We recently connected with Chanell Hill and have shared our conversation below.

Chanell , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Speaking out about my own struggles with mental health. Concurrent with mental health issues in the black community and church was one of the biggest risk I’ve ever taken. Growing up we are often told “just pray about it “, “Ain’t nothing wrong with you! Or “what happens in this house stays in this house”. Statistically, the black community suffers from mental health concerns. I remember feeling like things weren’t okay with me but now knowing how to get help. I would pray about it but I was still struggling. My bouts with anxiety lead me to counseling for the first time in college. However, it wasn’t until I relocated to Chicago in 2012 that I really started therapy consistently and started to speak out more publicly. I took a risk in breaking the silence and ending stigma. I’m so thankful I took this risk because I was able to help so many others. I co-founded Chicago Mental Wellness Fair. Started my own private practice Teen and Co Wellness along with facilitating workshops, speak engagements and so much more.

Chanell , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Chanell Hill but my friends calling me Nelly. I am a proud Californian. I relocated to Chicago to complete my graduate studies in 2012. Currently I reside in Texas, back and forth between Houston and Dallas. An avid world traveler, I also like to skate, binge watch my favorite shows, hang with my friends/family, dance, workout and singalong to R&B music in the mirror. My faith is extremely important to me and I’m so thankful God and his faithfulness in my life. My profession as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker(LCSW) included owner my own private mental health practice for teen, Teen and Co Wellness and Consulting PLLC. As well as a full-time high school mental health counselor. I also tell folks I didn’t go to school to be a therapist and work with adolescents. My life experiences and struggles with mental illness brought me here. Now it is my purpose to end the stigma, break the silence while creating safe spaces for teens to thrive. It something I wish I had as a teen and young adult struggling with anxiety, depression and PTSD. However, I am grateful for my journey and strive to continue to educate while walking in my wholeness as an individual. I am proud of my accomplishments but I am nowhere near done yet. As a mental health professional and black woman I know we still have a ways to go in our community.

Let’s talk M&A – we’d love to hear your about your experience with buying businesses.

Starting Teen and Co was no easy feat. I struggled with fear and excuses for so long. But if there’s anything I could share, it’s to be like Nike and “just do it”. Register that LLC and go forward. The great thing is that there are so many resources. Social media can be your friend. Look for different groups for the business you want to start. Ask questions. There may be people in there that are willing to help.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the lessons of thinking entirely to hard and being in my head. Self-doubt can be your biggest enemy. My faith and therapy helped me overcome my fears. I had to fight to walk in my light and my abilities not comparing myself to anyone else,

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.teenandcowellness.com
• Instagram: @teenandcowellness
• Facebook: Teen and Co Wellness and Consulting PLLC
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/chanell-hill-lcsw-s-a5800410a

Image Credits
Chanell Hill Camille Percy