Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental health, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Taslim Alani-Verjee, the founder of Silm Centre for Mental Health, a mental health service in Canada.

Tell us all about your business...

We are a community-based and social justice oriented mental health practice. We seek to bring anti-oppression, cultural humility, and equity to everything we do. We offer trainings, workshops, individual and group therapy, and mental health assessments. One of the things that makes us unique is that we accept clients, regardless of what they can pay. We know that mental health services can be inaccessible for many reasons, including cost and finding a therapist who "gets you". By ensuring that cost is not a barrier, and through our team of racialized and/or marginalized therapists, our clients know that they have a place with us.

What's your background and motivation to grow as a business owner?

I knew that if I wanted to make a difference, I had to change the way things are done. This included promoting excellence in training and inclusivity amongst those I supervise. It also meant creating a community of people who are as passionate as I am about what we do so that we could have a larger impact together. And so, Silm Centre for Mental Health was founded. One of the things that I am feeling excited about these days is my training in Anti-Oppressive Leadership. It's trainings like this that allow change to continue to happen.

As an entrepreneur, what does success ultimately mean to you?

Having a team who is committed to the work that they do and the people they serve.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being an entrepreneur?

Figuring out how to spend my time. I am so passionate about the work I do that sometimes I find myself struggling to determine how my time is best spent. It is a great problem to have because there is always more to be done, and it is an excellent reminder to actively practice self-care and self-compassion.

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

1) Have an intention, a vision, and a plan. And, then get ready to go with the flow, and to adapt to opportunities, expectations, and disappointment;

2) Failure is just an opportunity to learn and improve. We all make mistakes and we will all "fail" at something. This doesn't mean we can't do it, it just means we were meant to learn something first;

3) Lean on your community. If you are excited about what you are doing, the people around you will get excited too. Let that excitement fuel you, guide you, and inspire you. And, when things are feeling hard, let your community in and channel their strength and resilience until you feel ready again.

Where can people find you online?

https://silmmentalhealth.com/
https://www.instagram.com/silm.mental.health/
https://www.facebook.com/silm.mental.health

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as an entrepreneur or business coach that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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