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

Hi Melissa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my own business was about being able to do meaningful work to help others, while also having the ability to live in a way that aligns with my values. It was always a goal of mine to start a private practice after completing graduate school and gaining some years of experience as a therapist. Being able to have control over how I spend my time in work and family life has been an important factor for me starting my own business. No one close to me has business experience, so it took a lot of research, coaching, and prayer on my part to take this leap, but I am grateful that I did.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a licensed therapist, but I was a certified rehabilitation counselor first. My career in counseling started by supporting individuals with disabilities who wanted to gain or maintain employment. I really enjoyed the work as it taught me to see the strengths in others. My desires for providing mental health counseling has always been there so that led me to become a Licensed Professional Counselor later in my career. As I think back over the last 10-11 years, I don’t know how I made it this far, because it was hard. What I’ve learned over the years is that motherhood may have slowed me down, but it did not stop me from pursuing my dreams. I’ve had moments of thinking “you can either stay in this place and feel stuck; or you can do something to keep moving forward.” I was able to overcome some of the challenges that I experienced by asking for help from family when I needed it, I worked on personal and business goals when the kids were sleeping, listened to inspirational videos from other therapists who are successful in their private practice, and invested in business coaching. My specialty is supporting young adults and Millennial professionals who are overwhelmed with anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem who want to feel more aligned in themselves, relationships and careers. My private practice is all virtual and I am able to meet with clients all throughout the state of Texas.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For food, we are doing brunch at Lucille’s, lunch at Schilleci’s New Orleans Kitchen, and dinner at Caribbean Jerk Cuisine. For experiences, we will visit Haak Vineyards and Winery, explore the shops and eatery’s at Market Street in The Woodlands, and enjoy a spa treatment.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, all the glory goes to God! I wouldn’t have made it this far without his guidance along the way. Then, I have to recognize my husband for supporting me on the decision to leave my last job to pursue my business full time. Then, I want to thank my sons for giving me the drive to keep going.

Website: https://uhopecounseling.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uplifthope_counseling/#

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Uplift-Hope-Counseling-PLLC/100092650320003/#

Image Credits
Christa McCourt

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