Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Shelley . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Ashley , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Leap and trust that you will soar…

Friday July 31, 2020 I clearly heard my higher self whisper to me that it was time to be a full time private practice therapist. This was followed by the nudge to submit my 30 day notice to my current part time job. I remember clearly asking myself aloud, “Completely private practice by the end of August?” This was an interesting place to be mentally and emotionally as I felt very sure of what I needed to do while also being very present in my current reality. Firstly, the world was collectively processing a global pandemic as well as the ever evolving impact. Secondly, I was still processing the trauma of experiencing a real live tornado and everything involved. Thirdly, how was I to support myself and family financially. The part time job was intended to be the transition time from a full time position into private practice, a much needed learning space so I thought. Needless to say, I had some questions about this major risk that I was feeling urged to take.

I trusted myself and submitted a letter of notice to human resources on Monday August 3, 2020. My thought was that since I felt so strongly about this decision that it must be the right thing for me to do. By extension of this, the way that I envisioned my life as a private practice therapist at age 11 must be about to reveal itself. There was an immense amount of much needed optimism, excitement, enthusiasm, and naivety. Fully prepared to do the hard work and reap the harvest. Oh goodness, I had set myself up for the surprise of my life. The hard work that I was prepared to lean into presented itself in ways that I was absolutely not expecting. The hard work on and for Self that yields the desired external outcomes; the work that gives you the opportunity to see your vision unfold in the form in which it was meant.

Taking the risks to listen to and follow my inner guidance was the precursor to leaping into private practice as well as entrepreneurism. Being a business owner was not my focus or initial desire, it was however a part of the risk taking. Though it is and has been a complex experience, it has also been one of the most meaningful experiences in my life thus far. I have grown and developed as a professional and most importantly to me, as a person. In addition to mental health therapy, I now offer yoga, guided mediation, and tarot as supportive practices as well. My business is thriving and flourishing and so am I.

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?

A good place to start is around age 11, the first time that I watched Holly Robinson-Pete portray a psychotherapist on a television sitcom with a majority black lead cast. I recall this being the first significant impression of “a therapist” and how therapy works. After seeing this, I knew then that it was what I was going to do. I would become a therapist, “become” being the operative word here. Not losing sight of this innate desire is a big part of who I am and how I practice as a clinician. In whatever capacity that I show up with a client, I am intentional of making space for their unique journey and the individualized impact of the experiences. This sets me and the sustainable client outcomes apart form any other provider.

I am uniquely myself, I am Melanin & Mindfulness and that is enough.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

If I could go back I would choose the same profession with a different outlook. I originally desired to be psychologist and was on an academic track to do so. After undergrad, I work indirectly in my field as an early childhood education teacher, this time and experience open pathways for me to be introduced to the grad school that I attended. The program that interest me was that of mental health counseling which places emphasis on developing talk therapists.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What helped me build my reputation, past and present, is sincere networking. Wherever I show up, I present myself to colleagues, potential clients, and all others alike. I am my brand consistently in connection and conversation. This sustainable practice has proven to be effective as well as authentic.

Contact Info:

• Website: meandmiwellness.com
• Instagram: @meandmi_wellness
• Facebook: Mindful Ashley