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

Hi LaKendria, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
Other than deciding to work for myself, the single most important decision I made that contributed to my success was the decision to “bet” on me. I made the decision to believe in myself and my abilities and not seek the validation of others. It is important as an entrepreneur to believe in yourself. There will be times in which your vision is tested, but you must believe enough in yourself to keep going even when it is. difficult. It is also important to both understand and know your value. You cannot make the mistake of allowing others determine it for you. I decided to bet on me and so many doors opened. It was the best decision I made.

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 am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I like to think of myself as a healer and I love what I do. I am proud that I can sit with many people from varying backgrounds and share space and intimate moments. I love creating safe spaces that promote an opportunity to have a “Kandid Konversation”. I am proud people trust me with their healing. As a professional, I made sure to promote myself and not wait on others to do it for me. Marketing is crucial. It has not been an easy road, but it is essential for the success of my brand. I deal with challenges as they arise, mainly I try not to get overwhelmed and maintain a level-head. I have learned that tough times don’t last, tough people do, and perseverance is key. There have been plenty of challenges, but I kept going. I want to the world to know aside from being a therapist, I wear other hats. I am a woman. I am a daughter. I am a friend. I am a visionary. I am a child of God. I am peace. I am sister. I am…so many things that encompasses who I am as a therapist.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend were in town visiting. I would bring them to my gym (F45 Pearland Training West) with me to workout. It may not seem fun, but it is a great time and part of my lifestyle, so we can’t skip it. There are so many things to do and so much to see. Here are a couple of places off the top of my head. I would take them through the museum district and museum hop. The museum of fine arts has great exhibits and I love the ambiance of the African American museum. Depending on the weather, we could rent bikes and do a guided tour of Houston venturing through Buffalo Bayou. Another option would be ice skating at either the galleria or Discovery Green. The Galleria kills two birds with one stone; we have the option of skating and shopping. Seismique would be a good photo opportunity along with the Color Factory, both are well thought out interactive exhibits. If we wanted to eat after a long day of touring museums, I would suggest several places. I love Tiny Boxwoods on West Alabama. If they want to experience some culture and a good, we can visit the Turkey Leg Hut. If we wanted to get drinks Bar 5015, Lawless, Wonder Bar, or Secret Garden would all be good options. Taking a day trip to either Galveston or Kemah would be on my list as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are several people who deserve a “shoutout”. I first want to shoutout God for giving me the vision to start my business and for sending people along the way to both motivate me and keep me encouraged. I want to shoutout my family for always being support systems for me, believing and encouraging me even when I could not do it for myself. I want to thank my mother, for being a trailblazer and entrepreneur. She was an excellent reminder that what I wanted was possible. I want to shoutout my trainer/mentor, Terrick Smith for always being there to support and motivate me. He has been a great inspiration and supporter of the Ken Kounsels brand. I want to thank my friends who have prayed for me and over my business, without them, none of this would be possible.

Website: https://www.kenkounsels.com/

Instagram: @kenkounsels /https://www.instagram.com/kenkounsels/

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

Youtube: LaKendria Ellis

Image Credits
Tha Show Media

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.