Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Dunham.
Hi Sara, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When COVID hit, I was working full-time, and like so many others, I suddenly found myself at home after the business I worked for shut down. It was a scary and uncertain time, but also a moment of reflection. My husband encouraged me to take a leap and start something of my own—something I had never seriously considered before. With his unwavering support, I took that first step, and five years later, I’m proud to say my business is thriving. I never would have had the courage to walk away from a steady job without a clear reason or push. While I would never wish a global pandemic on the world, I can recognize that out of that difficult season came an unexpected opportunity. It gave me the chance to build something meaningful on my own terms. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not smooth! I’m an accountant by trade, not a marketer, so in the beginning, one of the biggest challenges was simply getting the word out. I had no idea how to promote myself or where to start. For a long time, even some of my friends didn’t realize I had launched a business! That was a bit of a wake-up call. Once I landed my first client, things started to grow through word-of-mouth, which I’m incredibly grateful for. Building a reputation takes time and trust, and referrals have truly fueled my momentum. I still don’t consider myself a marketer, but I’ve definitely learned how to tell my story a little better along the way!
We’ve been impressed with Dunham Bookkeeping Services, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I own and operate Dunham Bookkeeping Services, where we specialize in helping small businesses stay financially organized, compliant, and profitable. I offer full-charge bookkeeping, payroll processing, financial reporting, and tax preparation, with a focus on personalized service. I work with a wide variety of industries, including mental health practices, construction, non-profits, and professional service providers, which gives me a unique perspective on how different businesses operate and what financial strategies work best for each one.
What sets me apart is the level of partnership I bring to the table. My clients don’t feel like just another number in a queue. I take the time to understand how they work, what they care about, and where they’re trying to go. I’m not just here to reconcile bank statements, I’m here to help business owners make confident, informed decisions.
I’m most proud that nearly all of my business has grown through referrals. That tells me people trust me enough to recommend me to others, and that means everything. My goal is to make sure my clients feel supported, seen, and financially empowered. Whether someone is just getting started or scaling up, I want readers to know I’m here to simplify the financial side of things so they can focus on what they do best.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m in an exciting growth phase right now. As my client base has expanded, I’ve been streamlining systems and refining service packages to make things even more efficient and impactful, for both myself and my clients. One of my goals is to continue building out the reporting side of my services, offering deeper insights into profitability, cash flow, and forecasting. It’s not just about keeping books clean anymore, it’s about helping clients truly understand their numbers and use them to make smarter business decisions.
Looking ahead, I’m also exploring opportunities to grow my team in a way that keeps the same level of personal service while giving me space to work on the business, not just in it.
Another priority for me is giving back to the community I call home. I’m passionate about supporting small businesses and local nonprofits here in Merriam and the greater Kansas City area, whether that’s through discounted services, volunteer work, or simply showing up and cheering them on. I want the success of my business to create a ripple effect that supports others doing meaningful work in our community.
Pricing:
- Accounting Packages Start at $125 A Month
- Tax Preparation Starts at $125 Per Return
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dunhambookkeepingservices.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dunhambookkeeping
