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

Hi Maddison, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Growing up in the heart of the hood in H-town, I saw struggle up close—especially through the eyes of my own mother. She was a single mom raising two kids on grit, grind, family, community, and pure determination. Watching her sacrifice everything to keep us clothed, fed, and safe lit a fire in me early on. I knew I had to be more than a statistic. I had to be a blueprint.

My thought process behind starting my own business, iMINDS Counseling & Wellness, PLLC, was deeply personal. I chose mental health because I wanted to be what I needed growing up. I knew what it felt like to carry heavy emotional weight in silence—to see pain all around you but have no safe space to unpack it. Therapy wasn’t something people talked about where I came from. But we needed it—desperately.

I can’t even lie, at first, it was about survival. I wanted financial freedom—not just to make money, but to break generational curses. I was tired of being told what I couldn’t do, tired of watching people like me get overlooked, underestimated, and undervalued. I knew if I could create something of my own, I could make space for others who came from the same streets I did. But deeper than that, I wanted ownership. I wanted to build something with my name on it. I didn’t just want a seat at the table—I wanted to build the whole damn table. So I started my mental health business with purpose and passion—not just profit in mind. I built it to be excellent, to prove that Black women from the hood can be CEOs, healers, and leaders. I built it for that little girl watching me now, the way I used to watch women who looked like me and wonder if I’d ever make it out.

Now I’m not just running a business—I’m living proof that where you start doesn’t define where you’ll finish. And I’m creating a space where healing, growth, and generational change can begin. See the thing about my business, iMINDS Counseling & Wellness, is that not only does it help me better my mind business and restore my peace, it allows me to help you mind yours.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business, iMINDS Counseling & Wellness, is a mental health practice rooted in community, culture, and compassion. I built it to serve people who look like me—people who’ve been through trauma but were never given the tools or the language to heal. At iMINDS we specialize in culturally competent therapy, group healing spaces, and community outreach. I believe therapy shouldn’t just live in an office—it should live in the streets, in schools, in beauty salons and barbershops, in churches, and wherever our people gather. Our motto at iMINDS is: Counseling for the new millennium. You get to create a safe space wherever you are.

What sets iMINDS apart is that it’s not just clinical—it’s personal. I am a therapist for the client I used to be. I understand the silent battles, the cultural stigmas, the fear of being vulnerable, and the strength it takes just to say “I need help.” My team and I don’t approach this work from a place of judgment—we lead with empathy, realness, and respect for lived experience. We don’t just talk about healing—we walk it, live it, and bring it back to our communities.

So how did I get here and was it easy? Was it easy? Chile no! Getting to where I am today was far from easy. I had no blueprint. No investors. No generational wealth to fall back on. Just a dream, a calling, and a whole lot of vision. I started with limited resources, working long hours, wearing all the hats—therapist, admin, marketer, everything. I’ve been overlooked, underbooked, and burnt out; but I kept showing up. For my purpose. For my people. For that version of me who needed someone to show her it was possible.

I overcame the challenges by staying connected to why I started. Every setback taught me something—about boundaries, about business, and about myself. I learned that rest is resistance, that saying “no” is sometimes the most powerful act of self-care, and that slow growth is still growth. I’ve also learned that being a Black woman in business means you have to be twice as good, but it doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence. You build community. You ask for help. You keep going.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is this: iMINDS is not just in the business of therapy—we’re in the business of transformation. My story isn’t polished, but it’s powerful. I came from the same places others are still trying to survive. And I’m here to remind them that healing is possible, that success doesn’t require you to abandon who you are, and that your pain can become your platform for peace.

iMINDS is more than a provider of mental health services—it’s a movement.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Listen, if my best friend is flying into Houston for the week, a time will be had! Houston is full of culture, flavor, creativity, and Black excellence, and as a proud Black-owned business owner who supports other Black-owned businesses, you already know that’s where my dollars are going.

Day 1: We’re easing in with the vibes and some chit chat. Breakfast at The Sunrise House is a must because the ambiance is what truly sets the scene. Then we’ll hit up The Menil Collection to walk it off and take in some art while we catch up. Something chill and cute, but meaningful.

Day 2: We’re talking all things Black joy. Morning yoga or a sound bath with one of Houston’s Black wellness guides, then lunch at Reggae Hut or Stuff’d Wings—Black-owned, bold flavor, and full of love.

Day 3: I’d say it’s time to tap into the nightlife. We’re doing dinner at Lucille’s—upscale Southern with a twist, and another Black-owned gem. Then cocktails at The Flat which is also Black-owned, however, many aren’t aware because of the eclectic scene its attracts, but the drinks are good good!

Day 4: This will be the recharge day. I’d book us massages or spa time at Camellia Alise or a float session at a local wellness space. Afterward, we’ll do something light at Sunshine’s Health Food Store & Vegetarian Deli. Best believe that even on slow days, we’ll keep it intentional, focused on self-care, wellness, and balance. I just would be glad to have my friend around and enjoy their company.

Day 5: We’re hitting up Third Ward and the historic sites. We’ll start by taking a tour of Project Row Houses, getting something good to eat at Mo’ Brunch & Brews, shopping Black-owned boutiques in the area and then making a Galleria run. This is the day I’d show them the real roots of the city—the resilience, the culture, the pride, and the stories that shaped us, but ya girl also likes to spend a coin or two.

Day 6: We’re dropping the top and taking a meaningful day trip to Galveston, TX—because that’s not just any beach, that’s where Juneteenth started. It’s sacred ground. I’d take my best friend to visit Reedy Chapel-AME Church and the Juneteenth Marker, so they can feel the weight and pride of that history. Then we’d relax on the beach, soak in the water, and honor the ancestors who never stopped fighting for freedom. Afterward, we’d head back to Houston for dinner at Grace’s. Now, I know it’s not Black-owned, but it’s definitely got that essence. The food is seasoned to perfection, the vibe is always warm, and it feels like a little piece of Houston soul on a plate. A perfect way to wrap up a powerful, heartfelt day.

Day 7: Brunch and reflection—probably at Lost & Found for a lil turn up with our sweet potato pancakes, followed by a walk along Buffalo Bayou Park. We’d be soaking in the skyline, the journey, the connection, and the fact that Houston is full of so many people doing dope things—especially in the Black community.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout out to my guy, my brother: Isaac, Jr. He is my first love. I saw him as an example of honor, protection, and freedom. Once he left to serve in the US Air Force, it’s like I knew I had wings of my own.

Shout out to my Mama: Felicia, belovedly known as Fe. My mama showed me what being a black woman is all about—majestic, skilled, and necessary.

The BIGGEST shout out to my village—my chosen family. This is for Adam, Odell, Jazz, Cam, Inem, William, Raveen, Ken, Natassia, Nicolette, Milton, Clacy, and Brandon. Thank you for loving me through all stages and phases of life. Let’s take it to the top!

Website: https://www.imindscounseling.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imindscounseling/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddison-adimora-719a2047/

Image Credits
Photos 3 & 4: Jerren Willis Photography

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