Meet Shandelynn Hillard | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist & Life Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shandelynn Hillard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shandelynn, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As a child I always dreamed of being a teacher, however, being a business owner had never crossed my mind. It was sometime while in graduate school the thought came to me, I wanted to see if I would be able to create a company that could be successful and help others in the process. I decided that I would give myself 5 years and then I would decide what would be my next step. Being the first in my family to own a business I found it to be extremely challenging and sometimes overwhelming. Even with not knowing, I decided to open a private practice so that I can create change in the world. I wanted to help others figure out how to process their deepest thoughts and find solutions for them. Once I had the name, Tea Time Therapy, PLLC it was then time to open up my doors. Tea Time Therapy, PLLC lit a fire in me, I began finding interest in other ventures that continue the healing process for myself and others. So in 2022, I dreamed up and self published my own journal, The Invitation. The Invitation is The 90-Day Journal for Personal Discovery, that allows the user to go on a journey of self, which can be a magical enlightening ride. While continuing to work on those projects, I recently launched a 6 week program, in which the client takes a deep dive within themself to help curate the person they are meant to be.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been in this field for a decade now, and I have to say I am extremely excited to see what’s next. Tea Time Therapy, PLLC is different in my opinion in the way that my clients and I collaboratively work together over tea at his/her/their scheduled appointments. My strength to realistically encourage my clients to do the work makes Tea Time Therapy, PLLC a force to be reckoned with. What I am most proud of is my ability to continuously grow into my own while assisting my clients in their journey of personal discovery. I get excited when clients call wanting to learn more about themselves to become their best enhanced version. It’s such an exuberant high being a witness to their growth, it’s truly a love of mine. Whether it is self esteem/self worth concerns, life transitions, anxiety and/or depression I am there for the journey and ready to meet the new version that my client is manifesting.

I got to this place by choosing to be open to new opportunities and surrounding myself with peers of all backgrounds. I was exposed to new thoughts and ideas, ultimately diving deeper into my field. The road to a successful business is not easy. Hard work, dedication, many sleepless nights, tears and more importantly prayers created an environment where I overcame my fears of being the first business owner in my family. I learned to begin encouraging myself to love myself enough to slow down and appreciate the present.

The world should know that I help “Millennial’s Get Ish Done!” My favorite things to help clients process is finding purpose, creating solutions for their struggles, communication, anxiety, self-esteem/worth and depression. It’s a beautiful place to be watching the flowers blossom. People should know that coming to Tea Time Therapy, PLLC you will crush your goals and become the person you were always meant to be. I know this process works because I too have went on a journey of personal discovery and I am proud that I was brave enough to start.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Okay so this one is a hard one, ha! However, if I had to play tour guide, I would more than likely plan t0 visit Montrose/Midtown area. I love checking out new restaurants and bars, I am a huge foodie! A new favorite restaurant is Gatsby’s Prime Seafood, the food and drinks never disappoint! There was a time when I rented office space in that area and I would stop at The Burger Joint to get my favorite – peanut butter and chocolate milkshake, so that most certainly would have to be on the list. But to be completely honest, I am still learning about the area and willing to try new things. In fact, I have a baking class coming up in which they will teach us how to decorate gourmet cakes!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Throughout my life there were many people that helped by lending their support and encouragement. My parents, Sharon and Elias played a major role keeping me in programs that allowed me to come into my own. My mom raised me to be very independent and pushed me to learn all that I can while allowing me to travel throughout the United States. I was given a space to network with my peers whether it was a math and science summer program or the University of New Orlean’s Upward Bound Program, led by Ms. Lynette Bates. Lastly, my friends and family have played a major role in getting me to the position I am in today, I appreciate them all. And, I cannot forget my late grandmother Mary B, I am certain her prayers continue to keep me covered!

Website: www.teatimetherapy.org www.theinvitationjournal.com

Instagram: @teatimetherapypllc @theinvitationjournal

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shandelynn-hillard-13097157/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teatimetherapy