We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Erica Taylor Sanders a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Erica, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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.
When I first started Taylormade Counseling Services in 2015 I was 30 years old and had no idea what it took to run a business. What I had was work and educational experience that allowed me to interact with people of all races and economic statuses. That experience taught me time and time again about the disparities that exist in minority communities that prevent them from having access to services that could change the trajectory of their lives. A lot of the jobs that I had required me to go into people’s homes, and thus, I got a first-hand look into the challenges that families were experiencing. That experience made me want to take the risk to start my business. At the time when I told people that it would be virtual therapy, people thought I was crazy. In 2015, platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, etc., were not widely used in any industry and certainly not in the realm of therapy. People had an idea that they needed to go sit on a couch in from of a therapist to get help, but what about the people who did not have the transportation or means to get to where the couch was located? Those are the people that I had in mind and to me, they were worth the risk. So, I leaped and started the business as something that I did part-time. It was slow because I was fighting against people who did not believe in therapy due to cultural norms and they did not believe virtual could be beneficial. However, in 2020 when the pandemic hit the world, those who did not believe became believers. Business skyrocketed, and everyone had to try new things, including virtual therapy. Fast forward to 2024, we are still a thriving business with 4 therapists on staff, and we have helped thousands of people through our virtual training and therapy services. It was a big risk, but it has been so rewarding. I am happy that I took the leap.
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 Clinical Social Worker and the owner of Taylormade Counseling Services. We have provided online therapy for individuals, couples, and families for the past seven years. Our practice is based in Texas, and we serve people all over the state, encouraging them to heal, have hope, and be whole. The most exciting thing about what I do is to be a part of people’s journeys as a sounding board and encourager to live their best lives as healthy and whole individuals. I also get to spread awareness about the importance of mental health and help people access quality services conveniently. This past year we launched our nonprofit 501c3 to raise money for mental health services for those who may not otherwise be able to afford them. Our mission is to remove all barriers for individuals to access the mental health services that they need; a large part is helping with the financial burden.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I was raised to do everything that I do with excellence. Maintaining that standard with Taylormade Counseling has helped us to be successful in this market. We also pride ourselves on being affordable and easy to navigate for the client so that we can minimize issues to them getting the support that they need. We also love collaborating with other businesses to expand our reach and knowledge as we seek to spread more awareness about the importance of mental health.
Any advice for managing a team?
Be the type of person who cares about the individual as a whole not simply what they offer to the job. To manage a team with high morale I believe it starts with the leader. I have to lead in a way that is relational and creates a safe space for my team to come and get feedback and instruction. It is important to me that I show them appreciation frequently and encourage them to go after their dreams both personally and professionally. Doing this definitely helps us maintain a high morale.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.taylormadecfs.org
- Instagram: @taylormadecfs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taylormadecfs/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/erica-taylor-sanders-lcsw-s-6a584a35
Image Credits
@tyanadanae on IG