We were lucky to catch up with Shannalei Henry recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shannalei, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How do you think about vacations as a business owner? Do you take them and if so, how? If you don’t, why not?

Yes to vacations!! As a business owner, setting boundaries is something that can feel close to impossible but so necessary. Part of those boundaries to me means a start and end time to my day and taking vacations alone or with family. Before I was a business owner I enjoyed stepping away and exploring. When I started my business, managing my time felt easier than done, and engaging in self-care came with a certain level of guilt.
When I do take vacations, I am organized about my scheduling, I’m clear with my clients about when I will be back in office, if I am working with different agencies I communicate with them, I don’t answer emails when I am away, and if an emergency arises I have someone I trust respond to it until I return.
The best advice I could give to entrepreneurs in regards to taking short vacations is: DO IT! I know that when you are starting off in business there’s a lot on your shoulders and stepping away feels impossible. Although this is your livelihood, burn out is real so you have to make sure you are taking care of yourself. Remember you matter in your business and if you aren’t in a good place your business will reflect that as well.

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 Shannalei Henry, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida. I have my own business called In Your Corner where I provide therapeutic coaching, consulting, and I authored a therapeutic journal.

In Your Corner is a safe space for all things healing, inspiring, educating, and empowerment. I am passionate about working with those 18 to 35; specializing in areas of self-esteem and self-worth, transitioning/adjustment in life stages, depression, anxiety, boundaries, trauma, and relationships just to name a few. Understanding that factors like culture and race, upbringing, and our surroundings play a huge role in shaping our thoughts and actions.

My biggest desire is to create a safe space to collaboratively work on accomplishing my client’s goals and to get them to be their best selves. No one client is the same so I use different methods with each client according to their needs. I am very out of the box and like to use theoretic frameworks combined with my client’s belief systems, their lived experiences, and even those feelings that can’t be explained. My practice is very much client-focused meaning they are in charge of the sessions. I understand that no one client is the same so working with them to create a plan that is tailor-made for them is important to me. I honor honesty and transparency because I give that to my clients so they know that I appreciate the same from them.

In Your Corner has some great programs and products for clients to heal and grow.
1) I provide traditional therapeutic coaching for those looking for weekly sessions, identification of their goals, a tailor-made treatment plan, and progress from there. I also have originally made programs tailored to more specific needs which are the Adapting to Life Stages Program and the In Your Pocket Program.
2) The Adapting to Life Stages Program is tailored specifically for individuals entering, already walking in, or have recently been in a new life stage in their life and want the tools to succeed in it.
3) The In Your Pocket program is for those that are not high-needs clients and want bi-weekly sessions with more access to me as their therapeutic coach.
4) In Your Corner also provides an online course called Relationship With You. It is a 7-week course that you can do at your own pace. This is tailored towards those struggling with trusting, respecting, believing, and loving themselves. This is a great program for those wanting to improve their self-esteem/worth, relationships, and boundaries.
5) In Your Corner also has a therapeutic Journal: In Your Corner Journal. This is a journal made for everyone! For those that want therapy but don’t have the budget for it currently, for those in therapy that want another resource, for providers who want resources for their clients, for those who want to heal and grow, for those that need help getting their thoughts out, and more.
These services, programs, and products have all been developed with my clients and future clients in mind. Meeting their needs in whatever capacity possible is a priority for me.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

In Your Corner began as something I did on the side while I worked in the mental health department at a school. I enjoyed what I did but after 2020 I began to feel like I need to step out on my own. The fear of failing and the responsibility of taking on clients on my own delayed me from moving out on my own sooner. But with the support and push of my family, friends, clinical supervisor at the time, and my faith in God I took the step forward. I began to see my side hustle gain traction, I began to get more referrals and began to see that this could realistically provide. Today I am still learning and taking referrals and have expanded to consulting and doing contracted work with different schools and agencies.
Some key milestones include creating the therapeutic journal and working contracted jobs. Being able to work with clients, help them achieve their goals, and see them live successful lives has been a huge milestone.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best sources of new clients have been social media and word of mouth. Social media may not always be my favorite but being able to create in different ways is fun and pushes me out of my comfort zone. I also get to present myself in a way I wouldn’t be able to through any other referral site. Word of mouth has been the best source for me because clients share their positive experiences which allows for new clients to come in a more relaxed state. In my line of business, many clients are weary of coming to meet with a therapist so when they do take that step it’s something I don’t take lightly.

Contact Info:

• Website: iycorner.com
• Instagram: __inyourcorner
• Facebook: In Your Corner

Image Credits
Amandarosephoto B Julio Production