Faith, Focus & Financial Freedom: How Paris Claypool-Beavers Built a Legacy of Empowerment in Detroit

By Tammy Reese | Monday, December 8, 2025 | It's All Business

From her kitchen table to owning a thriving business property on Detroit’s iconic 8 Mile Road, Paris Claypool-Beavers is the definition of perseverance and purpose in motion. As the founder of Paris Tax Service & Notary LLC, she turned humble beginnings into a flourishing enterprise rooted in service, integrity, and community empowerment. With nearly two decades in the tax and accounting industry, Paris has proven that success isn’t just about numbers — it’s about faith, vision, and the courage to create opportunities for others while building a legacy that lasts.

Paris, take us back to the beginning — when did you realize that entrepreneurship was your true calling?

Paris: I realized entrepreneurship was my true calling when I got tired of asking for permission to grow. I’ve always had that drive to create something of my own, but it became clear when I started helping people solve problems in simple ways and saw how it changed their lives. That moment of realizing my gifts had purpose — that’s when I knew this was bigger than me.

Starting as a home-based business in 2009 to now owning your own property — what has that growth journey taught you about perseverance and business ownership?

Paris: The journey from my kitchen table & kiosk stations to owning my own property has been full of lessons about faith, patience, and discipline. There were times I had to work with what I had and trust that more was coming. I learned that growth isn’t just about income or space, it’s about mindset. I had to grow into the business owner I was praying to become. Perseverance for me meant staying consistent even when no one was clapping yet.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as you transitioned from a home-based operation to leasing commercial spaces and eventually owning your own location?

Paris: One of the biggest challenges was learning to manage everything that comes with growth, bigger responsibilities, bills, and expectations. When I moved from home to a commercial space, I had to quickly learn about leases, permits, and staffing. It wasn’t easy, but each move stretched me. Owning my own building was a full-circle moment, but it took years of faith, learning, and making decisions that scared me but also grew me.

How do you balance being both a leader and a mentor within your company?

Paris: I try to lead by example first. I believe leadership isn’t about control, it’s about influence. My goal is to show my team that you can be successful and still be human, still be learning. I pour into my team because I know how it feels to not have guidance when you’re trying to figure it out. Mentorship for me means being transparent about both wins and lessons so they can see the real process, not just the results.

You’ve mentioned wanting Paris Tax Service & Notary LLC to be a “one-stop shop” for businesses. Can you share more about the services you plan to expand into and how they’ll benefit the local community?

Paris: My vision has always been to make business ownership easier for others. I remember how hard it was starting out, not knowing where to go for certain services or who to trust. That’s why I wanted to build a one-stop shop where people can come for everything from taxes and bookkeeping to business formation, insurance, notary services, and even travel. I want to help individuals, families, and entrepreneurs in my community save time, get educated, and have access to real support under one roof.

What does it mean to you to be a Black woman business owner contributing to Detroit’s economic growth?

Paris: It means everything to me. Being a Black woman business owner in Detroit represents resilience, legacy, grit and community pride. I grew up seeing women make something out of nothing, and I wanted to continue that tradition — but in a way that opens doors for others too. Every time I hire locally, sponsor an event, or mentor someone who’s just starting out, I feel like I’m doing my part to pour back into the same city that raised me.

What does having “vision and purpose” mean to you personally and professionally?

Paris: Vision and purpose are the foundation of everything I do. Vision is what allows me to see beyond my current situation, and purpose is what keeps me moving when things get hard. Personally, it means walking by faith even when the path isn’t clear. Professionally, it means creating something that outlives me, something that serves, empowers, and inspires. I never want to just work for success; I want to work with intention.

What’s your long-term vision for Paris Tax Service & Notary LLC over the next five to ten years?

Paris: My long-term vision is expansion with impact. I want to open multiple locations, including in Pontiac and Bloomfield Hills, and continue building out each division — taxes, insurance, business services, and travel. But more than that, I want to create opportunities for others to grow within the company. I see Paris Tax Service & Notary becoming a platform where people can build careers, gain financial freedom, and create their own legacy stories.

How do you stay motivated and grounded through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship?

Paris: I stay motivated by remembering why I started. Every time I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself that I prayed for this. There was a time when I was just hoping to make it, and now I’m living the vision I once dreamed about. That keeps me grounded. I also make time to recharge, pray, and focus on gratitude. I’ve learned that success without peace isn’t success at all. Staying connected to my purpose keeps me steady through the highs and lows.

What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs — especially women — who want to start their own businesses but don’t know where to begin?

Paris: Start where you are and use what you have. Don’t wait for perfect timing or a big investment. I started my business with faith, consistency, and a willingness to learn. Surround yourself with people who believe in growth and not just comfort. And remember, it’s okay to not have it all figured out. Every step teaches you something valuable. Stay true to your purpose, stay teachable, and trust the process because everything you’re working toward is already within you.

Looking back on your journey, what accomplishment are you most proud of?

Paris: I’m most proud of the fact that I never gave up. There were so many moments when I could have walked away, but I stayed faithful. Owning my own building and expanding into new divisions was a major milestone, but what really makes me proud is seeing how many people I’ve been able to help along the way whether it’s through employment, mentorship, or community events. That’s the kind of success that fills my heart.

How do you hope your legacy will impact future generations of entrepreneurs in Detroit and beyond?

Paris: I want my legacy to show that it’s possible. That you can come from humble beginnings and still build something powerful. I hope my journey encourages others to believe in themselves and take ownership of their dreams. If my story reminds someone to keep going when it’s hard, to pray when it’s uncertain, or to lead with love when it’s unpopular, then I’ve done my part. My goal is to leave a legacy of faith, service, and empowerment that continues long after me.

Connect online: 

Instagram: @paristaxservice

Facebook: Paris Tax Service and Notary

Website: www.paristaxservice.com

---

Owner of Visionary Minds Public Relations and Media, Tammy Reese is an award-winning writer and journalist best known for landing major interviews with Angela Bassett, Sharon Stone, Sigourney Weaver, Laurence Fishburne, Geena Davis, Billy Porter, Morris Chestnut, Nelly, Mona Scott Young, Giancarlo Esposito, Luke Evans, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Connelly, Joseph Sikora, Meagan Good, Leon, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Phylicia Rashad, Omar Epps, Courtney Kemp, Vivica A Fox, Ryan Coogler, and so many more.

She is a proud member of ForbesBLK as well as New York Women in Film and Television.

Other articles by Tammy Reese in Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine.

---