We recently connected with Iyana Anderson and have shared our conversation below.

Iyana, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Looking back, what’s an important lesson you learned at a prior job?

Throughout my career in social work, there were countless instances where I found myself stretched thin. Being a passionate and eager new social worker, I often put my clients’ needs before my own, and as a result, I became all too familiar with burnout. One particular role, about four years into my career, taught me a valuable lesson about self-care.

I vividly recall stepping into this new role, a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Little did I know I was about to face a unique challenge. Amidst a global pandemic, the team I joined experienced a sudden turnover, leaving me as the sole staff member within weeks of starting. Driven by my unwavering determination, I embraced the challenge head-on. However, as time passed, burnout crept in. The initial joy and excitement for a profession I loved so dearly faded away. I found myself mentally, physically, and spiritually drained, struggling to maintain my overall well-being.

It was a turning point, a moment that demanded a decision. I realized that pouring into the cups of others required me to ensure my own cup was full. This newfound understanding became a priority, not just in my career but in my own business journey as well. As a solopreneur, I apply the lesson of self-care with intentionality.

I’ve learned to be deliberate in my actions, focusing on tasks that contribute to my larger goals. I’ve embraced the power of saying no, carefully considering my commitments to avoid overwhelming myself. Delegating tasks and finding balance among my business, personal life, and overall well-being have become key pillars of my approach.

In essence, my experience as a social worker navigating burnout illuminated the importance of self-care, shaping how I approach my business. By ensuring my own cup is filled, I can better serve my clients, contribute positively to my business, and maintain harmony across all aspects of my life.

Iyana, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Iyana Anderson, a Licensed Social Worker and the CEO of Well Together. My journey into this industry began with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work. Most of my professional experience has revolved around mental health, spanning various settings and working with diverse populations. The driving force behind my passion for helping others comes from witnessing my mother and grandmother’s impactful roles in assisting those in need.

Our core offerings, including journaling workshops and programs, foster open conversations about mental health while emphasizing the practice of journaling as a means to enhance and nurture social-emotional skills and overall well-being. In these workshops, youth and young adults can explore ways to utilize journaling to promote self-awareness, emotional regulation, interpersonal skills, positive decision-making, and more. Additionally, our services extend beyond youth, encompassing speaking engagements, special events, and wellness products tailored to BIPOC adults 25-45 who are beginning their mental health and wellness journey.

What sets Well Together apart is our blend of expertise, holistic approach, emphasis on journaling as an intervention, cultural awareness, skill development focus, and strong sense of community. While addressing mental health can be challenging, we’re proud of the impact we’ve made, evident through our thriving community, sold-out events, and the eagerness of individuals to engage in meaningful discussions about mental health and wellness. It’s our honor to facilitate these vital conversations and create spaces where people show up for themselves and each other.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

The journey of building our social media audience has been a reflection of our core values, where community takes center stage. We’ve been intentional about every aspect, from the content we create to the information we share, the individuals we bring on our platform, and our collaborations. Our aim is to ensure that we provide maximum value to our community, and their input and feedback play a pivotal role in shaping our approach.

Engagement also holds immense importance both online and offline. We prioritize interacting with our community not only through our digital presence but also in-person at tabling events. These moments of genuine conversation help us connect on a deeper level and learn more about the wonderful individuals who make up our community.

Two other cornerstones of our strategy are authenticity and consistency, which not only help us build trust but also create a solid foundation for meaningful connections with our community.

Additionally, our attitude of gratitude is another factor that has contributed to our growth. We make it a point to express our appreciation for our community and the unwavering support they provide.

What truly sets us apart is our willingness to explore mental health topics that transcend the conventional, presenting them in an educational, engaging, uplifting, empowering, and affirming manner.

If I were to offer advice to those embarking on the journey of building a social media presence, I would say: Embrace your authenticity, dare to be different, find a consistent rhythm that suits you, and practice patience. It’s a gradual process, but by staying true to yourself and your vision, you can create a meaningful and engaged community that shares in your passion and mission.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

There’s a particular chapter that illustrates my resilience, a period marked by challenges that seemed insurmountable. At one of the darkest junctures in my life, I found myself unemployed, finances dwindling, worry and fear consuming me, and my grandmother’s illness adding to the weight. The weight of a recent car accident, coupled with resurfacing trauma, was pushing me toward a place of depression. It felt as though my world was on the brink of collapse.

In the midst of this chaos, I confronted a pivotal decision: to ask for help. This wasn’t easy, especially considering my Caribbean background, where asking for help wasn’t commonplace. Despite the difficulty, I made the choice to reach out for support. Seeking a therapist marked a turning point. Though the initial sessions were an adjustment, therapy became a space that held me through the turmoil. It allowed me to build self-awareness, shed the burdens that I had carried for far too long, acquire healthy coping skills, and much more.

During therapy, I was introduced to the practice of journaling, which later became an essential coping mechanism and even inspired me to create my own wellness journal. This phase of my life underscores the power of vulnerability and the significance of seeking help when needed. It’s a testament that even in the toughest seasons, there’s a path forward.

This story is also a testament that transformation is possible and ignites my passion for the work I do today. It’s a reminder that we have the power to rewrite our stories and overcome even the most daunting challenges. Through my experiences, I hope to inspire others to embrace vulnerability, believe in their own resilience, and understand that they hold the pen to rewrite their narratives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://welltogether.us/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/welltogetherllc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/welltogetherllc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/well-together-llc/?viewAsMember=true
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcCqKcHA_LqOZM-zm2R92Qw

Image Credits
Alexander Gant ( Feature photo and wellness journal and affirmation cards photo)