From Social Worker to Entrepreneur: How Shawniel Chamanlal started a Wellness Center

Introduction

While Black Business Month has come to a close, that doesn’t mean that we stop celebrating Black entrepreneurs and all of their accomplishments. This week, we highlight Shawniel Chamanlal, an entrepreneur who recently attended a Business Panel at Albertus Magnus College in collaboration with our Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Shawniel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Empowerment Speaker, Life Coach, and Consultant. She is also the CEO and Founder of Healing Springs Wellness Center, an Integrative Counseling Space in Plantsville, CT. Today’s blog focuses not only on Black entrepreneurship, but also the importance of mental health in business ownership.

A dream of entrepreneurship

Shawniel earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and went on to earn her Master’s in Clinical Social Work. When she started her professional career, she was told to utilize her Psychology and Clinical Social Work degrees at an agency or hospital. But Shawniel had other plans. Despite the lack of encouragement, she pursued her dream and opened her own practice: Healing Springs.

While passion and dedication came easy, entrepreneurship presented challenges.

For one, she had to learn to trust her own abilities and believe that she could succeed as an entrepreneur. This involved pushing past doubt from others and surrounding herself with people who believed in her and her vision.

“People will tell you your dreams aren’t possible, but you have to keep believing in yourself,” says Shawniel. “One of the most important things is having a community of people who validate that your dream is possible. You also need people who can bridge the skills you need to turn your vision into reality.”

For Shawniel, another challenge was not having a business degree, and therefore, not having a strong business background.

“Being in Social Work school, they don’t teach you business concepts,” Shawniel explained. “All the things that you would probably get when you earn your MBA are things I had to learn myself.”

Through hard work, perseverance, and a strong inner-belief, Shawniel was able to overcome these challenges and build a successful practice.

Healing Springs Wellness Center

Now an established practice, Healing Springs Wellness Center offers a unique experience for its patients. Shawniel believes that each individual has their own unique healing journey, and therefore, requires a personalized approach. By incorporating “non-traditional” methods such as energy healing, EMDR, art, and storytelling, Healing Springs aims to provide a comprehensive and holistic treatment to their patients.

The emphasis on diversity and inclusion at Healing Springs is another crucial aspect of the practice. By hiring team members with different backgrounds and experiences, they ensure that patients from all walks of life feel accepted and understood. They believe that therapy should be accessible and welcoming to everyone, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or physical limitations.

*The team at Healing Springs Wellness Center*

Shawniel is passionate about changing people’s perspectives on therapy and breaking the stereotype that it is “only for certain types of people or issues.” By offering a wide range of therapeutic methods, Healing Springs challenges the notion that therapy has to be a one-size-fits-all approach. Shawniel and her team believe that therapy can be tailored to each individual’s unique needs and interests, whether it be through traditional talk therapy or alternative approaches like music or art.

Healing Springs strives to create a safe and inclusive space where individuals can explore different forms of therapy and find what resonates with them. By embracing diversity, incorporating non-traditional methods, and prioritizing individualized care, they hope to empower their patients on their healing journey and promote a positive change in the field of therapy.

Importance of mental health in business ownership

While Shawniel has witnessed first-hand how rewarding business ownership can be, she is also familiar with its difficulties. The pressure to succeed, long working hours, and financial stress can take a toll on mental health. This is why Shawniel emphasizes the importance of mental health in business ownership.

She believes that in order to be successful as an entrepreneur, you need to prioritize your mental well-being. This includes seeking support when needed, practicing self-care, and setting boundaries. Shawniel herself practices what she preaches by engaging in regular self-care activities, such as meditation and spending time with loved ones.

Shawniel also acknowledges the unique challenges that Black entrepreneurs face. As a Black business owner herself, she understands the added pressure that comes from navigating systemic barriers and stereotypes. This is why she strives to create a safe and inclusive space at Healing Springs Wellness Center, where clients from all backgrounds feel heard and supported.

Conclusion

Shawniel Chamanlal is not only a successful Black entrepreneur, but also an advocate for mental health in business ownership. Through her work at Healing Springs Wellness Center, she is making a difference in the lives of her clients and their communities. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, reminding them of the importance of prioritizing mental well-being while pursuing their dreams.

For those looking to start their own business, Shawniel’s story is a testament to the power of passion, determination, and self-belief. By following her own path and refusing to conform to the expectations of others, she was able to create a fulfilling and successful career on her own terms. Today, Shawniel offers her words of wisdom for other entrepreneurs looking to gain valuable insight through speeches, workshops, and Business Panels such as those hosted by Albertus Magnus College’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

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