Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelisa Volson.
Hi Kelisa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Owning my own business has always been a dream of mine that had been deferred until 2016, when it became a tangible reality. I officially opened the doors of my private mental wellness practice in 2018 with literally a hope and a prayer that it would become successful! Starting entirely from scratch, I initially had no clients and no money being generated for the business. Through connecting with other businesses and educational entities to provide counseling services through their employee assistance programs and getting in-network with insurance companies, things started to progress. I had (and still do) a lot to learn about running a business in addition to providing services. Today, I continue to provide counseling services for the states of Georgia, Louisiana and Florida (primarily remotely) in addition to supervision for students and/or graduates who are working toward being licensed as a professional counselor in the state of GA. I also do motivational speaking on women empowerment and consulting for those who are impacted by Autism.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I literally started with nothing. It definitely was a situation where I stepped out and had the “crazy faith” that this was my destiny and purpose and that although it has not been easy by any means, but that it would be possible. There were times where I invested so much of my own personal money to keep things going and also not knowing much about the actual business side of the business, learning things on my own through trial and error. Getting the word out in the community about my business and the services was also a challenge so I had to garner more presence in the community and online through building my own website, running my social media platforms and transitioning to working remotely full-time when the pandemic started which caused financial hardship.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
“Elevating beyond the limits”. I provide individual and group mental wellness services for persons who have challenges with anxiety, depression, anger, grief, narcissistic abuse, and autism. I am known for my ability to assist those of all ages and backgrounds using a well rounded or eclectic approach to therapy tailored to an individual’s specific needs. I value the importance of the total connection and alignment of mind, body, and spirit and moving toward incorporating a more holistic approach to my brand/services. I also have a podcast, “The Kel Shares Podcast,” where I demonstrate kindness, provide empowerment and share some of my life lessons from both personal and professional standpoints. Lastly, I have a t-shirt line with inspirational and empowerment apparel found on teespring.com.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I would consider myself to be fairly shy, although I was involved in most activities at church and I was in band/drum major in high school. I have always had a love for helping people and was the person most of my friends came to for assistance with their problems. I always loved fashion and taking pieces from different styles and making them my own. I also loved music, especially playing my clarinet in both marching and concert band. I also played piano and took lessons through high school and played for my church for Sunday School and special programs. I grew up in rural Arkansas and lived around close family in a close-knit community. I always knew I wanted to be successful and do something great. I watched my grandmother run and operated her own beauty shop for years and my mom and her sister being cosmetologists as well as working with her. It took me a while to accept my calling to work in the mental health field, but when I did, I had a plan and executed it despite any challenges or setbacks.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.risingheightscounseling.com
- Instagram: @risingheightscounseling
- Facebook: Rising Heights Counseling Center
- Twitter: @HeightsRising
