This January 2025, I’m celebrating a milestone that fills me with gratitude and reflection: 20 years in business. As I look back on this journey, it feels surreal to think about how it all began—on a cold winter day in January 2005—with nothing but a desire to create something meaningful, even in the face of uncertainty.
Let me take you back to January 12, 2005. I was five months pregnant and had just been fired from a job that challenged my integrity. That night, I felt a mix of fear and relief. Fear because I didn’t know what would come next; relief because I had stood firm in my values. By the next morning, I had made a decision that would change my life. With no formal business experience, I launched The Stone Foundation.
At the time, I didn’t know much about running a business. I didn’t know about billing or credentialing, marketing or management. What I did know was how to care for people. That became my foundation. It wasn’t about building something big at first—it was about building something I could be proud of.
Over time, the work began to grow. Clients kept coming. Other clinicians joined the practice. Before I knew it, I was running a full-fledged group practice. Contracts with organizations like Johns Hopkins and local school systems began to roll in. Challenges? Oh, there were plenty. I learned how to lead a team, handle insurance, and continually navigate the unknown. Each challenge stretched me in ways I didn’t think possible, teaching me resilience, leadership, and adaptability.
But this journey has never been just about business growth. It’s been about personal growth—about who I’ve become along the way. Every step of this entrepreneurial journey has pulled me into my bravest, most authentic self.
As my practice grew, I began mentoring others. Colleagues would ask, How did you do this? I started teaching a simple 90-minute class on starting a private practice. That little class became the foundation of something much bigger. Soon, I was mentoring therapists, helping them not just build businesses but create authentic brands that reflect their values and expertise.
Through it all, life kept happening. I became a mom of three, navigated a divorce, and juggled the demands of family and business. Those moments of personal challenge taught me the importance of self-care and trusting my intuition. They also inspired me to launch a passion project called Be Full Grown, a space to help Black women navigate midlife with intention and boldness.
Looking back, I can say that the most fulfilling part of this journey has been helping others step into their power—whether that’s a therapist building their dream practice, a social worker redefining what’s possible, or a professional creating a life and business they love.
So, how am I celebrating 20 years in business? By pouring back into the community that has supported me.
What’s Next for This Milestone Year
Launching an Online Entrepreneurship Course
I’m thrilled to have been invited by Morgan State University’s DSW program to create a course on entrepreneurship. It’s a culmination of two decades of experience, packaged to help social work students graduate with the knowledge they need to succeed in business.
Hosting the Visionary Awards for Social Work Month
This March, I’m honoring social workers making waves in the field. Through a social media nomination process, we’ll celebrate individuals in five categories. It’s time to change the narrative of what social work looks like.
Introducing The Aligned Life Experience
In October, I’m hosting my first retreat for mental health professionals in Jamaica. The Aligned Life Experience is designed to help therapists rest, reignite their creativity, and build a life and business they love.
A Message for You
If you’ve ever felt stuck in your career or unsure of your next step, let me remind you of this: sometimes, the scariest moments in life are the ones pushing us toward something extraordinary. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Growth begins with one brave decision.
Thank you for being part of this journey, whether as a colleague, client, or supporter. Your encouragement has made these 20 years possible, and I’m excited to continue building something beautiful with you.
If you know a visionary social worker, nominate them for an award.
If you’re ready to invest in your restoration and reinvention, join me at The Aligned Life Experience.
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