Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Kennette Thigpen Harris, CEO of Welltrust Partners, located in Raleigh, NC, USA.

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

My business is Welltrust Partners. As a mental health expert, I assist companies in creating mental health strategies for their organization. In addition, I conduct keynote presentations on mental health as well as provide training and workshops to assist companies in finding a balance between a cognitive culture and an emotional culture of an organization. My customers are organizations who are committed to improving the wellbeing and mental health of their employees.

Tell us about yourself

I got started in business due to my love for people and wanting to make massive impacts on the lives of people. Cliche, maybe, but true. I have worked in the human service and behavioral health arena my entire life. However, it was when I started working in corporate settings that I observed the impacts of workplace stress - whether self-induced or due to unrealistic job demands and lack of resources. Not only did I notice it, but I experienced it.

After attempting to be superwoman, working around the clock, managing unrealistic work demands, and not prioritizing myself, I found myself in the hospital due to STRESS. I found out very quickly that the very thing that I was holding onto was silently killing me – literally. All because of stress. I often wonder what other things people are holding on to that are silently killing them. It could be a job/business, relationship, life event, or finances.

During this pivotal moment, I made a vow to merge my expertise as an International Psychologist and Clinical Social Worker, working with individuals and corporations from around the globe, with my personal experience with mental health challenges to impact the lives of others - especially those in the corporate space. I do this through my business, Welltrust Partners.

I am motivated by seeing the impact that raising awareness, reducing stigma, and offering effective resources can have on individuals. It works! I have seen what the ability to cope and have hope can do. Look at me; I am living proof.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is sustaining and thriving. It’s interesting because most people give up before they even get started. It’s about taking massive action and being committed to doing something toward your goal each day. When you say “Yes” to your purpose, it becomes a little easier to align your to-do’s with your daily task and routine.

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

When I think of this question, I think of several things. One of the hardest things that can come with being a business owner is protecting and prioritizing your mental health. I was once told that you could do anything, but you can’t do everything. As business owners, especially in the beginning, we wear multiple hats attempting to do everything. We work long hours. We stress out over how to make “it” work. So much so that we forget about our mental health. To be honest, some individuals don’t have effective coping skills to manage their stress as they view events in their life as one-offs. Not to mention that when stress goes unaddressed, it leads to anxiety and depression and puts our physical health at risk. So as business owners, it is imperative that we find a healthy life-work balance. Yes, I said life-work instead of work-life because it’s about managing your life first so that you are able to work and serve others.

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

  1. The Power of Networking – You often hear that it’s lonely at the top as a business owner, but it doesn’t have to be. As you start a business or grow a business, you need others; you need connections. Business cannot be done in a silo. Don’t be afraid just to ask. Most people want to help, especially when you are doing something to help. Now, we don’t ask because of pride, fear, or rejection. I must admit, in the beginning, I was a little miss independent. I thought that I could do this all on my own, and I was going nowhere fast. When I was put in positions where I had to connect with others and just ask, doors opened, and I experienced massive growth in my business. So put the pride aside and make that connection!
  2. Take Care of your Mental Health - Being a business owner can be stressful. And when stress goes unaddressed, it can lead to anxiety, depression, and physical health risk. As you take care of your mental health, understand your energy gains and your energy drains. What are the things that give you energy, and what are the things that drain your energy? The things that give you energy, how do you find ways to do more of that? The things that drain your energy, how do you find ways to delegate, eliminate or reduce them? Remember to also embrace all of your emotions – the ones that feel absolutely amazing and the ones that are a little more challenging. Remember, emotions are information – step in and embrace or leave and release.
  3. Build Your Resilience Muscle – Oftentimes, we are taught that resilience is the ability to bounce back after an adverse event, which is true. It is also the ability to have a growth mindset and find the lessons and silver linings in challenging or traumatic events. As a business owner, challenges are going to come. I wish I could tell you that there wouldn’t be any challenges, but that would be a lie. During these challenging times, remind yourself that you get to choose and decide what your next decision will be. It’s about understanding what is within your control and what is outside of your control. When you are a business owner, keep in mind that the path of least resistance is not always the best path to take. Sometimes the path of most resistance is the path to take, and oh, the lessons and blessings that you will find.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.drkennette.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrKennetteThigpen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_kennette_thigpen/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkennettethigpen/

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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