We were lucky to catch up with Lenora Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lenora, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

Failure is the cornerstone of success. My first private practice failed miserably, and I was devastated. I thought I had done everything right and I didn’t plan for anything to go wrong. I was disappointed because it was my baby, my namesake, and it was my way out of the traditional rat race. Back then online therapy was a bit of the Wild -Wild West and I didn’t know what to do or how to do it. I had a website; I wrote a business plan and used my knowledge of home based work as a guide. I had very little money to get things off the ground. I had no office and was going to do home visits and meet people anywhere. I didn’t plan for any disasters, natural or manmade. I didn’t want to be one of the statistics of being a business owner who failed in the first 3 years but there I sat. I am so grateful for everything I learned the path it put me on.

In 2021 I decided to open L.C.N. Wellness, LLC and ventured into the world of telehealth. I had done the work to learn how to stand-up a business from the ground up. I had built 5 successful programs, worked in leadership, got grilled by finance leaders, and was financially prepared to invest in my business. The business plan I wrote in 2015-2016 was solid and I used it to help design my current website. I knew when I needed to pay someone else so that the job(s) would be done right. I learned a new level of accessibility and the next step was trying to attract clients/customers. I knew a lot of the pitfalls this time around and I created 1-, 3-, and 5-year plans to avoid them. I knew making a name for myself would be important, people need to pick me based on my values and being in alignment with their needs.

I decided to unapologetically be me. I am an African American woman, world traveler, LGBTQ+ ally, and how I showed up in the world needed to be clear. Everyone told me my niche had to be one thing like working with kids, or anxiety but I am not typical, and my niche would not be either. I created an innovative I.D.E.A. Method—a transformative approach to treating what I call the “New Kids on the Block” (anxiety, grief, trauma, and depression). This dynamic method of treatment is client heal in multiple levels of injury during each session.

Best advice:
1. Take the time to get to know yourself as person before starting a business. Being a business owner isn’t as glorious as it sounds. Some days you will want to quit because the mountains keep growing and some pop-up overnight. Some are inside and outside of your control. It might be easy to get seduced by the sexy side of business but the debt you will accrue is real.
2. Build and practice copings skills. See number 1.
3. Once 1 and 2 are in place create a place to land. Pay for a website. IT MATTERS!

Lenora, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Lenora’s journey to becoming a powerhouse in mental health and advocacy started with an unexpected twist. She began her college career as a bright-eyed engineering student, but when reality didn’t align with her dreams, she pivoted—and found her true purpose. Inspired by her criminal justice courses and the cultural buzz of CSI: Las Vegas, Lenora discovered her passion for speaking up for those who couldn’t. This passion led her to work as a victim advocate for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, igniting a lifelong commitment to helping others reclaim their voices.

Lenora’s career has been a fusion of her engineering mindset, advocacy experience, and dedication to mental health. She founded L.C.N. Wellness after more than five years in leadership roles, where she built clinical programs, led consultations, and developed strategic plans that maximized support for program members. Through L.C.N. Wellness, Lenora brings her innovative I.D.E.A. Method—a transformative approach to treating what she calls the “New Kids on the Block” (anxiety, grief, trauma, and depression)—to the wider community. Her work includes creating dynamic support groups, consultation spaces, and individualized care plans designed to break down barriers and help clients thrive.

Beyond her clinical expertise, Lenora is a sought-after public speaker, podcast guest, and featured contributor to blogs and magazines. Her mission is clear: to shatter the stigma surrounding mental and physical health and show the power of integrative care. A former Zumba instructor and soon-to-be certified yoga instructor, Lenora embodies the principles of bridging the gap between mind and body wellness. At L.C.N. Wellness, she is driven by a singular goal: empowering every client to heal, grow, and live boldly.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I worked for a company and at every turn I was having my work product stolen, and I was given no recognition for my contributions. The folxs who stole my work labeled me a “helpful hassle”. They wanted me to be a person who was seen and not heard. I was the token Black person on the leadership team, to say “Hey, see we have one of those people on are team.” I didn’t know this was how I was being labeled until I went to a meeting and saw my work on the big screen with no honorable mention. One of my leaders asked me to pick-up where they left off and I was too stunned to speak. Since my leader was unable to move forward the meeting adjourned, and we had an opportunity to debrief. My leader told me how I had let them down by not speaking up and sharing my vision. I explained I was stunned that my vision was on screen but in no way, shape or form was I included. I also discussed the ethical concerns behind the actions without acknowledgement. I said in college this would be considered cheating or plagiarism. My leader said in the world of business, this is standard practice. I knew in that moment it wasn’t the place for me and that wasn’t the right leader for me to work with. I was a team player but didn’t realize the team was playing the game with and without me. I knew it was a losing battle to try and convince everyone I was the “good guy” because “bad guy” been ingrained in the fabric for months. When I realized I needed to leave I had to look at my values so I could remind myself of who I am and not the narrative they created for me. The money was great however the trauma was not worth it. Not every battle is worth fighting, we must remember peace is a more powerful tool.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

One of the things I think is most helpful in this field is having healthy boundaries and values. It is amazing to learn how hard it is for people to say no, when asked to do something they don’t like or hate. I see people agreeing to all sorts of things then complain doing it. Healthy boundaries stop us from over-explaining, carrying loads too heavy for us, or justifying your existence. Values are guides to help you find your way back to yourself when something or someone tries or knocks you off your square.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lcnwellness.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcnwellness/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lcnwellness
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenorajohn
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lcnwellness