Conversations with Lauren Hastings

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Hastings.

Hi Lauren, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started Hear to Speak, LLC in order to have the freedom to take care of my father. I was working as a school-based speech-language pathologist and thoroughly enjoyed the setting. My father’s health began to decline in the fall of 2015. By the spring of 2016, my sister and I had to move him to Atlanta to keep a better eye on him. I was assisting him in finding a primary care doctor and within a month, he was seeing four doctors. Each doctor wanted to see him every 3 to 4 weeks. So, I decided to “jump ship” and start my private practice. I felt that I could have more flexibility in my schedule. I decided to create a mobile business to decrease initial business expenses. In June 2016, Hear to Speak was born. I was able to be there for my father as well as serve my community (there are very few mobile speech-language pathologists in South Fulton). In the past six years, I have served over 100 children.

While I love being a speech-language pathologist, I have also found a love for business coaching. I have helped several friends start their private practice in addition to assisting them to understand the world of insurance billing. In 2021, I created Hear to Speak Academy, LLC. This new business venture has ignited a new love of teaching. I have created online courses to help speech-language pathologists learn how to DIY insurance credentialing and billing. I truly believe every business owner should learn every aspect of their business BEFORE outsourcing the job. If something goes wrong, it will impact your name and business therefore it is imperative to have your hand in the pot.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Smooth road? Where?! Every entrepreneur will experience a rocky road to success. A few of my struggles were understanding the financial management of my business including taxes, payroll, and budgeting. Also, I had to learn to say no to potential clients not because I didn’t want to serve them but because my schedule was full. I used to start my day at 8:00 am and wouldn’t end until 6:00 pm…..driving around Atlanta! Some days, I didn’t have a lunch break. I had to learn to take care of myself. If I’m not good, I won’t present my best self to my client and their family. Lastly, I struggled with talking about money with my parents. I would go several sessions without collecting the copay or mentioning their bill. It was so hard for me to have those conversations. What helped me overcome this bad habit was watching how my dentist and doctor’s office ran their collections process. I had to learn to change my mindset from a therapist (a heart for my clients) to an entrepreneur (a business owner) mindset.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a speech-language pathologist who specializes in language disorders, literacy development, and early intervention. I have a heart for advocacy. I love helping my parents learn how to navigate the “IEP system” to ensure their child receives all the appropriate services and support. Additionally, I have obtained a certification in ADHD to add extra strategies to my toolkit to work with kids in that population.

I am most proud of myself. In the past few years, I have put myself out there with my businesses in addition to my professional association. I was the convention co-chair for the National Black Association of Speech, Language, and Hearing (NBASLH) for 2020 (canceled), 2021 (first virtual), and 2022 (in-person). I am the convention chair for the 2023 Georgia Speech Language Hearing Association convention, Associate Coordinator for the Special Interest Group (SIG) 1 Language Learning and Education for the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), and the Partnerships chair for NBASLH. I express my love for the profession and the African American community through a weekly podcast, Speech Tea. I enjoy co-hosting the podcast with my colleague, Lauren Prather, discussing topics impacting minorities and breaking down special education concepts in understandable terms.

What sets me apart from others is my drive. My businesses and professional involvement all align with my God-given purpose……which is educating and advocating for children with language disorders (more specifically minority children). My ultimate goal is to be the guru for school-age children with a communication and/or learning disability.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Initially, my caseload took a hit however it quickly increased when parents found out I was still providing mobile services. A lot of speech therapists resulted to teletherapy and discontinued in-person services. I have learned two important lessons: #1 Multiple streams of income are a necessity not an option; #2 Consistent branding and marketing will make a bigger impact on your brand than you think.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sassyslp/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenHastingsSLP
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwUaMI2UkKQqMdzOPMC8h1Q