We were lucky to catch up with Syerra Donaldson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Syerra thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?
As a mental health, substance abuse, and behavioral therapist, a personal development specialist, and a chef, this is a question I sometimes wrestle with. Do I ever think about what it would be like to have a “regular” job? Absolutely. In fact, the last time this crossed my mind, I was in the middle of a particularly long day. Between catering orders and therapy clients, I felt like I was juggling a hundred responsibilities, each one pulling me in a different direction. I started wondering what it would be like to clock out at a set time, to know what each day would look like, and to have fewer things constantly on my mind.
But as I sat with that thought, I also felt a deep sense of purpose. Yes, there are times when running my own business feels overwhelming, but it’s also incredibly fulfilling. I get to bring my whole self to my work whether it’s helping someone overcome a challenge in therapy or creating an amazing meal that brings people together. I realized that while a traditional job might offer simplicity, I’d miss the unique impact and freedom I have now. It’s in these moments of doubt that I often find clarity and remember why I started on this path in the first place.
So, if you’re wondering if owning a business is all joy and freedom, the answer is: it’s a balance. It’s a journey with highs and lows, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is SyerraLynn Donaldson, and I’m on a journey not only to help others but also to continually grow myself. Alongside my work as a mental health, substance abuse, and behavior therapist, as well as a personal development specialist and chef, I’m also pursuing a Doctorate in Social Work Administration and Leadership. This path allows me to deepen my impact in social work, develop leadership skills, and bring a greater level of insight to my work with clients.
In both my therapeutic practice and my catering business, I’m driven by a desire to create positive, transformative experiences. My catering company, Easycookinwithsyllc, specializes in Jamaican cuisine, and I bring a personal touch to every event, from weddings and corporate gatherings to intimate dinners. My work in therapy and personal development is equally close to my heart, helping individuals overcome obstacles and grow. Combining these passions lets me bring creativity, empathy, and a unique perspective to everything I do.
The most important thing I want potential clients and followers to know is that my work is deeply personal. Whether through therapy, cooking, or my studies, my commitment is to support, uplift, and empower others to be their best selves. Thank you for joining me on this journey it’s been an incredible experience, and I’m grateful to make a lasting impact.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that I had to do everything on my own to be successful. For a long time, I thought independence meant handling every challenge, every task, and every obstacle by myself. Growing up, I saw resilience and strength as solo qualities; they meant pushing through without asking for help. That mindset served me in some ways, but over time, it started to hold me back.
The turning point came when I started building my business, while also managing the responsibilities of my career in mental health and personal development. As my catering business grew, I quickly realized that the workload was too much to handle alone. I was juggling client sessions, studying for my doctorate, and managing every catering detail. Trying to do it all myself left me burned out, frustrated, and unable to deliver the quality I wanted for my clients.
It took a while, but I eventually accepted that real strength doesn’t mean going it alone it means building a network of support. I started delegating tasks, asking for help, and collaborating with others. I began to see that leaning on people isn’t a weakness; it actually enhances what I can accomplish. Unlearning that “do-it-all-yourself” mentality has been freeing, and it’s taught me to build stronger, more meaningful connections in every part of my life.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Managing a team and maintaining high morale starts with creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and motivated. Here are some strategies that have worked for me:
1. Lead by Example; Show the level of commitment, positivity, and work ethic you want to see in your team. When your team sees you working hard and maintaining a positive attitude, it sets a powerful example.
2. Open Communication: Be transparent with your team. Share the goals, challenges, and successes openly, so they feel involved in the bigger picture. Encourage honest feedback and make it clear that every voice matters.
3. Celebrate Wins: Recognize both big and small achievements. A simple acknowledgment of someone’s hard work or a team accomplishment goes a long way in making people feel appreciated.
4. Encourage Growth: Help team members see their potential. Offer opportunities for learning and development, and be proactive in giving constructive feedback to support their progress.
5. Build Trust: Give your team the freedom to take initiative and own their roles. When they know you trust them, they’re more likely to feel confident, responsible, and motivated to excel.
6. Create a Positive Environment: Make time for bonding and fun, especially if the work can be demanding. Even small team-building activities, or something as simple as sharing a meal, can bring people closer and build team morale.
7. Be Empathetic: Remember that everyone has a life outside of work. Show understanding if a team member is facing personal challenges, and be flexible when possible. Compassion goes a long way in creating loyalty and trust.
8. Focus on Solutions, Not Blame: When challenges arise, work with the team to find solutions instead of focusing on mistakes. This helps create a forward-thinking atmosphere where people feel safe to take risks and grow.
9. Set Clear Expectations: Be clear about roles, responsibilities, and goals. When everyone knows what’s expected, they’re better able to perform and contribute effectively.
Keeping morale high is about showing your team they’re not just working for you but working with you. By creating a culture of respect, growth, and positivity, you can inspire a motivated, resilient team.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://easycookinwithsy.square.site/
- Instagram: Easycookinwithsyllc / Im.Syerralynn
- Facebook: Easycookinwithsy
- Linkedin: Syerra Donaldson
- Youtube: SYERRALYNN channel
