We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shanaz Ikonne. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shanaz below.

Shanaz, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

The Story of a Risk I Took

In 2017, I took my first step toward building something I’d only dreamed about a private practice that would make mental health care more accessible, inclusive, and human. At the time, I had no business blueprint, no mentor, and no roadmap for how to build a company from the ground up. I only had a deep belief that compassionate, trauma-informed care could reach people beyond the therapy room. I worked full time and had salary roles during the day, and slowly built the business at night. It required time, risk, sacrifice and a whole lot of energy to work full-time and part-time, but I’m happy I did it this way because my business was 100% self-funded and started with $300 dollars and a dream.

For the first few years, I built slowly, maintaining full-time work, and side hustles in addition to growing my practice. I was learning as I went in addition to balancing motherhood, client work, and learning how to run a business on my own. But the real risk came three years ago, in the middle of the pandemic, when I decided to fully step into entrepreneurship. With a newborn and a toddler at home, it felt like jumping into the unknown. The world was uncertain, mental health needs were rising, and I had to reinvent how to show up for my clients and myself. I pivoted my business to fully virtual and let go of the office in Lakeway.

That leap taken out of necessity and conviction transformed everything. Virtual platforms opened doors I never imagined: I began offering therapy, coaching, and speaking engagements to audiences across the country. My work evolved to meet people where they were, whether at home, in the workplace, or online, and I discovered new ways to bring hope and healing to communities that had long been underserved. Since launching into my business full time, stepping out in faith, I’ve won several awards for my services including Best in Birth (two years in a row, Best in Business, and Community Impact for my work in the community. I’ve been featured in multiple magazines including Parents.com, Medium, Yahoo Entertainment, and Aol.com, bringing more awareness to my brand and small business.

What started as a risk turned into purpose. I learned that courage doesn’t always look like having all the answers—it’s often just saying yes before you’re ready and trusting that the next step will appear once you take the first one.

Shanaz, 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?

About Shanaz Ikonne, PLLC

My work began with a simple yet powerful mission to make mental health care more inclusive, culturally responsive, and accessible to everyone. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Speaker, my journey was deeply shaped by my own experiences of healing and birth trauma, which inspired me to advocate for birth equity and create spaces where others could feel seen, supported, and safe in their own healing.

I founded Shanaz Ikonne, PLLC to help combat the global mental health crisis by bringing therapy, education, and wellness directly to the communities that need it most. My work extends beyond the therapy room. I provide speaking engagements, workshops, and professional development training that focus on emotional well-being, workplace resilience, and reducing stigma around mental health. These sessions are designed to help individuals and organizations build awareness, strengthen communication, and foster environments of compassion and psychological safety.

I also deeply enjoy supporting businesses and entrepreneurs around mental health, mindset, and sustainable leadership. Through coaching, workshops, and onsite support, I help business owners navigate stress, avoid burnout, and build emotionally intelligent workplaces. Currently, I’m expanding my work through partnerships with economic development centers to design and deliver in-depth programming that integrates mental health education into the foundation of business development and entrepreneurship.

Through e-courses, digital downloads, and wellness tools, my practice helps individuals enhance productivity, deepen self-awareness, and cultivate gratitude in their daily lives. What sets my work apart is the intentional blend of neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and cultural humility that shapes every service I provide.

I’m most proud that my business gives back to the community. A portion of proceeds supports initiatives that provide education, safety, food, and shelter to women and children in need locally and internationally.

At its core, my work is about connection, helping people rediscover hope, healing, and balance, and empowering them to live fuller, more resilient lives.

How did you build your audience on social media?

The Story of Building My Social Media Audience

Building my audience on social media has been a mix of intention, consistency, and creativity, what I like to call “playing the lottery with purpose.” In today’s world, attention is currency, and social media gives us the chance to share our voice, values, and impact with a global audience. The more you post, engage, and build genuine community, the more people are drawn to your message and the work you do.

Each of my platforms serves a specific purpose tied to my mission of reducing stigma around mental health. Most of my content is geared toward women in their 30s to 40s, especially moms and professionals, and focuses on inspiration, humor, and practical business or mindset tips. I believe that mental health doesn’t always have to be heavy; humor has a way of connecting people and reminding us that healing can also include laughter.

About 99% of my content is improv. I don’t spend all day scripting, editing, or filming. I create within my real-life schedule, because showing up authentically matters more than perfection. Social media is a long game in marketing, and my goal has always been to enjoy the process, build community, and keep showing up with intention.

For those just starting out, my advice is simple: post before you’re ready, engage like you care (because you should), and don’t chase trends build trust. Consistency and connection always win in the long run.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to expand my YouTube channel, monetize my content, and create expert-led groups for entrepreneurs who want to grow with intention and protect their mental health. Following me on social media and sharing my content helps me grow so please find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook. Stay tuned!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Not all money is good money, you have to trust your gut and pray over every. business deal because sometimes they end poorly. I was operating 100% virtually during the pandemic, and an opportunity came up for me to have an office space in a very busy and booming wellness clinic. I worked for them for a little under a year when it became evident that they were not keeping their agreement in terms of referrals, billing, partnerships on community events, and really everything in between I realized this was not for me. The company ended up keeping over 1500 dollars, and while on the front, the business seemed ethical, it was quickly revealed that honesty was not part of their values, so trust your gut.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shanazikonne.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/shanazlpc
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/shanazlpc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanazikonne/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShanazIkonne
• Other: Tiktok @shanazikonne