We had the good fortune of connecting with Djuan Short and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Djuan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In 2017 I found a coaching program called, “Business School Bootcamp for Therapists in Private Practice” by Kelly, Miranda, and the Zynnyme Team. I had always known I would have a private therapy practice but did not know how to start the process. I purchased the course in 2017 but did not consistently start working through the modules until 2019. In 2019, I made the decision to open a private practice and prepare to leave my current employer. All of 2019 was focused on me laying the foundation and working through limiting beliefs I was holding onto about whether or not I could really create a funnel for healing to flow through. I desired to have a business that would make a movement around women’s ability to love themselves radically and unapologetically. I often thought of myself as “the client” because I knew that the women I would work with were different iterations of me whether they were older, younger, or similar in age. I just knew that I had to continue doing my healing work in order to hold space for their process and journey. My business came to full fruition at the height of the pandemic and then took off. Over the last two years, watching people of color, especially Black Women and Men heal has been the highlight of my work and purpose.

What should our readers know about your business?
Dahlia Rose Wellness Center, LLC. Dahlia Rose Wellness Center (DRWC) is a therapy and counseling private practice working with the Black communities in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We are committed to the quality and accessibility of counseling and therapy services for the spiritual, emotional, and mental health of minority women and youth.

Our biggest call to action has been working with women and youth providing specific strategies and tools to start their healing journey by learning how to unlock their voices and build the confidence to heal themselves. There is also an emphasis on self-acceptance. Through the concept of self-acceptance, women are taught to explore their inner world and do the healing work that is necessary for self-validation and overall growth. We also train and consult for companies committed to the overall well-being of their employees and workplace culture.

The process of becoming a business owner has not been easy and that has more to do with learning how to shift my mindset from an employee to a business owner. I have purchased many educational tools to support my growth and joined many communities for female entrepreneurs. The community space has been significantly helpful because entrepreneurship can feel lonely at times but when you are around like-minded people who are willing to support you and celebrate your wins, that is significantly helpful.

The biggest lesson I learned was to trust that the steps are being laid out for me and that I can’t mess it up. Leaning into this lesson has made what I do easier and allowed room for more flow.

I want people to know me as the Superwoman Healer- I am focus on teaching and supporting women, especially Black Women on how to let go of the need to to be Superwoman and focus on being themselves by owning their worth and creating a life that aligns with who they were meant to be all along. My book, private practice, digital courses, and other products are pathways for women to Heal their Inner Superwoman.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Although I am based in Philadelphia, PA, I am frequenting Atlanta more often than I would have ever thought. I am a huge fan of Piedmont Park because I love the lush greenery and the walking paths. The last time I was there, a friend and I stumbled upon a mini lake and some other goodies. I really enjoy Ponce City Market because I love the artisan work (I am a fan of original pieces). I enjoyed the food at Niko Bistro, Rumi, and Louisiana Bistreaux. I would highly recommend exploring Sweet Auburn if you enjoy history.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shout out the late Robert and Gertrude Kettles and John and Lina Short, who are my maternal and paternal grandparents, respectively. Both sets of grandparents have been major supporters of my dreams and goals. I think about my childhood and both sets of grandparents were constant fixtures in my life. I have always been able to rely on them and seek wisdom and guidance when necessary. My maternal grandparents are no longer with me but I know that their spirits are guiding me along the way. And my paternal grandparents are my home. I am thankful that they are still here and able to see me blossom into the woman I am becoming. I am also thankful to have loving grandparents and the ability to give back to them as well.

Website: https://www.dahliarosewellness.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dahliarosewellness

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djuan-d-short-lcsw/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaRoWellnessCenter

Image Credits
Kia Caldwell (person profile picture and the 2nd three pictures).

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