Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Griffin Smith, Founder of Totus Intuor Counseling & Consulting, located in Loganville, GA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Totus Intuor Counseling & Consulting provides counseling for individuals, couples, and families with the aim of improving mental health by improving relationships. We also provide consulting to organizations on developing cultures aligned with their people, as well as clinical supervision in relational therapy for counselors interested in developing a more relational practice.

Tell us about yourself

Through my work as a clinical social worker, I found myself encountering the same problem time and time again, regardless of the setting. Even for organizations whose aim was to support others, there was a surprising removal or disregard for the very things that make humans human - basic awareness or recognition of things like emotional experiences of others, alternative perspective, and intentionality seemed egregiously under-valued, or in some cases, completely absent. I believe that learning and understanding in this way are essential for relationships of any sort to function well. And because I believe relationships are integral to human life everywhere, at least in some capacity, I started my own business, Totus Intuor Counseling & Consulting, which dedicated itself to putting relational health and wellness front and center. I came to understand there is a word for awareness of these very human qualities, and that word is mentalization. In all of my work, whether clinical or consultation, I aim to shine a spotlight on how one's mentalizing is functioning and work with them to improve it - I truly believe that improving our relational wellness dramatically improves our overall wellness.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I believe my biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been my ability to be a part of others' lives in a manner that is meaningful. Notwithstanding the attention that is given to relationships, having my own business has afforded me the ability to work with people without contingencies or significant limitations. In my mind, there is value beyond words when a space is created for someone else where they feel truly empowered in an ability to direct energies towards what motivates them.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Baked into the experience of owning a business is constantly being faced with a learning curve - Decisions must be made and action taken in a multitude of areas that you may or may not have experience or expertise in, but the responsibility is inherited for being informed on them, regardless. Although this can feel empowering, it can also feel quite vulnerable.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

I would encourage anyone that has a passion and vision for owning their own business to go for it, but always be taking stock of both your resources and barriers. No two entrepreneurs will share the same set of circumstances, but to the extent possible for you: develop a savings plan, utilize any and all resources available to you, and never stop connecting with others...networking is invaluable.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.totusintuor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075946463725
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffin-smith-lcsw-41b2b724/

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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