Meet Myanah Simmons

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

Hi Myanah, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Honestly, it started with a deep need—mine and the women around me. I saw how many of us were showing up for everyone else while silently carrying emotional weight, burnout, and generational trauma. I didn’t want to just create a business; I wanted to create a space where women, especially women of color, could take a breath, be seen, and be reminded that healing is possible.

Starting Augustine Counseling Service was a way to give that vision structure and consistency. I knew if I was going to talk about liberation and mental wellness, I had to model it in how I worked, too.

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?
What sets me apart is that my work isn’t just professional, it’s personal. My brand is rooted in real-life experience, cultural awareness, and a deep commitment to creating spaces where women feel emotionally safe, seen, and supported. I don’t show up in my business with a mask on. I show up as a whole person, and I encourage others to do the same.

I’m most proud of the way I’ve built this practice with integrity, on my own terms and in alignment with my values. I didn’t follow a traditional blueprint, and that was intentional. I wanted to build something that honored wellness and wholeness, not just hustle.

Getting here wasn’t easy. There were plenty of moments filled with doubt, comparison, and burnout. Starting a business as a therapist, especially as a woman of color, comes with its own unique pressures. I had to navigate financial stress, imposter syndrome, and the emotional weight of helping others while learning to care for myself.

What helped me overcome those challenges was community, therapy (yes, therapists have therapists!), and giving myself permission to evolve. I had to let go of perfectionism and embrace progress. I learned to rest without guilt and to celebrate the small wins along the way.

What I want the world to know is this: my brand isn’t about “fixing” people, it’s about reminding them they were never broken. Healing is possible. Joy is possible. And we don’t have to do it alone.

My story is one of resilience, intention, and heart. And if it speaks to someone who’s been silently struggling, then I know I’m doing what I was called to do.

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.
Houston has so much soul and so many things to do! If my best friend were in town for a week, we’d balance rest, joy, and culture because that’s what I believe in: full-body wellness and fun.

Day 1: We’d kick things off slow with brunch at Lucille’s. After that, we’d walk it off at Hermann Park or take in some art at the Museum of Fine Arts. Dinner? Definitely Taste Bar + Kitchen for vibes and elevated comfort food.

Day 2: We’d explore Third Ward and grab coffee from Throughgood Coffee or Doshi House, then support local shops and bookstores like Kindred Stories and LitJava, which centers BIPOC authors. At night, maybe hit a live music spot like The Alley Kat.

Day 3: A wellness day. We’d hit up a yoga or sound bath class, The Black Swan Yoga Studio is a good go-to. Maybe book massages or facials then grab smoothies or healthy eats from Sunshine’s Health Food Store or Green Seed Vegan.

Day 4: We’d go mural-hopping around EaDo and the Heights. Houston has so much beautiful street art that celebrates Black and brown culture—perfect for Instagram and inspiration. Dinner at Turkey Leg Hut or Thirteen if we’re feeling fancy.

Day 5: We’d spend time near the water, either a quick drive to Galveston or a chill afternoon by Discovery Green or the Buffalo Bayou Trails. I’d squeeze in a little pop-up market or community event if one’s happening, because Houston’s small businesses are everything.

Days 6 & 7: The last days would be a mix of catching a local play or show at The Ensemble Theatre, shopping at The Galleria or local boutiques, and ending with a rooftop dinner downtown, maybe at Z on 23 or Post Houston for great views and food variety.

The beauty of Houston is that it’s a melting pot, there’s always something happening. The people are warm, creative, and unapologetically expressive. I love that the city honors both legacy and innovation. And the food? Always the star of the show.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely. There’s no way I’d be where I am without community.

First, I have to shout out the women in my family, my mother and grandmother, who showed me what strength looks like in action. They were my first examples of resilience, care, and faith. They didn’t always have the space to prioritize mental wellness, but they taught me why it matters.

I also have to recognize my clients and the women in my community who trust me to walk alongside them in their healing journeys. Their vulnerability and courage inspire me daily.

And honestly, a quiet shoutout goes to the version of me that kept showing up—even on days when it was hard. She deserves some credit, too.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge the therapists, healers, and advocates who are doing this work in their own corners of the world. We may never meet, but we’re shifting the culture together.

Website: https://www.augustinecounselingservice.com

Instagram: @augustine_counselingsvc

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/augustinecounselingservice

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

Other: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/MyanahSimmons