From Paper to Purpose: Yubeira Zapata's Leap of Faith in Business Ownership

Yubeira Zapata's journey into business ownership is a testament to unwavering faith, a 'nothing to lose' mindset, and the transformative power of divine guidance. A young CPA with only four years of experience, Yubeira recently acquired Lux CPA LLC, an accounting firm she is rapidly modernizing from a paper-based system to a cloud-based, efficient operation.

Born in Venezuela, Yubeira initially envisioned a career in veterinary medicine, a stark contrast to her current path. However, life's unexpected turns, including political unrest in her home country, led her to the U.S. in 2017. It was here that she discovered a surprising aptitude and passion for accounting, a field she now embraces with remarkable zeal.

An Entrepreneurial Spirit and a Leap of Faith

Her entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on. Despite working at a reputable regional firm, Yubeira always knew she desired the freedom and flexibility of owning her own business. The opportunity arose when Raymond D. Roberts, an 88-year-old CPA, sought to sell his firm. Initially, Yubeira declined the offer, feeling the firm's traditional, paper-heavy operations didn't align with her vision. She also harbored personal aspirations of starting a family, which she felt business ownership might delay.

However, a series of divine interventions reshaped her path. After an initial 'no,' Yubeira started her own firm from scratch, but felt called to serve as treasurer for her church. During this period, she prayed for clarity and guidance, focusing on serving God's business. In a remarkable turn of events, Raymond called her again, offering the firm at a significantly reduced price. This time, the timing felt right, and with the unwavering support of her husband, Yubeira embraced the challenge.

The Power of Faith and a 'Nothing to Lose' Mindset

"I just pray a lot and I just felt that, yeah, it's a moment to do it," Yubeira recounts. "We thought, 'Okay, I don't have anything to lose right now.' I just take the risk. If things go bad, the worst thing that can happen is I just go back to my W2 job." This 'nothing to lose' mentality, coupled with a deep trust in God's plan, propelled her forward.

The transition has been a whirlwind of activity. Yubeira is diligently implementing new software and processes to streamline operations, moving the firm from its paper-laden past into a digital future. She's also navigating the complexities of managing a team, including Raymond himself, who is staying on to assist with the transition. His presence has been invaluable in maintaining client trust, especially with those who have been with the firm for decades.

Vision for the Future and Leading with Purpose

Within her first month, Yubeira has already landed new clients, all of whom align with her vision for a technology-driven, business-focused practice. Her goal is to stabilize the firm within the next one to two years, build a strong team, and eventually achieve the flexibility to balance her professional ambitions with her desire to be a present mother.

Yubeira's faith is the cornerstone of her leadership. She approaches her work with the conviction that she is serving God through her clients, a perspective that guides her interactions and commitment to excellence. "I'm going to serve my clients like if I'm serving God, so that I make sure that I do a good work," she explains. "I’ve come to realize that Lux and everything I have belongs to God. I’m simply a steward, doing my best with what He has trusted me with, and I pray that one day I can stand before Him and give a good account of how I managed it.”

 This profound sense of purpose not only inspires her but also shapes the culture of her burgeoning firm.

Looking ahead, Yubeira envisions a future where her business thrives, allowing her to support missionary trips and continue her commitment to generous giving. While she doesn't have long-term goals set in stone, she trusts that God will continue to guide her path, just as He has throughout her extraordinary journey. Her story is a powerful reminder that with faith, courage, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected, transformational leadership can emerge from the most humble beginnings.