Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. La-Toya Gaines, owner of Family Matters Counseling and Psychological Services, Inc., located in Southfield, MI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Family Matters Counseling provides mental health services to individuals, couples, and families, including children and teens. Our clients are predominately African American individuals who are seeking culturally competent mental health treatment. Our clients seek help adjusting to life changes, including separation or divorce, work stress, trauma, anxiety, and depression.
Tell us about yourself
When I was growing up, there seemed to be these unspoken rules about what children could and could not discuss or ask questions about. I often got into trouble as a child for breaking these unspoken rules. I felt angry and frustrated about it, but there was no one to talk to. So I became the person I needed as a child. The older I got and the more I learned about the stigma regarding mental health in the Black community, I thought that if more people could see themselves represented in the profession, they might be able to seek the help they needed as well. I love empowering individuals, especially women, to be more authentic and find their voice. I get excited watching people make connections and take action leading to the growth they desired but did not believe they could achieve. I get to be part of the change process for many people, and I know that helping one person allows me to touch many lives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has been scaling to a group practice. This required a great deal of planning and learning along the way. Choosing other clinicians who would be a good fit for my practice and the clients was very important to me. Having clinicians who really care and are invested in the client's growth was paramount, and creating a collegial workspace that leveraged our collective talents was also a priority.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner is all of the decisions are yours. You get credit for the great decisions, but you also get credit for the bad decisions. There's pressure to make decisions that consider what the business needs, what the clients need, and what your team needs.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get coaching or mentorship from someone who is doing what you ultimately want to do. They will be able to offer you sound advice based on their experiences. This is invaluable.
- Learn to delegate tasks. This will create the time and space you need to run your business more efficiently.
- Develop a niche when you are clear about who you serve and why others will begin to associate you with that niche and share that with others who could use your services.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://fmcounselingmichigan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drgainesspeaks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.latoyagainesspeaks/
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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