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

Hi Brittany, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I always knew that I wanted my own business. My mom had been doing her own thing since I was born. When I made the decision to start my private practice I was working as a supervisor at a nonprofit agency and I felt boxed in! This is the first time I have ever started using sick days or arriving late or leaving early from any job. Something was clearly wrong and even my family started noticing a difference in my energy. I knew that I had more to give to my community and I needed to do it my way! I needed to make providing therapy fun again! I needed to do what I felt was best for myself and my community no matter what anyone else felt. So I took a leap of faith and instead of waiting until I was in my 40/50s I started my business immediately!

When I started I didnt have a blueprint either. I just knew that all the energy I was putting into working for someone else I needed to do for myself. It was as simple as thinking the only reason this fails is if I don’t do anything. And doing nothing is not even a trait i have. I am always learning and figuring things out so this made all the sense to me. Best decision in my life.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Power of Choices! This is my 1st baby! Power of Choices, POC is a group private practice with an emphasis of cultivating black and brown mental health and wellness by healing minds, building resilience and empowering lives in an authentic way. What I am most proud of is where POC has come. Not only have we been able to create a safe space for our community to challenge themselves and grow but POC has created an geniune workplace where therapists can focus on showing up as their best self for their clients with no unrealistic expectations. The POC work culture is a supportive family and I am truly appreciative of that. What I am excited about is where we are going as a team in our state expanding our services and potentially our reach across state lines.

This hasn’t been an easy journey at all. There have been continuous challeges along the way and I have overcome them by reminding myself of my why, why did I make the decision to start my practice and am I honoring how I am currently feeling even if my outlook has changed. One of the biggest lessons I have learned over the years is that I have to keep learning as I will never know eveything even when I feel confident at something and that I have to stay flexible and be willing to adapt because every day is a new day running a business.

What I want people to know about me is that I can only be me and my brand reflects that. I am not looking to fit into any category or group or to do things the way people expect them to be done. My business grows as I am grow and continue to commit to being the best version of myself over and over.

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.
I don’t think I ever really thought of this as CT is not really a travel destination lol Although thats the case, I am still confident anyone coming to visit would have a good time! In terms of food we would go to West Hartford or venture to New Haven as there are endless options to eat depending on what you are in the mood for. Some good places to eat include: Place2Be, Soulfully Vegan, the Russell, Bricco, and Sparrow…. There is also a lot of new places opening up so trying some place new to eat is always an option. Depending on the time our the year we could catch a UConn football or basketball game as CT is UConn Country! Go Huskies! Casino trip is warranted whether is Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods. I enjoy networking events so attending one of these would be great to surround yourself with like-minded people. There is a new Selfie-museum and bar called Social House which would be cool to go to. Spring-Fall, I love a good hike, or just being outdoors! Long story short there is always something to do in CT (museums, festivals, events of all types) even if its my first time doing it as well!

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?
I have a really supportive circle that I am truly grateful for. Honestly all I have to do is ask (still struggle with this lol) and I know who will show up for me. The first two people that come to my mind are my mom and my best friend. They have been here from Day 1 and are constantly reminding me to ignore doubts that my arise for me. They continue to push me to my max potential to this day! Everyone else I can name celebrates me no matter how small the win is and I truly appreciate that. I also want to shout out my team of amazing therapists and admin. Without them Power of Choices, wouldn’t be what it is today! It truly takes a village to see your goals come to reality.

Website: www.poccounseling.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/Pochoices

Facebook: www.facebook.com/POC.Counseling

Image Credits
Norman Oates Photograpy Gary Knighton Photograpy Teresa Hnat Photograpy

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.