Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michelle and Destinee Johnson, Founders of Long Live Tony Johnson Jr Inc., located in Killeen, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Long Live Tony Johnson Jr Inc. is a non-profit organization created in honor of our little brother (16), whom we lost to suicide. Our purpose is to spread Mental Health Awareness and to promote Suicide Prevention by assisting individuals with costs associated with therapy/counseling appointments, providing resources to individuals who do not know where to go for help, provide scholarships to recent high school grads and college students who struggle with mental health, and break the stigmas associated with Mental Health and educate individuals by attending events and community outreach/engagement. We run solely on donations and through the purchases of our Mental Health Awareness Merchandise. Our intent is to assist those struggling with mental health or their loved ones; essentially, we are here for all! #MyMentalMatters #YourMentalMatters #EveryonesMentalMatters
Tell us about yourself
#LLTJJR was established in 2020 by sisters Michelle and Destinee Johnson. When we lost our brother, our family was not educated nor equipped on how to handle situations when a loved one is struggling with their mental health. With our grief, we decided to create this organization to promote Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention through social media. From there, our passion grew, and we knew our community needed more resources to help others and break the stigma. Every day people either reach out to us for guidance or to even share their stories on how much we impacted them and let them know they were not alone. We want to do our best to prevent others from families from going through a tragic loss like ours. Saving just one life in our brother's name is all the motivation we need to keep going each day!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Aside from officially becoming a non-profit organization, our biggest accomplishment is the impact we make on each individual who purchases our gear or utilizes our resources! Reaching thousands of people from all over the nation and breaking the stigmas associated with Mental Health one day at a time.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest part of running a non-profit organization is always the need for "more." There is a gap in finding qualified holistic therapists with availability, gaining access to funds, and navigating the breakthrough needed to make a change in the world. Either way, we are determined and will continue to strive to make a change!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Though we are learning day by day what it takes to run a business, we would say JUST DO IT! Let your fears go, and let your passion take over. The rest will follow. Stay true to your vision and always be your biggest cheerleader. Stand behind your brand, and don't let anybody else tell you otherwise.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Don't forget your Mental Matters!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://lltjjr.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LLTJJR/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lltjjr/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lltjjr
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lltjjr/
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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