Meet Dr. LaQuista Erinna | Licensed Psychotherapist & Autism Mom

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. LaQuista Erinna and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. LaQuista, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
As a parent, I want my children to be proud of me. I want them to look back and know that I may not have been perfect, but I always did my best to provide for them. No parent wants to see their child go through the struggle with them. You want your kids to have a better life than what you had. Seeing their mom experience loss, pick herself up, and keep going is a life-long lesson I hope they will never forget. We have experienced some lows together, but to be on the other side teaches them about faith, discipline, tenacity, and the benefits of building something meaningful. I hope that what I create today will benefit my great-great-great grandchildren and beyond.

What should our readers know about your business?
As a black therapist, I have worked tirelessly over the last couple of years to meet the needs of my community as they sought mental health treatment, many of whom are first-timers. After recognizing nearly all of my clients, particularly women, struggled with self-care, I began to see a pattern. From clients, family, friends, and even myself, the story was always the same: take care of others first. I saw women often juggling home and work responsibilities, and the pandemic only exacerbated this problem. I began helping women realize how essential self-care was, and as a result, I created well + fit living™.

It has taken some time trying to speak to my ideal audience, but they organically found me through social media. After posting a now-viral video of my autistic son getting a haircut, I started to get thousands of messages from Autism Moms across the globe. Many thanked me for my transparency and inspiration, while others wanted to know how I could show up for my son as a single mother and full-time entrepreneur while making it look easy. The truth is, it’s not easy. Many nights I’ve asked myself, “Lord, why my child?” From several moves across the country to divorce to being flat broke, to reentering the workforce and experiencing a hostile work environment, I have had to parent through it all. However, when I look back at everything we have experienced, I realize my community was solid. I have a network of people who have helped and encouraged me to keep going when I felt like quitting. They didn’t allow me to lose myself. I now know I had to be battle-tested to understand how to help others get through their storm.

As I transition from full-time private practice as a therapist, I am focusing on helping other Autism Moms. While well + fit living™ includes products such as card decks, planners, and monthly self-care subscription boxes, I will add more services to my offers. For example, I am launching my digital course for new Autism Moms in the next few months. In addition, I am excited about adding an exclusive monthly membership for Autism Moms who want to navigate their child’s spectrum journey confidently and without being overwhelmed.

I want the world to know our stories are different, our children matter, and they deserve to take up space. So, to other Autism Moms, I see you. But, to show up for your child, you first have to show up for yourself. So, when you are having a hard time, know I am rooting for you and your child.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Coming from someone who is naturally a homebody, this is a difficult question. After nearly 22 years in the military, I have lived all over the place. When I first moved back in 2019, I was fascinated by how much the city had changed and grown. I am still exploring all of the wonderful attractions and restaurants, but I tend to ask friends who are visiting where they would like to go. It’s usually a place they saw on social media and it gives us a perfect opportunity to explore together. When it comes to brunch or breakfast, I like Instagram-worthy aesthetics, but I want the food to be delicious as well. I have never been disappointed with brunch at Grand Lux Cafe, so it is always one of my first choices. There is always some event going on in or around the city, especially in the Summer, so there are many choices of things to do. I like music events or comedy so that can be at any venue or restaurant. Saint James Live is always a vibe for live music. One thing I do encourage is for people new to the area is to visit some of the historical sites such as The King Center, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, or Little Five Points. I recently attended a rooftop graduation party at Sky Lounge and had a great time. The scenery was beautiful and the food was on point. There are literally so many options here so there’s no excuse to ever be bored unless, of course, you get stuck in Atlanta traffic.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have an amazing support system that has been by my side from the beginning. My family, including my children, has been the foundation that I have always been the place I can go to for unconditional love.

Website: https://wellfitliving.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laquistaerinna/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/laquistaerinna

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@laquistaerinna

Image Credits
Clarence Sellers III and Lo Garcia