Road Runners, Recess Kickball League and Keep It Run Hundred.
Later in the week and weekend, I recommend hiking to the various trails such as the Hollywood sign (Culver City Stairs for a view of all of LA), Aquarium of the Pacific in Long beach, Touring the various Arts Museums, Venice Beach, and Santa Monica Pier.
If you have kids then Knott’s Berry Farm, Legoland, Six flags, SeaWorld, and Disney.
If you want Caribbean food, then Peppers and Wah Gwaan for Jamaican food or Taste of Caribbean for Roti.
I don’t party much but if you’re looking for Caribbean vibes then Fayah Sundays.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my mom and sister who despite thinking I’m crazy with my many ideas, have supported me along the way. Also, shoutout to my close friends and family for being supportive and encouraging on my journey.

Website: https://www.virtualfinancialpros.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bosslady_876

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bosslady_876

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/yaniqua

Other: https://tiktok.com/bosslady.876

Image Credits
Waking Dream Media – @wakingdreammedia
Zacharia Schmitt – @zachariah_shoots