Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. LaVita “Vee” Johnson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Dr. Johnson. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My journey to VEE+CO Apothecary and Default to Happy Coaching & Consulting is unorthodox. Initially, I began experimenting with plant and earth-based ingredients to serve a personal need. I was looking for ways to care for myself and my family in a more natural and holistic way. I quickly developed an understanding of apothecary and found myself formulating products that not only served the body well but also served the mind by helping to foster mental wellness.
Friends and family encouraged me to begin vending at local markets. I was doing well at the markets, but finding the time to vend was challenging. Upon my return, after missing several weekends at a local market, customers expressed that they missed being able to purchase my products and encouraged me to start a website. That was when VEE+CO Apothecary was birthed.
VEE+CO’s sister, Default to Happy Coaching & Consulting, is a direct extension of my professional scope of offerings. After spending an extended amount of time hospitalized due to unexpected medical complications, I became a certified Life Coach. I am also certified in Social + Emotional Intelligence (S-EQ). This transformational time kickstarted me into redefining and repurposing my life. The time I spent under doctor’s care shifted the way I wanted to respond to life’s challenges by changing my default response to happiness, and it has since become a response that I strive to help others achieve.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road by any stretch of the imagination. One challenge has been maintaining financial health. As a new business owner, you can sometimes find yourself pouring more into your business than you are getting in return. Patience and intentionality are key to overcoming the new business owner’s financial slump that can sometimes occur when trying to get a new idea or plan off the ground.
My greatest challenge along the way has been finding a balance between motherhood and entrepreneurship. By the way– I still haven’t found it. As a single mother of two, there are times that professional aspirations have had to take a backseat to parenting. While I have never ever regretted making those sacrifices, there are moments when frustration can set in, and attempt to trick you into letting go of your dreams and aspirations. Thankfully I have some pretty amazing children (ages 9, 21) who are my biggest cheerleaders and keep me going.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
VEE+CO Apothecary is a cruelty free, plant and earth-based apothecary line dedicated to the “triangle of life”. I strive to nourish the spirit, soul, and body. The VEE+CO line is made with the highest intention. VEE+CO was started out of personal need and has since grown to become an incredible opportunity to share what Mother Nature has to offer with others. Each ingredient is carefully selected from indigenously sourced and ethically harvested resources. All of the products in my line are created for both men and women unless otherwise specified.
I offer products ranging from aromatherapy oil blends formulated for physical and mental wellness to facial cleansers and oils, to serums and men’s care. The unique approach to my products is that they are each formulated with the physical effect and mental benefits in mind. For example, not only will the VEE+CO Beard Oil tame the wildest of beards, but it also promotes a grounding and emotionally balancing effect for the user. Each product is created with effect in mind and not fragrance.
I am most proud of knowing that many of my customers have been able to replace their more traditional methods of care, as well as their big-name beauty products for VEE+CO products.
Default to Happy Coaching & Consulting addresses an overwhelming societal need. I have come to learn through both personal and professional experience, the importance of Emotional Intelligence (EQ). EQ is the nexus for all interactions and relationships. As an Emotional Intelligence Coach and Consultant, I help clients redesign the soul’s interior to create personal scripts for targeted transformation through Emotional Intelligence. I have transformed the field of professional coaching by offering uniquely personalized, holistic + therapeutic apothecary options to clients.
My services include:
• social + emotional intelligence coaching & development
• social and emotional learning consultation
• life coaching
• executive coaching
• education coaching
• organizational development
• leadership development
• diversity + equity + sensitivity training
• individual + family
• small group coaching
• employee relations + team building
• spiritual intelligence + organizational development
• ADHD teen-adult coaching
• youth + mentoring groups
• school + staff training
• seminars + keynote speeches
I design highly structured private coaching programs designed for individuals who have a desire and commitment to reach transformative goals and/or increase their Emotional Intelligence. This EQ prescriptive method is aligned specifically with EQMosaic Profile results. The EQMosaic is an Emotional Intelligence assessment I administer to clients. This assessment measures 26 competencies and serves as a blueprint for our work together and helps to begin the intense work of increasing a client’s EQ. I work with clients to identify the areas in their life where they are most vulnerable to position them for personal developmental success.
I also specialize in organizational culture and climate change to create meaningful and effective results. I have over 18 years of experience facilitating change in personal, educational, corporate and nonprofit sectors. I began my professional practice to help others find their own path to freedom, happiness and personal success by igniting personal-power practices and have since then become known as Dr. Vee, The EQ Doctor.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel as if our city is a great place for businesses such as mine. This is due in part to both VEE+CO and Default to Happy having an online presence. For anyone who is able to do so, I would recommend creating an online presence to provide services. VEE+CO products do well at markets since South Florida has a wonderful market scene. There’s a market or festival out there for any maker/artisan and customer. I believe VEE+CO would do well with a brick and mortar for those very same reasons. One of the most effective things any business owner can do is find their target audience and cater to those individuals. You can’t go wrong when you know your client.
Default to Happy Coaching & Consulting can flourish anywhere because as a coach and consultant, I am working with individuals virtually and in person. I am flexible enough to meet with organizational leaders on-site and am not limited to one location in order to provide services. Our city does a great job hosting local events for business owners to network and networking is one of the most beneficial ways to meet others in your field and those who may be in need of your services.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hellovee.com , www.defaulttohappy.com
- Email: info@defaultohappy.com
- Instagram: @vee.co @defaulttohappy
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/veeandco , www.facebook.com/defaulttohappy
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/veeandco www.twitter.com/hellodrvee
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