We recently connected with Jacqueline Anthony and have shared our conversation below.

Jacqueline, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

When I have a long work week, I often think about what my life would look like if I started my business sooner. But realistically, I know it wasn’t the right time. I started my business in 2021 while working full-time in a Behavioral Hospital and part-time for a private practice. However, I could not see clients independently until 2023 because I was not fully licensed. I went through a lot of obstacles and mind-blowing delays that took years to overcome before I legally had everything I needed to practice independently. If I had decided to start my practice sooner, I honestly believe my obstacles would have lasted longer.

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?

My name is Jacqueline Anthony and I am a LCPC (licensed clinical professional counselor). I was raised in Englewood and proud to say that my upbringing keeps me grounded. Initially I went to college to be a plastic surgeon but my dad snapped me back to reality; at the time I suffered from random nose bleeds. When I returned home, I earned my Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in psychology. However, it was my struggle with postpartum depression and the symptoms that accompanied the disorder that generated the drive. I have an in-person and tele-health private practice that currently provides therapeutic support for adolescents and adults. I also developed a stress-related workshop for work professionals and colleges. Most therapists are different in various ways. What sets me apart from other therapists is the struggles I went through during my mental health challenges. I am the most proud of my clients who came in feeling low or unsure, allowed themselves to be vulnerable, implemented what they learned, found what they needed within themselves, and eventually transformed their lives, minds, and ways of living. What I want potential clients to know is the name of my private, Strength In Darkness, represents me as an individual and everyone I worked with. We all have strength within ourselves which allows us to overcome during dark times.

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

A recent lesson I had to unlearn was my tainted understanding of making money. Growing up in the hood, it is often taught to work long hours and/or develop a hustler’s lifestyle to get money. The lifestyle provided me with the money I wanted but it caused sporadic health issues later on in life. I had to learn the hard way that there is no one path that leads to financial stability. It takes help and self-evaluation to determine which financial path will get me to the goal. It is also important to learn money management from people who are not in your field. I talked to individuals in finance, corporate, transportation, entertainment, etc. This has helped me broaden my knowledge and understanding. The repeated advice that everyone gave me was to rest.

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

I almost missed paying the contractor twice. At the beginning of my business, I was making ignorant risks. I did not pay close attention to the payroll system. My payroll processing system offered to deposit earnings daily, but the EHR I use, which is partnered with the processing system, takes 2-3 business days. In both situations, it took prayer and letting go of pride to find the courage to borrow money so I could pay the contractor on-time. After that embarrassment, I do not touch anything until I review the expenses for the month.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://strengthindarkness.com/

Image Credits

Personal Photo: Stevesphotoschi
1st photo: Thomas’ Photographic Services