I love bloggers who run their own businesses so I couldn’t have this series without including my good time friend! We’ve collaborated in the past so you may recognize her from my previous mental health post. But let’s get right into the interview…
My name is Krystal Jackson. I am a licensed therapist and lifestyle mental wellness blogger in CT. I currently work full-time and started my private practice, Simply Being Wellness Counseling one year ago.
When did you get bit by the entrepreneurial bug? Or did you start your business off as a hobby?
I think I have always considered starting a business but was not previously clear on what kind of business that would be. A couple years ago, I got the itch to begin a blog to discuss mental health topics and share the behind the scenes of my life as a therapist and my own healing. I built my blog website, listened to many podcasts, and began to document my journey. Over the course of a year, I realized I wanted to assist other helping professionals on their healing journey and that’s how the idea to start a private practice began.
Tell us about your purpose with your business.
My business assists women and helping professionals conquer their self-imposed limits and empower them towards a more fulfilling life. I ask them to consider what would happen if they released self-judgment, became present, and started on a healing journey. I believe we spend much of our adult lives trying to undo the toxic habits, beliefs, and societal standards that were placed on us as children. My purpose is to help my clients to learn what it means to release and simply be. To me, simply being is taking the time to learn about yourself, to reflect on who you are, what you desire, and grant yourself some grace for the times you made a choice not to honor yourself.
What does being a woman of color mean to you? How does this if any affect your current business?
Being a Black woman is my super power. I am so proud to have been born a Black woman and to be a part of an era that celebrates the Black woman. I am one of the “2.4 million Black women-owned businesses” that Forbes listed in an article last year. That makes me excited to see how the number of Black women owned businesses has increased in recent years. We aren’t selling our ideas; we are finding ways to get our ideas out into the world. I believe there is no one more tenacious than a Black woman. We can make a gourmet meal out of a few ingredients. lol.
As far as my business, I have noticed many of the clients who call me or choose to engage in treatment with me are people of color. I am happy to have a space where people of color can feel safe and feel accepted. With respect to my White counterparts, there are some experiences and cultural differences that cannot be taught. I can’t count how many times I have heard from a client or referral source that they are “glad to have found a Black therapist”. Many people of color have a preference to be treated by someone who looks like them and having a therapist of color as an option means they may be more likely to seek help.
What’s the most fulfilling part about being an entrepreneur during a time where women are deciding to stand out as a subculture with movements like “Me too” and “Women in Politics”?
I would say it’s good to know I have support. There are so many women I can seek and have sought for support and guidance as I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey. There is a sense of empowerment and confidence during this time.
What has been the biggest change in your specific industry since you’ve started?
There has been more of a push to offer services without being connected to an insurance company. Healthcare is a field where insurance companies determine how much care a person needs based on if they meet certain symptomology and how chronic or severe the symptoms may be. Therefore, if a practitioner agrees to be on a panel with an insurance company, that company decides the course of treatment ie. How many sessions would be approved, how much they will reimburse for a service. Also, a patient must carry a mental health diagnosis to be approved for services by the insurance company. Many therapists are choosing to forego being paneled for the above mentioned reasons and to charge for services as private pay. Most importantly, having a private pay business allows treatment to be dictated by the client and the therapist. I currently am paneled with one insurance company but the majority of my clients currently choose to pay out of pocket. Also, teletherapy (or virtual therapy) is becoming more popular.
What has been your biggest challenge thus far in business? Was this your first go around with Simply Being Wellness Counseling?
My biggest challenge has been growing my caseload. Admittedly, I was working several jobs and growing my personal blog at the same time so my practice was not a priority. Once I took some time to reflect on my goals for the practice and began putting my efforts into marketing, I have seen an increase in the amount of calls and referrals I receive.
What are you most proud of within your business?
I would say I am most proud that I started and continue to learn as I go. Despite distractions and life events, I continue to have the drive to see this through. I envision Simply Being Wellness Counseling will be a helpful resource in the central CT area and beyond.
Living in a digital age we are constantly reminded about our counterparts and competitors; how do you handle these reminders? How do you stave off imposter syndrome?
Honestly, I spent all of 2018 consumed with imposter syndrome. I knew it was happening and was the result of my social media consumption. At the end of 2018, I made the decision to limit how much I consumed and shifted my focusing to being intentional with creating useful content. I now shift my mindset to see my peers as inspirational, instead of competition. I have made so many connections with therapists all over the US because of Instagram and Facebook. I have also found it helpful to share my feelings with others. I have been validated and given helpful advice from some of my peers, many of whom I have never met in person. We speak through DM’s, emails, and Facebook groups. Making the mindset shift from consuming to producing has been helpful.
What has been the best tool you’ve used, whether it be book, inspirational figure, digital service, program etc., that has really helped you in the entrepreneurial world?
I recently joined a mastermind group specifically for therapists who are new to private practice or seeking to start a practice. I also listen to podcasts daily to learn new tips and tools to grow, market, and manage my practice. A few of my favorite podcasts are: Abundance Practice, Therapy for Black Girls, Practice of the Practice, and The Therapist Experience. I also enjoy learning from other business owners like Jereshia Hawk, Maya Elious, Nicole Walters, Dave Ramsey, and Christy Wright.
What can we expect from Simply Being Wellness Counseling in the near future? Any new business goals and ventures? How can my readers keep up with your journey?
I hope to grow the practice and expand with other clinicians within the next two years. I want to have other clinicians who have different specialties and available hours. I am expanding my brand as a speaker where I share topics on starting a healing journey, self-care for the helping professional, and healthy boundaries. I will have my first therapist mixer, an idea brought to life with the help of another local CT therapist. We want to help therapists and other wellness professionals network by providing curated events and opportunities to build connections. You can keep up with the practice at www.simplybeingcounseling.com or on Instagram at Simply Being Counseling. You can follow my journey at www.simplybeingkryssie.com. If you are looking to make an appointment, you can email me at krystal@simplybeingcounseling.com
Share a few encouraging words with a fellow woman of color who is seeking to start her own business but is weary due to the oppression she may feel.
Just do it! You have to believe the business you are stating will make a difference. I know it sounds cliché but when you understand you’re why, you gain clarity on the purpose and potential impact of your business. I didn’t realize how creative I could be until I started my blog and business. I know there is someone out there who wants to hear your voice and will connect with the product or service you have to offer. And when you find yourself questioning your judgment or sanity, know that is all a part of the process.
In the words of Madam CJ Walker, “Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.”
Thank you so much for sharing with us Krystal. It is always a pleasure having a familiar face back on the blog. We are certain the growth of your business will be exponential!
Be sure to check out our previous interviews here.
Bonita says
Love this! ❤️❤️
Charmaine says
So happy for all you’d accompliahments and all that God has in store for you!