Today we’d like to introduce you to Leila Castillo
Hi Leila, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The Journey of Castillo Group: Empowering Businesses Through Financial Excellence
My love for accounting began in 2004, when I had the opportunity to help a family member with their growing business. That experience ignited a passion for numbers, problem-solving, and the power of financial literacy. In 2013, I officially entered the tax industry, but after years in corporate, I knew I wanted something different—something that truly made an impact.
In 2017, despite the challenges of balancing a newborn and family life, I took a leap of faith and launched Castillo Tax. I started small, renting a shared office and offering tax preparation services to individuals and small businesses. From the very beginning, my mission was clear: to serve my community with transparency, education, and financial empowerment. I wanted to do more than just prepare tax returns—I wanted to help business owners truly understand their finances and make informed decisions.
Like many entrepreneurs, I faced unexpected challenges. When the pandemic hit, we had to pivot to a virtual model, ensuring that we could still support our clients while adapting to a rapidly changing world. In 2021, we moved to Angier, and by 2022, we proudly opened our new office, officially planting roots in the community.
As our business grew, so did the needs of our clients. We realized that tax preparation was just one piece of the puzzle—business owners needed comprehensive financial guidance. That’s why in January 2025, we rebranded as Castillo Group, expanding our services beyond tax preparation to include:
Bookkeeping – Helping businesses stay organized and financially healthy.
Tax Advisory – Offering strategic tax planning to maximize savings and avoid surprises.
Tax Resolution – Assisting clients with IRS issues and finding solutions to tax challenges.
Business Formation – Guiding entrepreneurs through entity selection, registration, and compliance.
Today, Castillo Group proudly serves a diverse portfolio of small to medium-sized businesses, with a strong focus on women-owned and Latino-owned enterprises. It is truly an honor to be the trusted financial partner for so many hardworking entrepreneurs, helping them navigate their financial journeys and watching their businesses thrive.
Our recent growth has been incredible, and one thing stands out—success isn’t just about numbers. It’s about community, networking, and putting yourself out there. Building a strong team, implementing systems, and surrounding myself with mentors has been key. As business owners, we never stop learning—there is always room to grow, evolve, and inspire others along the way.
At Castillo Group, we don’t just offer financial services—we build financial confidence, create opportunities, and empower businesses to succeed. And this is only the beginning.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth road? Not at all—but every challenge has shaped me into the leader I am today.
One of the hardest moments of my life came in 2023 when my brother passed away. His loss impacted me tremendously, and I found myself unable to function as a business owner. At that time, I simply wasn’t equipped with the systems or support I needed to keep my business running without me. I lost clients, and for the first time, I saw the gaps in my business structure—areas where I needed to build stronger foundations to ensure sustainability, even during life’s most difficult moments.
On top of that, I’ve experienced the pain of close relationships falling apart. These experiences taught me a hard but necessary lesson: there is a thin line between personal and business relationships. I had to learn how to set boundaries, protect my peace, and ensure that my personal life didn’t negatively impact the business I’ve worked so hard to build.
Thanks to mentorship and continuous learning, I’ve been able to make smarter decisions—ones that no longer put my business at risk. These challenges, as painful as they were, have shaped me into a stronger, more determined leader. They’ve made me more selective about who I trust, more intentional about the systems I implement, and more committed to maintaining a business that can thrive no matter what life throws my way.
What I’ve learned is that growth comes from struggle. The setbacks, the heartbreaks, and the failures—they all play a role in shaping the entrepreneur you become. Today, Castillo Group is stronger than ever, not because the journey has been easy, but because I’ve embraced the lessons, rebuilt from hardship, and committed to leading with resilience and purpose.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Castillo Group, we do more than just taxes—we provide comprehensive financial solutions that help businesses thrive. We specialize in bookkeeping, tax advisory, tax resolution, and business formation, offering personalized support for entrepreneurs who want to take control of their finances.
What sets us apart? Our commitment to education, transparency, and community. Many business owners struggle with understanding their numbers, staying compliant, and planning for long-term success. We take the time to educate our clients, simplify complex financial matters, and provide proactive strategies so they can make informed decisions.
Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We proudly serve small to medium-sized businesses, with a strong focus on women-owned and Latino-owned businesses. We understand the challenges that entrepreneurs face, and we’re here to empower them with knowledge and financial confidence.
One of the things we are most proud of is our growth and resilience. Since our rebranding to Castillo Group in January 2025, we’ve expanded our services to become a full-service financial firm, helping businesses not only survive but scale and succeed. Our approach is hands-on, tailored, and built on trust—we become an extension of our clients’ businesses, guiding them through financial decisions with clarity and confidence.
If you’re a business owner looking for a team that truly cares about your success, Castillo Group is here to help. We’re more than just accountants—we’re your strategic financial partners.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thecastillogroupofnc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/_leilacastillo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/castillobusinessNC/
Image Credits
Lusuriello Photography
