Persistence Is The Way - Terri E. Johnson

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in children's education & wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Terri Johnson, Founder & Author of Terri E. Johnson Clinical Consultative Services, LLC, located in Baltimore, MD, USA.

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

I am a private practice mental health therapist that is a children's book author. My storybook, Body Safety Zones (BSZ), coloring/activity book with the same title, and dolls are my "heart work," teaching children 8 years and under about their safety zones that no one should touch and more! My customers are parents, grandparents, therapists, teachers, and any stakeholder that believes the self-empowerment of children with education about body agency is an invaluable tool for the safety of our precious children.

Tell us about yourself

I befriended an interview at my community college, and after him listening to all of the things I wanted to do for my community and world suggested I reach the social work professional! I grew up in the inner city of East Baltimore and witnessed a lot of pain, trauma, and suffering, and I wanted to do something about it. I was motivated to partner with others to help them get to the other side of their pain that had hope and resilience for them. However, secretly, I always desired to be an author and reach a larger audience when it came to helping children from being abused and/or exploited, so I swallowed my fear and took a chance on my dreams to be an author and wrote my books in 2020! I"m motivated by wanting the best for others, especially children. It keeps me up at night sometimes how I can get my message out about how to protect our babies so that not another one of them has to know the horror of abuse/exploitation!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishments as a business are two things: my children's books and the Mrs. Rhoda Lee Jones Library lounge being opened (Summer 2023) in Accra, Ghana. To be able to leave an impactful and lasting legacy for generations to come makes my heart burst with joy whenever I think of it!

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

REJECTION, or should I say being ignored. I cannot express the numerous people that I have reached out to about my books to sell or even to give away that have broken their word about being supportive, passing the word, etc., or that have not even responded back to me!

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

1. Slay the imposter syndrome dragon! You are enough and have always been enough!
2. Surround yourself with dream makers and positive and forward-thinking individuals!
3. Know what you don't know; hire folks that do and are willing to push and take you to the next level!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://linktr.ee/persistenceistheWAY
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/persistencet1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/persistenceistheway/
Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3Y6XDxg
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/persistenceistheway

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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