Today we’d like to introduce you to LaShonda Lane-Gammell.
Hi LaShonda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a visionary that is actively working to bring my visions to life. I was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia. As a child, I was optimistic and a natural leader. I never imagined that my leadership skills would one day lead to entrepreneurship. Working for several counseling agencies increased my knowledge and skills. When I was ready to start my own agency, I had the wisdom and momentum to hit the ground running. I started Dreams and Visions to give counselors and clients a safe place to connect. As a therapist myself, I knew the importance of the culture of the workplace. Therapists deserve to work in environments that provide a culture of love and support. This allows them to better provide quality services. The clients then benefit and excel in their treatment. My goal is to continue to grow Dreams and Visions so that our impact can further reach those in need.
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?
The greatest challenge in the vision of helping others has been clients’ barriers to treatment. Many clients need help and are not able to access the mental health services they need for various reasons. Some of those reasons include stigma, funding, lack of insurance coverage, not having transportation for in-person sessions, inadequate internet service or electronic devices for virtual sessions, etc. The disparities we experience in the Black community are truly an injustice. I dedicate my work as a mental health professional to building the Black community through counseling, healing programs and education. The Black community deserves to heal and I will do anything in my power to continue to break down barriers. On the business side, there are other unique challenges. My educational background focused on counseling and not a business. I have had to self-educate and source out roles in order to effectively manage the finances and operations of Dreams and Visions. The Covid-19 pandemic was an unexpected challenge we were forced to deal with. This guided our transition into offering completely virtual services. We are still recovering from the negative impact of the pandemic. Like many businesses, adequate staffing has also been an obstacle.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Dreams and Visions is a group practice that provides quality and affordable mental health services. I operate as both the CEO and a Supervising Therapist. Dreams and Visions has therapists and coaches that provide care to anyone struggling to navigate life and its many transitions. Ultimately, we want the work that we do, to make the lives of our clients easier. No one should have to face their struggles alone. Dreams and Visions is an outlet available to help others process any issues they may be facing. I want the world to know that Dreams and Visions is here to help!
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I have spiritual beliefs that guide my lifestyle and mindset. Therefore, I assign no role to luck because my heavenly father is very intentional. Alignment was needed, but not luck. God has allowed me to assist in building His kingdom and it has been my pleasure to do so. Dreams and Visions is a product of my preparation and destiny aligning. When opportunities were presented, I was prepared and aligned with God. My accomplishments are because of God. I would never be able to turn my visions into reality using my own strength. This business is part of what I am called to do while here on earth and as long as I am aligned with God it will continue to help others.
Contact Info:
- Website: dreamsandvisionsatl.com
- Instagram: dreams_and_visions_atl
Image Credits
Melissa Marshall Kevin Waters Stamped Media Group
