CeLisa Patterson

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.

Hi! My name is CeLisa Patterson, MA, ADC, LPC, CCPS. I am the owner and CEO of Agape Transformation Counseling, LLC located in Greenville, SC. I was born and raised in SC.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now.

Where I live is very quiet, and I'm not far from my job or my family.

Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?

Agape Transformation Counseling, LLC started because I wanted to work for myself and have flexibility with my work hours and how I provide services to my clients. We help individuals who are seeking healing from mental and emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, betrayal, substance use and other issues. We work with individuals, couples and families, and sometimes we provide group counseling.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?

I recommend starting a business while you are working for someone else first. This gives time to build clientele, determine how you want the business to be structured and it allows time to work out any issues that may arise. Also, research your business idea and talk to others who are doing it already. Most of all, believe in yourself! If you don't, why would anyone else?

What is one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?

Hearing that I am genuine, that I challenge them and that I really do care about my clients.

Where do you see your company in the future?

The future of the company is to have employees, more than one location, and to provide other services along with therapy.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

That it isn't needed. There are so many people dealing with Mental Health Issues that are not seeking help. There is still a huge stigma around seeking services for mental health. It isn't as bad as it was previously, but it is still a huge issue, especially among Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) communities.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?

Balance between my personal and professional life.

Who was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

I didn't have just one favorite music artist (I love music), and I didn't have a favorite athlete.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

Shoutout to my family for believing in me.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

They can go to the website: www.agapetransformationllc.com