We recently connected with Shanequa Thomas and have shared our conversation below.

Shanequa , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

A defining moment in my professional career took place in summer 2019, when I felt this urge to go back to school to pursue a career in clinical mental health counseling. At this time I was in corporate America with an excellent paying job. During this time I thought I was well on my way in my criminal justice career. I had a game plan as to how I was going to make my way to the top. But it was an instance in my life where mental health became unhealthy again and I was tired of feeling depressed and overwhelmed with anxiety. During the process of finding a therapist I noticed how hard it was to find a person of color for services. It was that very moment when I thought, well why don’t I be an advocate and be a representative, so more people of color could be educated and aware of the importance of mental wellness. I always had a heart to help others and I have a natural gift of people confining in me to share their heart. I never understood why, but I believe that my gifts and purpose prepared me for this pivotal time. Since I’ve said yes to this journey I have found significance in the world and I started a business to help those who have are in a place of wanting to be better so they can do better in the world and live a well life. Who would ever thought this journey would lead me to entreprenueship, podcast hostess with the mostest, coach, counselor, and so much more.

Shanequa , 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?

For those that don’t know me I am Coach Nequa T. A believer in Christ. A pillar of hope and your next therapist. I’m a certified mental health coach and I withhold a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Counseling from the Northwestern University. I’m the curator of Gracious Space. A space where we serve professional women who are pursuing personal healing, in order to thrive in their career, relationships, and spiritual life, We believe in equipping women with kingdom principals and practical tools to help them thrive and sustain a well lifestyle. Meaning, not only do we pray about it, but we put in the work! We provide, workshops, one on one coaching, group coaching for corporate companies; focusing on effective communication, insecurities, childhood trauma, rejection, boundary setting, and more.

The most proud moment(s) is hearing and seeing clients apply what they have learned in sessions to their daily life.

I want potential clients to know this is not only a safe space but a gracious space where I teach and guide you how to live a grace field life, I want you to know that half of the battle is in your mind, You may not be able to change what’s happening around you, but you are able to change the way you think and your perspective. This is a space where we live, learn, and grow together.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Being obedient, Consistency, and authenticity.

Being obedient and trusting God in my journey has been a huge help to me. This is a new journey and wave for me. So there are times where I wanted to give up because what I’m building is not normal. There are times where comparison would try to creep in and I wanted to give up. But yet, I kept going because I knew what I was doing was not about me. It’s about helping others that need what I have to keep going in life. I will say having a circle or a person to keep me on track has been a huge help with staying consistent. My manager continued to push me daily and spoke life into me when on day’s I wanted to throw in the towel. A healthy circle is important for sure. Staying true to me and allowing my personality to shine has cultivated my reputation in mental health. I’ve learned when i’m comfortable with being my true self, my confidence shined. Not worrying about what people said, and focusing on the fact that there are people who need my personality because I have the grace to speak, walk, and talk the way I do for a unique purpose.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Yes, because this profession has opened so many doors and even more doors. Although, I took a pivot in my career from criminal justice to mental health. i still would not change my career journey because I believe both are necessary and have found their way full circle. Most people would say it’s a waste of time. But not me because both careers have and are shaping my way of how I work with people and how to add significance in the world. So to anyone who may have felt the career path was a waste of time. I want you to know, nothing was a waste of time. It was only an added layer to your purpose filled journey. All of it will become full circle one day and you will laugh.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.graciousspace.org/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/_graciousspace?igshid=Y2ZmNzg0YzQ=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/graciousspace1/

Image Credits
Kiana (@shespeaksvisuals)