We were lucky to catch up with Chrystal Ojo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Chrystal, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s something crazy on unexpected that’s happened to you or your business

One of the most defining—and honestly, craziest—seasons of my entrepreneurial journey wasn’t a viral moment or a business win. It was launching my practice while caring for my late husband.

At the time, I wasn’t stepping into entrepreneurship from a place of strategy or ambition. I was navigating one of the most difficult seasons of my life—emotionally, mentally, and physically. I was showing up as a wife, a caregiver, and a professional, all while trying to hold everything together.

There were days I was managing patient care while also managing crisis at home. Nights where I was exhausted, grieving, and still responsible for building something that didn’t yet have a clear path forward. It didn’t feel like a bold business move—it felt like survival.

But somewhere in that process, something shifted.

What started as a career became a calling.

Sound Mind Health Services was born in adversity, and because of that, it was built differently. It wasn’t created from theory—it was created from lived experience. From understanding what it feels like to carry emotional weight while still having to function. From knowing what it means to need support and not always have it.

And I believe that’s where the strength of our work comes from.

We don’t approach people from a place of authority or distance. We don’t look down on the individuals we serve. Instead, we see pieces of ourselves in them—their struggle, their resilience, their humanity. And that relatability deepens our compassion and shapes how we show up every single day.

Looking back, that season was both exhausting and transformative. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I wasn’t just building a business—I was being shaped into the kind of leader who could build something that truly serves.

And today, that foundation continues to impact not just the growth of the organization, but the depth of care we’re able to provide.

Our organization wasn’t built in perfect conditions—it was built in the middle of real life. And that’s exactly why we’re able to meet people where they are.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner, entrepreneur, and speaker, and at the core of everything I do is a commitment to helping people heal, rediscover who they are, and live fully.

Interestingly, I didn’t set out to work in mental health—in fact, it was the last place I thought I’d be. Through a series of events, my first role as a nurse practitioner placed me in a mental health clinic. What I encountered there changed me.

I was exposed to the real, often overlooked experiences of individuals living with mental illness. Patients shared stories of feeling unseen and unheard—clinicians falling asleep during sessions, lack of eye contact, misdiagnoses, and care that felt disconnected and impersonal. At the same time, I began to recognize something deeper: the spiritual component that often goes unaddressed in mental health care.

Those experiences opened my eyes in a way I couldn’t reverse. I couldn’t unsee what I had seen. And that’s when my career became a calling.

I went on to found Sound Mind Health Services, an outpatient mental health practice designed to provide therapy and medication management in a way that honors the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. We serve individuals navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and emotional overwhelm, helping them not just function, but truly move forward.

In addition to my clinical work, I created Chrystal Speaks Life, my speaking and empowerment platform, where I work with women, organizations, and communities around issues of identity, mental health, and personal transformation. My core message—“Validation is for parking”—centers on helping people stop seeking external approval and start reclaiming their voice and their value.

What sets my work apart is the integration of lived experience, clinical expertise, and real-life application. I’m not just teaching concepts—I’ve lived through grief, identity shifts, and rebuilding. That allows me to connect with people in a way that feels real and relatable. I don’t approach people from a distance; I meet them where they are, with both understanding and practical tools they can actually use.

I’m especially proud of building a practice and a platform that were both born out of adversity but continue to create meaningful impact. Whether it’s a client finding stability and clarity, or a woman leaving one of my talks with the confidence to use her voice, the goal is always the same: transformation that lasts beyond the moment.

What I want people to know about me and my work is simple—this isn’t just about feeling better temporarily. It’s about doing the deeper work that leads to lasting change. I believe healing is possible, identity can be reclaimed, and people don’t have to stay stuck in the places they’ve been.

Because at the end of the day, my work isn’t just about mental health—it’s about helping people come back to themselves, use their voice, and live the life they were created for.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the most defining seasons of my life—and my resilience—came during the very time I launched my practice. My late husband was battling cancer, and our life quickly became a cycle of long drives between Michigan and Chicago for his treatment, all while caring for our young toddler. Out of necessity, I started the practice virtually so I could remain present for my family while still building something meaningful.

As his health declined, I found myself navigating the emotional weight of anticipatory grief while simultaneously trying to grow a business. Within that same year, my husband passed away, and I became a widow and single mother overnight. There was no pause button for grief—I was mourning, parenting, and leading a growing practice all at once.

Ironically, while one part of my life was unraveling, the business began to take off. In our first year, we generated six figures in revenue. From the outside, it may have looked like success—but behind the scenes, I was stretched incredibly thin. There were many moments where I questioned whether I could keep going.

What sustained me was my mission: to help people experience emotional freedom. That purpose, deeply rooted in my faith, gave meaning to my pain and kept me moving forward even in my darkest moments.

Today, that same practice has grown from a solo endeavor into a full team—including a COO, another psychiatric nurse practitioner, and multiple therapists. We’ve built strong community partnerships and now provide not only clinical services, but also workshops, trainings, and staff development across organizations. We currently serve patients in both Michigan and Ohio, with plans to expand nationally and globally.

Looking back, the most painful season of my life became one of the most purposeful. It didn’t break me—it refined me. And today, I’m grateful to be remarried, building a beautiful blended family with my daughter and two bonus sons, and continuing the work that was born out of both love and loss.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

One of the most important things I’ve learned about leading a team is that people don’t just want a job—they want to feel connected to something meaningful. I work very intentionally to ensure that every person on our team understands how their role ties directly to our mission. We are a mission-driven organization, and no one person is bigger than that mission. I regularly remind our staff that the work we do is not only impactful, but lasting—and in many ways, eternal. The truth is, we may never fully be able to measure the depth of the impact we have on people’s lives, but that’s what makes the work so meaningful.

I’m also very intentional about creating a culture of appreciation. I believe that recognition goes a long way in maintaining morale. Whether someone is in a visible role or working behind the scenes, I make it a point to celebrate everyone’s contributions equally. We hold a high standard of excellence, and every team member plays a part in upholding that standard.

Another key piece is fostering a “we” mentality. While I may be the face of the organization, I’m clear that nothing we do is accomplished alone. Our success is the result of the collective effort of the entire team, and I make sure that’s consistently acknowledged.

Communication is also critical—especially during challenging seasons. I believe in being transparent and proactive so that no one is left to fill in the gaps on their own. When things are difficult, we face it together. And when things are going well, we celebrate together.

Finally, I am constantly casting vision. People feel more engaged and motivated when they understand where they’re going and why it matters. When your team can see the bigger picture and know they’re a part of building something greater than themselves, it naturally strengthens morale and deepens their commitment to the work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://soundmindhealthservices.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundmindhs/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundMindHealthServices
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrystal-harris-ojo-agpcnp-bc-pmhnp-bc-msn-ccm-b201674/