Guest Author: Brooke Mayer, a current senior at Vanderbilt University, double majoring in Human & Organizational Development and English, with a keen interest in entrepreneurship and consulting and a deep passion for sharing people’s stories.
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Masheka Anderson-Turner, the powerhouse behind BrightSkies Business Services and a current Nashville EC member, has turned over two decades of accounting expertise into a thriving business of her own – offering bookkeeping, profitability coaching, and accounting services. From bank reconciliations to crafting profit strategies, her company empowers businesses to manage their finances and grow. But Masheka’s story isn’t just about numbers; it’s about courage and the willingness to leap into the unknown.
After 17 years with one of the largest healthcare companies in the world, Masheka left her corporate accounting job to follow her entrepreneurial dream – believing “she could do more – help others more, support smaller businesses more, and be there for people more.”
It wasn’t an easy decision. “It’s okay to do things scared,” she says. “It’s okay to not know where you’re going next or not feel 100% confident in every decision.” For Masheka, courage isn’t about the absence of fear—it’s about acting despite it.
Starting BrightLytes Business Services wasn’t just about creating a business; it was about creating a legacy and leaving people feeling safer with their money – as she recognized that having and spending money and running a business with it is “an emotional experience – one that deserves a human touch and not just an accountant’s seriousness.” Masheka’s services extend far beyond spreadsheets and balance sheets. She helps clients master cash flow, track every dollar, and develop strategies to maximize profitability – all while listening to their stories, understanding the backgrounds of their family businesses, and working to offer them peace of mind while managing millions. Whether setting up accounting software or coaching on revenue strategy, she’s passionate about helping others take their businesses to the next level in a thoughtful, warmhearted manner.
Masheka also acknowledges that communication has been one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of her journey. Working with clients across industries and regions has taught her that building trust and clarity takes effort and growth. But she never lets fear hold her back from tough conversations or making big decisions or taking on clients that feel too complex for her at first. Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: you don’t need all the answers to get started. Fear is part of the journey, but courage is the solution. Take the leap, embrace the uncertainty, and push yourself to tackle challenges you never thought you could. We’re so lucky to have Masheka with us at the EC – serving as a wonderful edition to our circle of business owners who operate out of our space.
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