Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jelysa Deserio, Founder of Take 2 Counseling & Coaching, located in Parlin, NJ, USA.

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

Take 2 counseling & Coaching provides mental health services for individuals struggling with various stressors and challenges in NJ. We are licensed therapists ready to listen and help our clients build on strategies to improve personal growth. We believe in the capacity to grow because we are lucky enough to see our clients do it every day. You can reach us at 732.365.3933 or info@take2counselingnj.com.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Jelysa. While I reflect on the growth of Take 2, as the daughter of a therapist, I realize how the social and emotional skills needed to provide effective therapy were instilled in my life daily. I followed in my mother's footsteps because she is resilient and compassionate and continues to teach me the importance of restoration through mistakes. I learned the value of connection, the importance of relationships, and finding a balance in the midst of chaos. Take 2 counseling was created in 2018 as a result of recognizing the need to provide a place where individuals can feel safe to communicate as they learn the importance of resiliency during their most challenging moments. All individuals are multi-dimensional and have their own unique stories. We have a passion for collaboratively working with our clients to become the best version of themselves.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I began providing in-person therapeutic services through my private practice in a small office in 2018. The business grew gradually but took a difficult turn during COVID in 2020. Maintaining my caseload and seeing clients virtually was difficult in the beginning, but the need for services at this time was prevalent and apparent. I continued to meet with my clients virtually during this time, but it was something I was not used to. I wasn't sure if telehealth therapy would offer the same kind of connection my clients and I were used to. Teletherapy offered flexibility and a different, yet important, connection for my clients. I continue to meet with clients virtually, and the business continues to grow. Take 2 is now a much larger space, with eight contractors meeting with clients in person and through telehealth. I am so glad Take 2 has been able to provide a safe place for clients with various challenges looking for both virtual and in-person appointments.

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

The biggest challenge for me is limiting myself from taking on new clients when I know I am feeling burnt out. It can be difficult to run on an empty battery; therefore, I have to make sure I am taking care of myself in order to provide the best therapeutic services I can. Also, we receive numerous calls from clients looking for late appointments, and it pains me when we do not have availability.

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

The top three tips I would give to anyone looking into starting and growing a business would be:

  1. Do your research and continue to learn. Collaborate with other like-minded individuals and decide what direction you see yourself going towards.
  2. Develop a niche. It is important to stand out when providing a service, and expertise speaks.
  3. Believe in yourself. When doubts and imposter syndrome start to creep up, challenge them with your past accomplishments. Visualize yourself sitting on the top of the mountain and asking yourself what you need in order to get there. Remember, growth takes time, and building a successful business needs to be your baby. You can do it!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.take2counselingnj.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TAKE2counselingNJ/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/take2counselingnj/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jelysa-deserio-a3889b132/

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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