Today we’d like to introduce you to Shante Sellers.
Shante, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all started back in elementary school at Stonewall Jackson in Jacksonville, Florida. I had no clue that being retained as a first-grader would serve as the deep root of my then insecurities and my now success. I took my experience of failing to achieve throughout elementary school. I used it as motivation. Eventually, I was placed in the correct grade, I graduated in the top 20% of my class and I then went on to study for a bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida. I served as a teacher at my old elementary school where I found passion in leadership and communication science and disorders. I went on to pursue a master’s degree in educational leadership and a master’s degree in communication science and disorders from “Florida State” University. Read about each chapter of my life where I experience different phases that hindered and heightened my success as I transformed my “career-driven” mindset to an “entrepreneur-driven” mindset.
Fear & anxiety to success! I created Pink Coffee Café during the pandemic in 2019. It was my safe space to release during a time when prioritizing mental health was pivotal to surviving. During the pandemic, my anxiety heightened and I had my first panic attack. I remember not being able to breathe and as I think back it resulted from a set of random negative thoughts. In addition to anxiety, I had imposter syndrome. My fear of failure felt like it was much louder than my ability to succeed. This “loudness was overpowering. Ironically, it was easy to show up in support of and mentor others to pursue their dreams. “Pouring from an empty cup” left me deficient. Suddenly, I began to fill my cup by indulging in self-care practices daily, “commanding my days” through mindfulness. I worked on my spiritual health and decided to disown fear. Fear would not rent space within my brain! Pink Coffee Café is a brand that inspires one to show up!
Retained to Teacher Of The Year! When I was retained in elementary school as a first-grade student, my second teacher Mr. Bee taught me to gain confidence. We were not allowed to use the word “can’t”. Learning felt very safe in Mr. Bee’s class. He was so impactful that, I returned to that same school where he changed my life, to serve in my first teaching role. I became The Teacher of the Year, broke many records with student achievement, and changed the lives of my students as Mr. Bee had done for me. I met each student where they were, creating a safe space for them to flourish. The most gratifying experience for me was working with Mr. Bee as a colleague!
Teacher to Private Practice Owner. I loved education but desired more freedom to serve as an educational leader. I created, The Learning Loft LLC. It is a place where I could see the kid version of myself highly engaged in learning, and innovating as I explore my love for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). The Learning Loft provides private speech-language and Occupational therapy and hosts educational programs for all students, specifically students with communication and learning disabilities. We host summer camps and have partnered with many schools in the local community to provide services.
Vulnerable New Grad to Contracting Agency Owner! After transitioning from the classroom to becoming a speech-language pathologist, I co-founded a school contracting agency called Integral Partnerships, LLC. I met my business partner, Mariah Emery, founder of Meaning Intervention Services, via Instagram. She DM’d me as a new graduate seeking to connect with like-minded professionals. We formed a sisterhood and the rest is history. We used our experiences working for bigger companies, “good& bad” and designed a brand that professionals would feel inspired to be a part of. We curated Integral Partnerships and branded it to be the #1 agency serving schools and professionals who will inspire them to be a part of it. We are all about making integral partnerships and truly investing in building the professional that is a part of our time. We believe in the work-life harmony mindset. Lastly, providing professionals with opportunities to serve in high-paying roles in the schools, has been our work of heart.
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?
Scrolling through social media was a distraction for me before starting my business. I would compare my progress to that of a random stranger resulting in discouragement as my dreams “collected dust” in an old notebook. I finally blocked all distractions by leaving social media and honed in on what was important, “my journey to success”. There are many different burger companies and the truth is, each company uses a different recipe.
My biggest recommendation to any entrepreneur is to command your day before it starts! Practice “mindfulness” often, and maintain a balance by setting boundaries. Understand that “progress is better than perfection”. Seek help from professionals by joining community organizations. Don’t be afraid to “slide into the DM” of a business owner that is where you would like to be. Network, and build your “safe space” of professionals that are not gate-keepers but rather collaborators. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate! Hire freelancers to complete tasks, freeing your time up to be more creative as you grow your business.
There will always be “ups and downs” in the business world even when you reach higher levels of success. Be prepared to conquer! Know that YOUR path is divine and unique to YOUR purpose. You will arrive WHERE YOU need to be WHEN YOU need to be there!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Learning Loft, Integral Partnerships, Cutest Coffee & Self-Care Bar, and The Pink Coffee Café?
Fun Creative Outlet! The Pink Coffee Café brand is curated to inspire one to show up “in and on” purpose. Indulge in the self-care needed to live your life unapologetically. The coffee-inspired brand features empowerment tee’s, delicious coffee products, mugs, stationery items, a self-care bar, and more. Pink Coffee is an online store but will bring the vibes to life in the form of a brick and mortar soon! Be on the lookout for our workshops, networking events, and more opportunities for professionals in the local area. I secured my independent contracts mindfully, and so can you! I currently serve as a business coach. The coaching style that I offer is concierge, where you are met where you are in the process of cultivating your brand.
Cultivating a safe space for learning has always been a passion for me. As a kid, I failed in environments that weren’t “safe” mentally. I would instantly shut down if the learning space did not allow for vulnerability. If I did not feel comfortable enough to ask a question, that was not the space for me to learn in. I created a safe space for other aspiring business owners to learn without fear. Overcoming fear and imposter syndrome before starting my business motivated me to create a mindfulness program for others. My CEO Link offers business coaching for therapists and educators wishing to start their private practices or build a brand as an educational consultant. Finding the “correct link” is important, as many will “gatekeep” knowledge rather than support you. “My CEO LINK hosts networking events and offers concierge coaching, programs, and workshops. We offer downloadable resources, courses, and more. We offer our three-level program walking professionals through the steps of starting a business as an independent contractor while using mindfulness. Coaching sessions are automatically included upon entry into the program. Sign up for our waiting list, the next cohort will start in June 2023. Contact us today for a free strategy call.
Private Practice: The Learning Loft Private Therapy & Education. The Learning Loft offers private programs for clients with communication and educational needs. We partner with schools to provide professional development for teachers, workshops for parents, and intervention (math/reading) services for unique learners. We offer STEM-based learning programs, professional tutoring, and more.
School Contracting Agency: Integral Partnerships, LLC. Integral Partnerships offers the highest-paying school contracts throughout Florida. Are you a therapist in search of a great school job? We partner with occupational therapists, speech therapists, mental health providers, and behavioral specialists to support the mission of schools. Our team is comprised of professionals with many years of experience working in a variety of settings. We all have joined together, eager to serve as we wholeheartedly support student achievement.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for SLPs is expected to grow at an exponential rate between now and 2026. There is an 18% growth rate expected, making the field one of the fastest-growing careers, offering great job security. Many therapists are seeking opportunities with companies such the Integral Partnerships, fresh out of graduate school to work as independent contractors.
Therapists are understanding their worth, and take risks as they join the journey to entrepreneurship. Colleges are creating partnerships with entrepreneurs to teach students about the business side of the therapy world. New therapists are in the community networking, taking courses to educate themselves as they find ways to activate their wealth-driven mindset. Experienced therapists are looking for ways to mentor others diversifying the field of speech-language pathology. More schools and organizations are taking a chance to partner with small reliable companies. I love the new wave of SLPs “dancing in greatness!”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lnk.bio/nhRn
- Instagram: Shop Pink @pinkcoffeecafe, @myceolink (Business Coaching), School Contract Jobs (@integralpartners), and Private Education Therapy @thelearningloftfl
- Other: (Business Coaching, Jobs, & More) https://lnk.bio/learningloft
Image Credits
Joyanne Photography
