Today, we’d like to introduce you to LaKendria Ellis.
Hi LaKendria, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey to becoming a therapist began before I knew the proper terminology for the career. I am unsure of the root cause; however, I have always been a great listener. People would always come to me for advice and assistance in navigating their personal challenges. It was a gift.
There was a natural isolation being the only child and female growing up in my family. This isolation taught me the art and beauty of human observation. What began as an escape from my noisy male cousins, understanding family dynamics, and the quiet of being an only child led me on a path of learning how to connect. This interest grew through studying, friendships, and job careers in which my compassion and understanding grew. I also watched various talk shows growing up.
My favorite was Oprah. I would rush home from school each day to watch her and vowed I would one day be able to connect with an audience in the same way. I admired how she could relate to anyone, regardless of race or ethnicity. I desired to do the same in a healing manner.
Through much trial and error, I have been able to find my career path. Although the opportunities it has opened continue to unfold, healing, educating, and advocating continue to be at the forefront of my mission.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. Along the way, I have faced several hurdles. I am the first person in my family to occupy this career. Being the first comes with its own set of obstacles, as there is no one to guide you. I faced obstacles due to my ignorance.
Becoming a therapist is not an easy task, and the number of hours it takes to obtain a license takes a great deal of time. This was a challenge due to my not being able to practice as soon as I intended. There were initial obstacles before I started my practice in finding jobs with competitive salaries. This was an obstacle because finances, or lack thereof, impact the quality of life.
As I began the journey of opening my practice, I had to figure things out on my own, such as marketing, systems, and essentially finding my niche. It was challenging to learn and effectively operate a business at the same time. As soon as I mastered these three things, I became a mother. I had to learn how to structure my business around my growing family.
I lost a lot of clients due to my change in availability. My priorities have now shifted, and a huge challenge as an entrepreneur is understanding the importance of timing and when to shift. While it has not been smooth, the challenges have been rewarding due to my new ability to pivot and do what is best for me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Ken Kounsels, PLLC, is a counseling and consulting practice. We advocate for women and men to become the best versions of themselves despite the expectations and labels placed on them.
We help children grow and thrive into healthy adults. We also provide mental health presentations where we both educate and advocate. We are different in that we are authentic and treat each client as a blank canvas ready to be painted in bright, new colors.
As the practice owner, I specialize in helping women navigate life’s transition, whether it be the birth of a child, starting a business, graduation, or divorce. I am a wellness coach and am my client’s biggest cheerleader. I host a podcast entitled “Kandid Konversations with Ken,” where I have candid conversations geared toward healing. I also serve as a mental health expert on TV One’s Fatal Attraction, where I provide psychological commentary on true crimes.
Ken Kounsels, PLLC, is proud of the growth and assistance we have been able to provide to our clients and community. Ken Kounsels, PLLC is here to be of service and to help those in need.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was quiet and observant but always with a plan. I may have also been considered reserved, depending on who you might ask.
To those closest to me, I was talkative, ambitious and determined. I was appointed to speak during several occasions while in school and I loved public speaking. I even had several TV appearances while in Elementary School on the local news. I have always been a planner and I have always wanted to be “successful”.
In high school, my best friend and I would drive through River Oaks (a prestigious neighborhood in Houston) on weekends to look at homes. I would watch Oprah and Dr. Spirit, telling anyone who would listen to my dreams of having a television career. When asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would proudly and confidently say, “Oprah.”
I also enjoyed the art of storytelling. I watched MTV Diaries and VH1s Behind the Music to better understand artists. I was interested in knowing the full story. In my spare time, I also enjoyed reading books at Barnes and Noble, visiting the Galleria, watching talk shows, and working out.
It appears these things have been instrumental in the growth and depth of my career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kenkounsels.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenkounsels/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenkounsels/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lakendriaellis2657
