By Stephanie Walden, for Block Advisors by H&R Block
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Like many entrepreneurs, she wasn’t sure how to manage the financial side of her growing venture. While she'd previously worked as a model and independent contractor, this was a whole new level of financial complexity.
How this entrepreneur found the tax support to grow her business
When Allison Hawkins noticed her dog Henri squinting in the Los Angeles sun, she saw it as a creative challenge, fashioning a pair of pup-sized sunglasses just for him.
When Allison Hawkins started her small business, she turned to Block Advisors to help navigate tax season.
“I had no plans on making [this idea] into a company,” said Hawkins. “But people would stop us and ask us about the glasses all the time.” Seeing the interest, she launched Hello Henri, a line of stylish eyewear for dogs that’s both fashionable and functional.
But while some aspects of running a small business — like product design and customer service — came naturally to Hawkins, navigating the complexities of small business taxes wasn’t as intuitive.
I basically felt like I was starting all over again, I really wasn’t sure about all of the necessary steps.”
Expert support when it matters most
To streamline her growing business’ operations, Hawkins turned to Block Advisors, H&R Block’s small business specialist division for tax preparation and filing services. She had used H&R Block before as an independent contractor, so she already knew the value of professional tax support.
“When I started with an advisor, they made it really easy. You basically just pass over all your information and they’ll take it from there. I felt very much at ease,” she said.
- Allison Hawkins, Owner of Hello Henry
- Allison Hawkins, Owner of Hello Henry
When I started with an advisor, they made it really easy. You basically just pass over all your information and they'll take it from there. I felt very much at ease.”
During regular meetings, Hawkins worked with Block Advisors to plan for both her personal and business financial future. “They helped me maximize my retirement savings by showing me exactly how much to contribute to my IRA each year,” she said. “They send helpful reminders around tax season so I never miss a contribution.”
In addition, Hawkins’ advisors helped her understand potential tax benefits and business opportunities she might have otherwise missed, such as deductible expenses and debts.
Further, Hawkins’ advisor had helpful answers about complex topics like Net Profit Tax (NPT) and Business Privilege Tax (BPT), as well as state-specific intel.
- Allison Hawkins, Owner of Hello Henry
I can keep doing this business every year and I don't have to worry about each state's filing requirements."
Even with basic accounting knowledge, Hawkins didn’t want tax complexities to detract from her creative vision.
“I just didn’t know the right things to file,” Hawkins added. “Even finding the tax forms was tedious and complicated. So, the ability to just give [my advisor] my articles of incorporation and tell them, ‘This is where things are at’… it was really a lifesaver.”
Block Advisors offered more than just tax filing assistance during these one-on-one meetings. The check-ins also provided opportunities to discuss long-term tax strategy. For instance, Hawkins’ advisor recently explained how she could carry forward any initial losses to deduct them from future profits when the business becomes profitable. “That insight alone could save me thousands down the road,” she said.
“[My advisors] were instrumental in encouraging me to continue to be an independent contractor and to start my own business,” she said. “The knowledge they gave me — that most businesses don’t make a profit in the first couple of years — I think that was valuable information.”
These insights gave Hawkins the confidence to pursue her vision, knowing she wasn’t falling behind some arbitrary growth timeline.
Beyond basic tax prep
- Allison Hawkins, Owner of Hello Henry
That's why you have the experts. That's why you have someone who specializes in it. They make it so you don't have to compromise your creativity."
What’s more, her advisors alerted her to special credit card options for small business owners. The advice helped Hawkins manage her startup costs more effectively.
“I went to my bank and was able to get a credit card where I don’t have to pay interest for five years,” she said, noting that while she’s diligent about making timely payments, the line of credit has been helpful for major expenses like buying bulk inventory or setting up her Shopify site. She never would have known about such opportunities if not for her advisor’s proactive guidance.
- Allison Hawkins, Owner of Hello Henry
It felt like, ‘Wow, I have a partner here who is helping me with my business.’ ”
- Allison Hawkins, Owner of Hello Henry
It's good to know that if I do need to reach out for help, someone is there.”
With expert tax support, Hawkins can focus on what she enjoys most — creating innovative products that make a difference in the lives of both people and pets. She’s now exploring a new idea: matching glasses for owners and their pets.
A tail-wagging success
In the real world, she’s seen firsthand how her products impact customers. These moments of connection are what keep her motivated. “The biggest benefit has been seeing how excited the customers get when they see the [product],” she said.
For other small business owners who might be intimidated by tax season, Hawkins offers reassurance: “That’s why you have the experts. That’s why you have someone who specializes in it,” she said. “They make it so you don’t have to compromise your creativity.”
With Block Advisors handling the financial intricacies, Hawkins can focus on growing Hello Henri and honoring the legacy of her original inspiration. Though her beloved Henri recently crossed the rainbow bridge, she has a successor ready to carry on his legacy — Henri II, who is now 12 weeks old.
- Allison Hawkins, Owner of Hello Henry
Now, [the business] serves as something I do in his memory, I’m incredibly honored to keep it going.”
Learn more about how Block Advisors can support your small business.
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(Hello Henri, though based in New York, was established in Delaware — and Hawkins needed help understanding the varying state requirements.)
“Every state has their own individual filing requirements,” she said. “For Hello Henri, Delaware has its own tax laws, so I really needed someone to guide me through... I really don’t want to get audited just for trying out a new business.”
Block Advisors offered more than just tax filing assistance during these one-on-one meetings. The check-ins also provided opportunities to discuss long-term tax strategy. For instance, Hawkins’ advisor recently explained how she could carry forward any initial losses to deduct them from future profits when the business becomes profitable. “That insight alone could save me thousands down the road,” she said.
“[My advisors] were instrumental in encouraging me to continue to be an independent contractor and to start my own business,” she said. “The knowledge they gave me — that most businesses don’t make a profit in the first couple of years — I think that was valuable information.”
These insights gave Hawkins the confidence to pursue her vision, knowing she wasn’t falling behind some arbitrary growth timeline.