Today we’d like to introduce you to Seneca Williams.
Seneca, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My parents and I migrated to Brooklyn, New York, from St.Vincent & The Grenadines in the early eighties. I grew up as a Black American West Indian girl, navigating two cultures and the dichotomy of customs. I grew up in a middle-class household. Both parents were city employees with union jobs until retirement, so that’s the only way I knew to achieve the American dream.
As a kid, I always admired Claire Huxtable on The Cosby Show. My childhood was definitely not The Cosby Show. I experienced bouts of anxiety and depression. This is probably why I was drawn to studying psychology. There were a lot of stigmas associated with “mental health” in my home and the community. I was also driven to become an independent, self-made woman, that can stand on my own emotionally and financially. This is why I was intrigued by career development and entrepreneurship.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My career journey began over 20 years ago. It’s been a roller coaster ride, but I appreciate the flips and turns, it was all preparation for who I’ve become. My introduction to psychology was in High School. When I graduated, I knew that I enjoyed my psychology courses, but I wasn’t sure how this would be a successful career option. Psychology isn’t really a “career” choice in a Caribbean household. When I asked my student advisor for guidance, I was told that I’d have a hard time finding work or making good money with a psychology degree.
This created so much confusion that I changed majors four times and colleges three times. I finally decided to stick with a Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Political Science (because most of my credits were in psychology and I was a year late graduating). Right after graduating, I got a paralegal certificate and pursued law school for most of my twenties, working in law firms, volunteering, studying for the LSAT, researching, applying.
By 2008, I’d had so many different jobs, trying to find my calling, that I lost count. I felt discouraged that everyone else had life figured out and I was so slow. Although I always knew what I was passionate about, it wasn’t until the 2008 recession when I was laid off from a prominent law firm, that I mustered the courage to answer my calling. I started a minimum wage, entry-level behavior counseling job with children in foster care. Yup, started from the bottom.
In 2010, I leveled up and applied for a Masters in Mental Health Counseling. I had two part-time jobs and I was a single mom of a four-year-old, it was hard. I surprised myself and graduated Magna Cum Laude and was inducted into Psi Chi, The International Honor Society of Psychology.
By 2015, I got the courage to launch a business in New York, but due to life challenges, abruptly relocated to South Florida. I had no plan,just two suitcases and my daughter. I needed a new mission. I had to relaunch this business in Florida, while simultaneously rebuilding my life. The level of anxiety and depression I experienced was unimaginable. I got support. I grew through it.
It’s 2020, and I am a licensed mental health counselor, certified coach and entrepreneur. I am walking in purpose to Empower, Educate and Elevate clients globally to conquer their calling. I value each day and live with intention. I have experienced my most successful year in business, not just financially, but solidifying my niche and target market.
As I approach a milestone birthday, I feel the most secure, I’ve ever been in who I am and don’t stress about the same things I used to in my twenties or thirties. I am vigilant about cultivating and preserving mental wealth. I love having a good time with good people, while eating good food. I enjoy dancing, traveling and exploring. Life has taught me to simplify things and keep my business in alignment with my desired lifestyle (not the other way around). Work smarter, not harder.
We’d love to hear more about your practice.
There are two major branches to my business, therapy and coaching. All of my services are online so there is no physical office to commute to. I am most known for speaking on mental health for professional development. We can greatly increase mental wealth and financial freedom by developing emotional strength. I think what makes me different from traditional business coaches is that I prioritize mental health over money because I know that the money is in the mindset. Seneca Williams Therapy is an online counseling practice. I specialize in supporting “careerprenuers” and entrepreneurs with their mental health, so they can attain and sustain success in their life and work.
In January 2020, I launched The Conquer Network monthly membership, to provide group coaching and seminars, for emotional wellness and entrepreneurship development. It’s designed for women who desire a business anxiety breakthrough and to beat business burnout while learning skills for entrepreneurship. I observed many women entrepreneurs, dealing with mental health disorders in isolation. Worst case, they take their own lives. Kate Spade isn’t the only successful entrepreneur that died by suicide. Titi Branch co-founder of “Miss Jessie’s curls,” Karyn Washington, founder of “For Brown Girls,” most recently Jas Waters, a writer on the television show “This Is Us” succumbed to depression.
The emotional support and sisterhood that is created through memberships, in-person workshops, conferences, meetups and retreats is very good for the emotional wellness of entrepreneurs. Often entrepreneurs are high achievers and deal with a lot of anxiety about their business. They may feel alone if their partner, friends and family don’t understand. Post-COVID I am looking forward to connecting with women entrepreneurs in South Florida and beyond. My ultimate vision for The Conquer Network is creating a global network of business besties for emotional support and business referrals.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First and foremost, I give thanks to God. I have relied heavily on my faith for strength and guidance for life and career. My church family keeps me spiritually connected. I think my life could’ve gone another way. My village (family) has helped me when I had to work or travel. Being a solopreneur and a single mom is hard. Thankful for my daughter, who fuels my fire. She says I’m going to be a millionaire! I receive that.
My friends, who’ve been confidants, sent referrals, shared my posts, events, nominated me for things. There were times I didn’t know how I was going to pay my bills and a friend would surprise me by sending money via PayPal or CashApp. (money I didn’t even ask for). These are called “elevator friends” because they help you rise!
In the past five years, I have invested in programs with some phenomenal coaches, who’ve motivated me and educated me on business development. This year, I was invited by one of those coaches to become the “Business Therapist” in one of her programs!
Special shout-out to Mrs.Anse Daniel, LMFT and the team at Enrichment Support Services in South Florida, for supporting my journey and treating me like family, when I was the new therapist on the block. They gave me a jump start professionally, emotionally and spiritually. I am grateful for my business besties over the past five years. They happen to all be therapists and coaches, so they keep me in line with my mission and remind me of my worth.
Pricing:
- Monthly Membership Level begins at $99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.senecawilliams.com/
- Email: support@senecawilliams.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconquernetwork/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/askcoachsen
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/askcoachsen
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/askcoachsen/
Image Credit:
V.A. Moments Photography
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