We recently connected with Aja Evans and have shared our conversation below.

Aja, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

They really instilled in me the confidence to feel like I could go after the things I wanted. Of course, everything I try or do may not always work out, but I will always know that i tried and don’t have to wonder what if.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor aka therapist- speaker, and consultant specializing in financial therapy. With over a decade of experience in mental health, I have made it a pillar in my work to help others feel supported in their financial journeys. I know all too well what it means to be confused and stuck in your feelings about money. I was there too.

I came to this work after realizing how crappy I felt about money and myself when I was spending too much when I first got to New York City. I was curious to know why others werent talking about money or how they felt about it. So I committed to assisting people navigate the intersection of mental health and all things “money.” I am currently, writing my debut book, But I Only Got Water. In addition to my practice, I consult to FinTech companies looking to integrate the emotional side of money.  I have been quoted in major news outlets such as The New York Times, Bloomberg, CNBC, and NerdWallet. Coined the “feel good financial therapist,” I am on a mission to get more people engaged in living their best life while attuning to their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors around money.

When I am not encouraging people to talk openly about their emotions and money, you can find her chasing after her two young children or looking into the next delicious place to eat.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Previously, I didnt really know the importance of networking. When I was solely functioning in the mental health space there isn’t a lot of emphasis placed on networking. I looked at it only as a vehicle to personal brand awareness for my career or for sending referrals. Through the years I learned that it is so important to not only show up for yourself, but potentially for other people. I was reminded that there are times when you feel like you need help and there are times when you are actually there to help another person. You have to be open to both.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

I would! I wish I had found financial therapy sooner, but only because I love it so much. I knew I wanted to be a therapist when I was about 12 years old. In true Virgo fashion, I had mapped out how long it would take me to be able to function and work as a licensed mental health counselor. I did make it all happen! Currently, I am dealing with how to show up for my self, my business, and my family in a way that feels good to me when they all feel urgent.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ajaevanscounseling.com
• Instagram: @ajaetherapy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaevans/
• TikTok: @ajaetherapy