Meet Shanna A. Jefferson | Psychotherapist | Business Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shanna A. Jefferson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shanna A., is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My life motto is “For to whom much is given, of him much shall be required”. With that being said, my primary purpose and passion in life is to serve as an agent of change. I haven’t been fed with a silver spoon in the traditional sense of the saying. However, I’ve been blessed with the silver spoon filled with grace, gratitude, humility, integrity, faith, service, divine connections, and the spirit of greatness.

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?
Professionally, I am a Psychotherapist, Personal Development Strategist, Business Coach, Author, and Motivational Speaker.

While in graduate school, I commenced my journey in the mental health field working in various capacities. The culmination of my experiences working for other agencies and educating myself led me to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

I then took my entrepreneurial endeavors to the next level by establishing my mental health practice Destination Greatness in 2013 where we help individuals and families throughout the Carolinas and Georgia transcend adversities such as low self-esteem, depression, life stressors, grief, and other mental health challenges by first shifting their mindset so that they can live a fulfilling life.

In 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, I launched Visions of Greatness Enterprises with a mission to help entrepreneurs create harmony in life and business through personal development, mental wealth, and sustainable business practices.

My journey as a business owner and entrepreneur has certainly not been smooth. At times, the struggles have been compounded on multiple domains including inconsistent cash flow, undeveloped strategic planning, marketing challenges, and not building a sustainable team. With the challenges especially in my early years, the knowledge and skills I learned prior to establishing my business seemed fruitless.

However, through it all, I stand and proclaim that I am more than a conqueror.

I am certainly grateful for the lessons and blessings of entrepreneurship and business ownership. In overcoming the challenges, I had to remain focused on my vision, trust the process, have faith, and surround myself with others striving for greatness.

My experiences as a Psychotherapist, Entrepreneur, and now nearly 1O years as a Business Owner have positioned me with the lived experiences, knowledge, and fuel to serve aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs.

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?
Honestly, I love to eat. So, each day we will check out a different small business for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We will also explore the local attractions including art exhibits and museums. During a few evenings, we will get dressed to explore the night life in the city. On the remaining days, we will sit on the rooftop and enjoy great convos about life and business while looking over the city.

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 recently heard TD Jakes proclaimed “You cannot stand in Greatness alone”. This proclamation resonated with me on so many levels. There have been many times during my journey as a Full-Time Business Owner that I felt alone. Misunderstood. But the truth is, I’ve never been alone. And never will be.

As I reflect on my journey, there are 10 special people that I consider my “Circle of Greatness”. There are certainly others that have without a doubt contributed to this journey of life and business and I am forever grateful for each of them.

During the early stages of starting my private practice, I would attend many business seminars hosted by Durham Tech’s Small Business Center. It was at that time that I connected with then Director, LaShon Harley. Throughout the years, LaShon has provided encouragement and feedback in-person and from afar.

In the years prior to commencing my mental health practice, I contracted with several companies throughout Durham. Greater Outreach Services was one of them. I truly admired the Owner who was about her business yet down-to-earth and very genuine. Over the years, I’ve learned so much from Nyesha Robinson and the intricate details of running a mental health practice. From my Boss to Business Mentor to Friend and now Co-Author, Nyesha epitomizes Black Girl Magic.

Shortly after celebrating my 5th Business Anniversary in 2018, I was facing one of my biggest battles as a Business Owner. A court case. But God. Just days prior to my court hearing, I connected with an attorney via phone as he was traveling. What was to only be a 30 minute phone consultation turned into a whole movie series. But more importantly, I gained a lifetime friend who I am forever indebted to.

Coming from by most measures a large family as I literally have over 30 Aunts and Uncles and hundreds of cousins, there are several family members that have supported me as I navigated my entrepreneurial journey. From attending events to connecting me with various speaking engagements to sharing more social media posts than anyone else, I pay homage to my cousin Sebrena Holmes.

Imagine never meeting someone yet receiving immeasurable support and opportunities. Well, thanks to SwagHer Magazine I have been blessed to experience just that. From sponsoring my Talk Show to connecting me with many opportunities, SwagHer has been a constant force on my journey to Greatness.

This man is truly “The Master Plug”. In 2019 following the release of the inaugural edition of The Mental Cost of Entrepreneurship we were recognized as #ATLHottest. Following the ceremony, Gene Andrews introduced himself and we have been connected ever since. Gene, thank you for being you. More to come.

Having a spiritual force on your team is of utmost importance. For nearly 15 years, I’ve been blessed to confide in the Rev W.E. Daye, Pastor Emeritus of Peace Missionary Baptist Church in Durham, NC. Rev. Daye has always offered a listening ear and encouragement throughout the trials and tribulations of my life.

While in an office building in Midtown Atlanta to meet with an attorney, I met Leo Lucier. I was definitely in the right place at the right time. Leo who is affectionately known as My Tax King provided invaluable insight into my accounting and financial needs. Thank you Leo for your continued love and support.

Being new to Atlanta, I started attending various events to connect with other entrepreneurs. It was at that time that I connected with Self-Awareness Brand Strategist Ty Hamilton. From hosting my events to providing strategy, Ty has been an unwavering force in the development of my brand and vision. Thank you Ty.

Last but not least, to my youngest sister, Jessica Sierra Jefferson, thank you for being 10 toes down with me on this journey of life and business. From creating newsletters to managing leads, Jessica has been a constant force during my multitude of entrepreneurial endeavors. And now with the release of this book, she can add co-author to her multitude of titles. Thank you Jessica for your unconditional love and support. #JeffersonLegacy

Website: www.shannajefferson.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/shannajefferson

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannajefferson

Twitter: www.twitter.com/visionaryshanna

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannajefferson