Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Reba Royster. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Reba, appreciate you joining 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.
Establishing your own firm is rewarding and daunting. Fast forward through the twists and turns of the entrepreneurial rollercoaster, and we find ourselves standing tall, having weathered storms and celebrated triumphs. Over the years, we’ve embraced the lessons learned from every hurdle, using them as stepping stones for growth and improvement. Our reach has expanded, stretching across four states, as we strive to create a lasting impact on the communities we serve.
Our journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of unwavering dedication. We’ve learned that building a business isn’t just about financial success, but about the lives we touch, the hearts we heal, and the futures we shape. It’s a journey that continues to evolve, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and an unyielding commitment to making a difference. This embodies my journey of business ownership and brand development.
Reba, 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?
I am Dr. Reba, a serial entrepreneur and a professional counselor specializing in complex trauma for children and adults. My journey into this industry was driven by a passion of caring for and serving others. My specific line of work was not in my plan as a young adult rather it naturally progressed as opportunities were presented to me and I slowly discovered the talents and gifts that I possessed to help others.
During my academic journey, I obtained a Masters in Professional Counseling and a Doctorate in Business Administration which serves as the intersection to my current work as I develop behavioral health businesses and continue to build the Dr. Reba brand.
Expanding and nurturing my brand is center stage for me as I have been building a line of products to support the services I offer. I created a line of trauma coping flashcards in the midst of the pandemic, which served to be critical in supporting my clients and providing them with characters that looked like them and had similar experiences. When we are overcoming struggles sometimes our load can be lightened when we feel connected with others that have been through similar experiences. This past year I have added to the brand with a line of journals for individuals in therapy or in seasons of self growth.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Communication is essential to every relationship. I work with and for my staff, and there is nothing that I ask of them that I would not do myself unless of course it is outside of my scope. Communication starts with listening and being open to understand the challenges of others and use their input to make things better. For this to be successful, a safe space has to be created where people feel that they can voice their views and their voice will be respected and used. Collapsing the vertical chain of command allows an opportunity to embrace working with staff as opposed to staff working for a boss, and in my over 20 years of business ownership experience this is where you can flourish.
Celebrating your team is essential. Taking time to recognize your team and allow them time where their successes are highlighted can elevate them and enhance feelings of value. Acknowledging and publicly recognizing individual and team accomplishments enhances a culture of inclusion.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
Behind our successful business stands an extraordinary partnership – my husband, Byron, or as many know him, Coach B. Our paths crossed during our time at Shaw University, and fate brought us together as we embarked on a shared mission. Our business relationship began during my final year at Shaw when Byron, serving as a graduate assistant for the basketball team, and I joined forces to support a friend and brother in developing group homes. Back then, building behavioral health services required manual labor, typing policies word by word. We didn’t have the conveniences we enjoy today. Yet, this intersection of our skills and his unwavering passion to uplift underprivileged young black males birthed our first business. Fast forward two decades, and we’ve grown, learned from challenges, and expanded our reach across four states. The journey continues, ever-evolving, as we strive for excellence and make a meaningful difference in the lives we touch.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.drrebaonline.comhttp://www.drrebaonline.com
- Instagram: drrebaonline
Image Credits
Rick Crank