Hidden Gems: Meet Kristyn Smith of ZenBalance Bookkeeping

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristyn Smith.

Hi Kristyn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story really started with a mix of curiosity, purpose, and a desire for balance — in life and in business. I’ve always loved numbers, but what I love even more is helping people find clarity and calm around them. After years of working in finance and accounting across different industries, I wanted to take what I’d learned and create something of my own. That’s how ZenBalance Bookkeeping was born in 2023 — a company built to bring peace of mind to small business owners and nonprofits through organized, thoughtful bookkeeping.

As ZenBalance grew, so did my creative side. I’ve always turned to writing as a way to process life, and earlier this year I released my first poetry book, Just Some Thoughts Along the Way… Some Might Call Them Poems. It’s a collection about growth, love, and self-reflection — a reminder that it’s okay to pause and feel everything along the way. Around that same time, I also launched Kris Vibes Co., a positivity and self-care brand that offers journals, candles, and yoga and Pilates-inspired apparel — all little reminders to take care of yourself while you’re out there building your dreams.

In a way, everything I’ve created connects. ZenBalance brings peace to people’s finances, Kris Vibes Co. brings peace to their minds, and my poetry brings peace to their hearts. Each one represents a different piece of me — the professional, the creative, and the human — and together, they tell the full story of how I got here.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road — but I think that’s what makes the journey meaningful. Starting ZenBalance Bookkeeping in 2023 meant stepping fully into entrepreneurship after years of working in structured finance roles, and that came with a learning curve. I had to wear every hat — marketer, accountant, client relations, tech support — all while still showing up as a mom and keeping life balanced. There were moments of self-doubt, especially in the early stages, wondering if I could really build something from the ground up on my own terms.

When I launched Kris Vibes Co. and published my poetry book earlier this year, I faced a different kind of challenge — vulnerability. Putting your creativity and your message out into the world takes courage, especially when you’re still finding your footing as a business owner and creative. I had to learn to quiet perfectionism and focus on progress, not pressure.

I’m still very much on this journey — growing my businesses, reaching new people, and learning along the way. Each step teaches me something new about resilience, faith, and the importance of showing up even when things don’t feel perfect. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been full of purpose, and that’s what keeps me moving forward.

As you know, we’re big fans of ZenBalance Bookkeeping . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At ZenBalance Bookkeeping, my mission is simple — to help small businesses and nonprofits find peace of mind in their finances. I specialize in QuickBooks-based bookkeeping, financial clean-ups, payroll, and monthly financial reporting, but what really sets ZenBalance apart is the approach. I don’t just provide reports — I help my clients understand their numbers so they can make confident decisions and truly feel in control of their business.

What I’m most proud of is the calm and clarity ZenBalance brings to people who used to dread looking at their books. I know how stressful finances can feel, so I built my company around the idea that accounting doesn’t have to be intimidating — it can actually be empowering. Clients often tell me they finally feel “at peace” after we start working together, and that means everything to me.

Alongside ZenBalance, I also run Kris Vibes Co., a positivity and self-care brand I launched earlier this year. It’s all about encouraging people to create space for themselves — whether that’s through journaling, lighting a candle, or just taking a deep breath before the next big goal. And my poetry book, Just Some Thoughts Along the Way… Some Might Call Them Poems, ties right into that message — it’s about self-reflection, resilience, and finding beauty in the in-between moments.

Each brand connects back to the same purpose: promoting balance — financially, mentally, and emotionally. Whether I’m helping a client organize their books, someone reading one of my poems, or a customer unboxing a Kris Vibes Co. journal, I want them to feel the same thing: peace, encouragement, and the reminder that they can handle whatever’s ahead.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’ve definitely had moments where luck seemed to play a part — both good and bad — but I’ve come to see it all as part of the bigger plan. There were times when things didn’t go the way I hoped, but looking back, those moments redirected me to something better. Losing out on an opportunity or facing a delay often opened the door for growth, learning, or a new connection I never expected.

In business, I’d say “luck” has looked a lot like preparation meeting the right timing. Starting ZenBalance Bookkeeping when I did, or having someone discover my poetry or Kris Vibes Co. through word of mouth, has reminded me that sometimes you just have to show up consistently and trust that the right people will find you.

I’m grateful for the lessons that came disguised as setbacks and the blessings that showed up when I least expected them. I don’t rely on luck — but I do believe that when you lead with intention, kindness, and hard work, life has a way of returning that energy in the best possible ways.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zenbalancebookkeeping.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenbalancebookkeeping
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zenbalancebookkeeping
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zenbalancebookkeeping
• Other: https://www.krisvibesco.com