ACharnita Horton is an entrepreneur, investor, motivational speaker, business coach, fashion guru, and reality star born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. From a young age, Charnita realized she had the “it factor” needed to succeed in business. In high school, she met her husband, Jason Horton, who shared Charnita’s ambitions to take over the industry.

After graduating high school, Charnita and Jason both went to Jacksonville State, where they followed their passions by pursuing a career in finance and business. Charnita graduated with a Business and Human Resource Management degree before joining Jason as they both took jobs in corporate America. After a short stay in these corporate jobs, the pair decided to take a leap of faith by leaving to pursue a new business venture: Smartaxx LLC.

Jason’s mother had been doing taxes for the community for years, maintaining a clientele base of over eighty loyal customers. Combining her experience with Charnita and Jason’s entrepreneurial talents, the
trio formed Smartaxx LLC, a one-stop shop for taxes and financial services. The company took off fast as Charnita and Jason were both able to quit their corporate jobs a mere six months after founding Smartaxx LLC. Since its establishment in 2015, the company has continued to expand as Smartaxx now has three Alabama locations, with a fourth set to open soon. Smartaxx has also gained a large online following as they have offered online consultations since before the COVID-19 pandemic, extending their services to those who may not live in the state of Alabama.

The Hortons have established a successful formula for entrepreneurship, starting multiple successful businesses under the parent company “Horton Enterprises.” The pair has established a trucking company, a boutique, motivational speaking services, and Charnita’s World: an upcoming reality series! The couple is ecstatic to share their story in the upcoming show, described by Charnita as “showing transparency in [her] life to help other people.” By showing her life, Charnita hopes to provide people with an inspiring story of how hard work and dedication can lead to success.

When The Hortons aren’t working on their business pursuits, they are spending time with their three children. Charnita and Jason both came from big families having one of their own was always something they both believed in. Their focus on family extends into their businesses, and they have a reputation for being kind, caring, and compassionate to the clients they serve. Giving back is one of the couple’s biggest focuses, as they offer financial guidance to those in need, provide internships to students, and donate to local academic and educational programs. Charnita and Jason are truly dedicated to setting up the next generation by passing along knowledge and providing opportunities. The couple also wholeheartedly supports employees who decide to take their careers to the next level by returning to school. Whether working alongside The Hortons or paying for their services, one thing remains the same: you will be treated like family.

We had the opportunity of sitting down with Charnita to discuss entrepreneurship, finances and legacy:

Your journey from corporate America to founding Smartaxx LLC is quite remarkable. Can you share the turning point that led you and Jason to take the leap of faith and start your own business?

We left our jobs at the same time on the same day! The main reason was that we knew we could make more money and start building generational wealth by becoming serial entrepreneurs. We aimed to be wealthy or rich. We understood that if we put the same energy into our business, we would succeed, and yes, we did! You can have it all. Did we take a big risk? Yes. Did it scare us? Yes. But we had each other’s backs through it all and decided to make that jump together.

What key factors do you attribute to the rapid success and expansion of Smartaxx LLC since its establishment in 2015?

I have a strong purpose on this earth. I love to help and share knowledge. I want everyone to be great. I truly believe everyone who connects with me will win. I am the COO of Smartaxx, in charge of overall operations. I am also the biggest recruiter in Smartaxx. This business is something I put my heart and soul into, and that is the reason I believe we’re seeing the success we are.

Your entrepreneurial endeavors extend beyond Smartaxx LLC to various businesses under Horton Enterprises. How do you and Jason identify new business opportunities and manage multiple ventures successfully?

Prayer, planning, believing, seeking advice, and execution are crucial! It’s essential to take risks, but you must be smart about it. We carefully consider all our endeavors before jumping into them. You must be able to hold on, but you must also understand when you have to let go. Your feelings can’t be too involved in your business.

Entrepreneurship often comes with challenges. What obstacles did you face during the early stages of building Smartaxx LLC, and how did you overcome them?

When I initially joined the company, I wasn’t a tax preparer; I served as the Executive Human Resource Manager. I underwent rigorous training with Jason and Joann Horton, and it wasn’t easy. However, I became very proficient. Currently, I have 8 years of experience, and at the age of 25, I achieved millionaire status. I am only 34 now.

Could you share a specific lesson or piece of advice you’ve learned along the way that has been instrumental in your entrepreneurial journey?

Keep pushing! Don’t give up! Life is full of challenges, and it might get discouraging, but that’s what my message is all about: You have to take a leap and push the button to make your life what you want it to be!

Your upcoming reality series, “Charnita’s World,” promises transparency in your life. What motivated you to share your personal and professional life on a reality show, and what message do you hope viewers take away from it?
#charnitasworld

I believe my transparency will help many! I am sharing my successes and failures. Often, people need to see both the good and the bad in entrepreneurship. They need to witness the struggle to resonate more with the eventual success. My journey has motivated me to share my story and hopefully help others!

How do you balance the desire for transparency with maintaining a sense of privacy in a reality series?

My main concern is my privacy and intimate space concerning the family. It works out well! I also don’t care about negative opinions from others. I know God is my source. My husband and I are also executive producers of Charnitas World. This means we ultimately control what gets released, and it has been a great way to protect our boundaries.

Family seems to be a significant focus for you and Jason. How do you manage the balance between your busy entrepreneurial life and spending quality time with your three children?

Work-Life Balance is important! We make time for trips. I am a very affectionate mom. We attend football games because they are our hearts. Jason and I always go on dates, and he is an absolute sweetheart to me. My love language is gifts and touch, and he caters to it. The little things are the most important, and it’s about making a conscious effort to show our love for one another.

Your commitment to giving back, providing financial guidance, internships, and supporting education programs is admirable. Can you elaborate on why these initiatives are so important to you both personally and professionally?

I love helping and sharing knowledge! That’s part of my transparency in my journey as an entrepreneur. This is truly a personal calling of mine, and it’s essential to provide members of my community with all the tools they need to succeed. On my website, you can book consultations and join any of my classes.

How do you envision continuing to inspire and provide opportunities for the next generation through your businesses and mentorship initiatives?

I see myself on big platforms! I see myself helping many people around the world! My reality show is solution-based. People will see exactly what to do in their businesses, and I am thrilled to see what that brings.

Connect with Charnita

IG: Charnitasworld FB Charnita Horton http://www.charnitasworld.com
New reality show Charnita’s World on Nubian Television http://www.nubiantv.net
http://www.Charnitasworld.com