Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Griffin.
Hi Kimberly, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been asking the question “why” from the time I could walk. I always wanted to know more; why this, why that, but why? My curiosity led me to my passion of working in mental health and entrepreneurship. My desire to help people and be in charge of my own path led me to become a psychotherapist and entrepreneur. It all started after undergraduate school. I moved to Atlanta in 1995 when the job market was exceptional and the progressive moves of entrepreneurs were welcomed. I was motivated to be all I could be, so I decided to further my education and obtain my Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology at Clark Atlanta University. I became a counselor because I was interested to learn more about individual cognition and behavior. I also wanted to help bring awareness to mental health for African American families because we often suffer in silence. Over the next 20 years, I was able to obtain my license and become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), as well as obtain my PhD from Mercer University in Counselor Education and Supervision. I opened a private practice, Just Talk Counseling and Consulting, where I offer psychotherapy to adults and adolescents who are dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, faith issues, and addiction. I also work with married couples (to include premarital counseling), groups, and businesses to improve employee satisfaction.
Although my counseling practice keeps me busy, my entrepreneurial spirit continues to drive me to take advantage of great opportunities. With that said, my husband, Terrence, and I purchased “Your Pie,” a pizzeria in the Tucker/Embry Hills area (off of Chamblee-Tucker Rd.), in Atlanta, GA. We enjoy being entrepreneurs and we especially enjoy helping others consider business ownership.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Before we opened Your Pie, our mentors/friends told us that it would be challenging. It has been. We are a new business trying to make all of the right moves. We would have never expected a pandemic to be the challenge that would almost take us down. Like many businesses, our restaurant (Your Pie) suffered during the pandemic. When our country closed down for two weeks, it really hurt our business because we did not have the sales to maintain labor or cash flow. We took advantage of all financial funding offered to small businesses. With God’s grace, financial assistance, and the community of Tucker/Embry Hills, our business remains open.
In contrast, my private practice, Just Talk Counseling and Consulting, doubled in size, as you can imagine. When businesses closed for two weeks, I moved my practice from a brick and mortar to an online/virtual business. I thought I might lose clients; however, my phone never stopped ringing. People were hurting more than ever. My clients were dealing with isolation, grief, depression, uncertainties, and fear. So many people needed, and still need, help. I continue to do my best to serve those in need.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Just Talk Counseling and Consulting and Your Pie Pizza?
Just Talk Counseling and Consulting, LLC (JTCC) is a Limited Liability company that offers mental health counseling and business consulting. JTCC is owned and operated by me, Dr. Kimberly Griffin, who has over 20 years of counseling experience. JTCC is virtual (Lawrenceville for face to face clients) and services surrounding cities throughout Georgia. We offer counseling for individuals, adolescents, and couples with focus areas on anxiety, addiction, spirituality, grief, marriage, career, depression, dream processing, and life transitions. In addition, we offer companies the opportunity to enhance their workforce through mindfulness and processing groups, workshops on communication and employee satisfaction initiatives, and executive or management coaching. To make an appointment, contact Dr. Griffin at www.Justalk2me.com.
Your Pie Tucker (Embry Hills) opened on Oct 5, 2018. “Your Pie” is a pizza franchise that originated in Athens, Georgia. I consider Your Pie a hidden gem. The pizza is absolutely amazing. You can build your own pizza (10 or 7 inch) with a variety of fresh toppings. At Your Pie, we believe in the importance of gathering around the table to enjoy great food and even better company. Our goal is to create a unique dining experience you can share with your friends, family or colleagues—without having to share your pizza. That’s the whole idea, right? It’s your pie, made your way.
All of our pizzas are made with hand-tossed dough, house-made sauces and fresh ingredients, then cooked to order in our signature brick oven. We even offer vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free pizza options, as well as chopped salads, pasta and paninis. Plus, grab a scoop of authentic gelato for the perfect complement to your custom creation. We are also available for catering. For catering inquiries, give us a call at 470-273-5984.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
No. But, I would like to ask, are you living or existing? Life is too short; don’t go through life suffering in silence. Keep in mind, counseling is not just for those who are hurting. Psychotherapy is very useful for people needing to speak with someone professional who will hold their most private thoughts in confidence. If you have never tried counseling, consider it. Take the first step toward a more fulfilling existence.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.justalk2me.com; www.yourpie.com/tucker
Image Credits
Melissa Alagon (cover photo only)
