Q – Please give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
A – We are Independence Counseling and Psychological Services. Our office in Howell, Michigan opened in March 2020, with the goal of opening other locations in the future. We specialize in the treatment of mild to moderate symptoms of depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief and loss, behavioral issues, and trauma. We provide treatment to all ages of individuals, from children to elderly adults.
Q – Please give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
A – I am a licensed clinical psychologist, certified as a cognitive behavioral therapist with specialized training in humanistic psychology. I graduated with my doctorate in 2011 and have worked in a variety of mental health settings. I began the process of opening a private practice in September 2019, and saw it come to fruition in March 2020. It is my greatest career achievement to date, with only room to grow!
Q – What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
A – My husband and I decided to open a private practice after deciding to join a networking group. I was working for a large hospital system at the time, with no plans of leaving until 2026. When the opportunity to join this group was presented, we decided to take a chance on opening our own business. The networking group provided most of the supports I needed to start a small business, including office space, phone lines and internet, marketing, website design, and more. It was too good of an opportunity to pass up.
Q – What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
A – Do not be afraid to take a chance.
→ Have faith in yourself and your expertise.
→ Do not wait until you think you are ready!
Q – What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
A – Recognizing when professional help is needed
→ Staying organized
→ Hard work
Q – How many hours do you work a day on average?
A – 9-10
Q – To what do you most attribute your success?
A – Resiliency
Q – Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
A – My husband and I invested personal funds and we also took a line of credit that allowed 18 months interest free
Q – What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
A – Going into to business for yourself
Q – Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
A – I see our practice having multiple locations, offering a variety of holistic and mental health services
Q – Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
A – Costco: they take care of their employees and have great customer service
Q – How important have good employees been to your success?
A – So far it is just me, but a great support is crucial to a successful business
Q – How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
A – I will let you know when that happens
Q – What motivates you?
A – Rum runners at Zukey Lake
Q – What are your ideals?
A – Happy people work harder: from employees to spouses
Q – How do you generate new ideas?
A – Conversation with others; talking out loud helps me to see more clearly and get other perspectives
Q – How do you define success?
A – The ability to give to others, whether that is time, treasure, or talent
Q – How do you build a successful customer base?
A – Quality services and presence in the community
Q – What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
A – The opportunities are endless
Q – What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
A – Being ready to expand and contract other therapists to join my practice
Q – What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else
A – Maybe fear of failing; it is risky and scary going out on your own
Q – What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
A – I am hoping to cultivate a culture of diversity, respect, and confidence in craft
Q – In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
A – Exciting!
Q – If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
A – Start private practice immediately after graduating
Q – How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
A – My husband is my business partner. Opening the business has brought us together more than we were before. He stepped up in our home life when I had to step down
Q – What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
A – Probably heights: I manage it by always challenging my fear
Q – How did you decide on the location for your business?
A – We did not pick the location, it picked us!
About: Helping You Discover Your Independence. Independence Counseling & Psychological Services offers cognitive behavioral & humanistic therapy to adolescents, adults, & families struggling with a variety of mental health issues. Treatment is focused on mild to moderate symptoms of depression, anxiety, grief & loss, behavioral problems, life transitions, & trauma. Make an appointment today.
Address: 809 E. Grand River Ave., Suite B
City: Howell
State: MI
Zip Code: 48843
Tel No: (517) 376-3002
E-mail Id: info@icounselingmi.com
