How Can I Help?
I help small business owners and entrepreneurs focus on what they do best by taking the stress of financial organization and visual branding off their plates.
As your dedicated bookkeeping partner, I transform chaotic paperwork into clear financial insights that help you make confident business decisions. My design services create cohesive visual identities that make your business instantly recognizable across all platforms—from business cards to social media.
My unique combination of financial precision and creative design means you get a partner who understands both the analytical and visual sides of your business. Whether you need ongoing bookkeeping support, updated social media pages, or a brand refresh, I'm here to simplify these essential business functions.
I founded Balance & Create with flexibility at its core—both for my clients and my family. As someone who helps care for multiple aging parents while balancing work and home life, I deeply understand the importance of adaptable support systems. This personal experience drives my commitment to providing responsive, understanding service that works with your schedule, not against it.
When I'm not helping businesses thrive, you'll find me exploring Montana's beautiful outdoors—hiking mountain trails, enjoying family camping trips, or rafting down our scenic rivers. My creative passion extends to textile arts, where the same attention to detail I bring to your finances and branding takes form in handcrafted works.
Who is Kristy Makela?
Excellent question! I was born and raise in North Central Montana. My Dad used to tell us that if we went any further north, we’d be in the south. Confusing for a child, but Southern Alberta was very close. I am second oldest of eight (read “thrives in chaos” and over 20 people call me Aunt. The best thing I ever did was parent - I have 2.5 amazing adult children (.5 is my step-daughter of 17 years - not her mom, but one of her parents).
I have driven trucks, retouched portraits, sold clothes, and worked as a title clerk at a used car lot. More recently I managed social media accounts, designed packaging, created forms, and traveled across Montana and the Western United States promoting the Montana business that my Dad and a couple other fellas built from scratch. Those original owners are now retiring and have sold their business. I started Balance & Create because I wanted to help other Montana businesses fill the spaces that lie outside the owner’s area of expertise.
You want the freedom to build and sustain your own business - I want mine to be instrumental in your growth. Being independent is great! But we all need a helping hand from time to time.
Skills Section
Bookkeeping & Financial Organization
QuickBooks Online (QBO)
Brand Identity Design
Adobe Creative Suite (20+ years Photoshop experience)
Canva
Mailchimp
Logo Creation & Visual Branding
Social Media & Etsy Shop Design
I bring over two decades of experience with Adobe Photoshop and proficiency in modern tools like QuickBooks Online and Canva to ensure both your financial records and visual branding are handled with expert care. I am currently a Certified Intuit QuickBooks Level 1 ProAdvisor, working on Level 2. But I think my most important skill is that I listen and I care - I want you to succeed! Can I do anything to help?
