We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Heather Pierucki. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Heather below.
Heather , appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?
When I was working in non-profit, I was in a Director position leading a team of case managers, peer support specialists, and other mental health practitioners. During that time in leadership, external relationships were formed in so many capacities – I will forever be grateful for that role and the amazing people and agencies we partnered with in our community. However, when I put my notice in, the company quickly turned on me – and it was a long, arduous six month process in which I was told not to discuss my departure with anyone inside or outside of the company. I chose to defy instruction and speak to one of our external contractors about my frustration regarding the internal leadership. I was met with compassion, empathy, and a strong sense of support and togetherness from this person. This turned into my first contract upon the exit from my non-profit, and continues to be my strongest relationship six years later!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a licensed mental health counselor, and my focus is broad. While I specialize in the treatment of Severe and Persistent Mental Health, Substance Use, and Houselessness related disorders, one of my niches is working with executive level leaders on imposter syndrome. In my business, I offer one-on-one counseling, clinical supervision, consultation, and coaching. In our consultation, we offer assessment, training, strategic planning, conflict resolution, and team building/strategy.
I’m so incredibly proud of this business I have built. We offer solutions to our clients – and that, in itself, is solely focused on what our clients are asking for rather than what we are selling. I love this approach to work, and know that offering this perspective has led to brainstorming, creativity, and out-of-of-the-box approaches to client care. Some of my favorite conversations in our community have been about challenging current practices and changing the way we approach service to some of the most difficult populations.
I became a licensed counselor after a back lanai conversation with one of my best friends. It was pretty abrupt – though totally in line with my core values. He basically said “you know what? you’d be a great therapist!” and I enrolled in grad school a few months later. Never looked back!
I am super proud of being a female owned business and being the backbone of my family. There is no greater joy than providing for them!
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
My reputation was solely built on showing up exactly who I am. My nature is to caretake, so most of my “lessons” in my business have been around boundary setting and working to eliminate being taken advantage of. I built my relationships (the ones that currently help to sustain my business) solely on not compromising my character, showing up how I want to be treated, calling out bad behavior in the moment, when it happens, and trusting that when I authentically show up, my business grows in so many ways.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of clients for me is all word of mouth. Other than having a small social media presence, we have spent zero dollars on formal marketing. This says so much about how the business is run, how we show up, and how we stay connected to the clients we serve. It’s such an honor to get a phone call or email that says “hey, so and so recommended you!”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.heatherpierucki.com / www.changeworkshawaii.com
- Instagram: @changeworkshi
- Facebook: @changeworkshawaii
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-pierucki-4067a86/
Image Credits
Photog: @TommyPierucki