Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Shaneika Smith, Co-Founder of Sweetgrass Counseling & Consultation, LLC., located in Cordova, TN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My name is Dr. Shaneika Smith, and I am the co-founder of Sweetgrass Counseling and Consultation- a mental health wellness practice in Memphis, TN. We provide coaching, therapy, and professional development services to individuals, couples, families, businesses, and organizations.
Tell us about yourself
When I was in elementary school, I actually wanted to be a lawyer, so it's evident that I always wanted to advocate for people. When I was in middle school, I can recall watching a television interview with my mom where a black woman was talking about being a child psychiatrist. I had never considered this occupation, but my mom observed how easy it was for me to connect with children. I am so thankful that she was observant of my gifts, and I had never heard a black woman talking about wanting to become a therapist. I was really committed to the idea after that. I majored in Psychology at the University of South Carolina and really loved all of the classes. After college, I was offered a job in my field in Memphis, TN. It was a job at a group home with you. Although I loved the adolescent population, I learned very quickly that I wanted to work more on the preventative side of their care. I went back to school and obtained my Master's degree in School Counseling; after a number of years working in that field, I realized that youth mental health is contingent on the adults that care for them. I went back to school to obtain my doctorate and also take the classes necessary for licensure. After graduation and licensure, I opened my practice with my co-worker/friend, and we committed to providing services that support the full mental health wellness spectrum. I am extremely proud of where we are and how we turned our HEART work into a business.
My clients motivate me daily. Balancing the emotions of so many clients, business operations, and your personal life can be extremely hard- but then something awesome will happen in a session, and I am reminded about why I committed to doing this. We provide a safe space for some people that have never had a safe space. I take that very seriously, and it motivates me to expand my learning and keep going.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner definitely knew when to say no and how to create boundaries. When you first start a business, there can be a lot of fear around keeping the doors open, so sometimes you take all of the opportunities that come your way to be able to pay yourself and keep the business going. Early on, we learned that we have to have criteria for the clients that we want to work with. We also have to have the bandwidth to provide quality services. The words/phrases "no" and "not right now" are very powerful. It is ok to use them as a business owner and choose clients, organizations, or businesses that you align with.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is that it is hard turning off being a business owner. I think that you are always thinking of ways to make things better, ways to expand, and tasks that need to happen. When you are an owner, your business is your baby, so it can be hard to unplug. Admittedly, I am still trying to figure this out because I am an owner as well as the only therapist on staff. I try to engage in self-care activities and other things that allow me to have a work-life balance.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do not try to do ALL of the things in your field. Find a niche, get good at it, and stay there!
- Hire a CPA! Just because you are an expert in your field does not mean that you are an expert at business. Do not be afraid to outsource.
- Get a mentor or become a part of a group with business owners in your field. Listen, ask questions, learn from them, and obtain support!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.sweetgrasscac.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetgrassCAC/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetgrasscac/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sweetgrasscac/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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