Meet Morgan Reid | CEO and Founder of A Little Mental

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

Hi Morgan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As we all know, 2020 was a year where we had to navigate unprecedented levels of trauma, isolation, stress, and overall emotional turmoil. Because of my background in mental health, I was often fielding mental health related questions from people in my community during this time who needed a safe and credible way to get answers to their questions on this sensitive topic. I figured that I could use my own personal and professional experiences to create a space online where these questions and experiences could be validated.

Even as someone who was actively helping others with their mental health, I still struggled personally with finding healthy coping mechanisms that allowed me to process my emotions in the moment. This led me to grow A Little Mental into a company that not only centralizes resources, and teaches people about mental health, but also develops tools to help people cope with everyday life in a healthy way.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The inspiration for A Little Mental came from the lack of access to credible mental health resources, the stigma around asking for help, and the prevalence of mental health issues in America. The mission of A Little Mental is to bridge the gap between recognizing one’s own mental health struggles and accessing the adequate care needed to address them. We do this by promoting access to resources, facilitating learning through psycho-education, and developing products that support you on your healing journey.

The first product created to address the disparities in mental health was the portable self care product AroDough. AroDough holds the benefits of aromatherapy, fidget toys, and mindfulness tools combined. It’s a soft malleable dough infused with essential oils that leads you to smell and squeeze your stress away.

I think what I’m most proud of is the impact my business and product has had on those who have interacted with it. Mental health can be a sensitive topic for folks, and it’s encouraging to hear stories of resilience and healing from those who have gotten AroDough for themselves or loved ones, utilized the resources we promote on our website, or even used our social media content to help them explain their experience to others.

I think the biggest lesson I’ve had to learn is that I have to practice what I preach to truly be successful. When we talk about successful businesses, we almost always name the strength of their brand and how their values carry through it. As I’ve grown A Little Mental, I have had to recognize that building a wellness brand means I have to prioritize my own wellness. The hustle culture that can come along with entrepreneurship, and the persona people tend to present on social media, I can’t afford to do because it would be in direct contrast to what my brand is about. This has held me accountable and kept my brand authentic, which is oftentimes what people cite when they talk about what draws them to me, A Little Mental, and AroDough.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would say it depends on the person’s interests, but let’s say they like a little bit of everything.

Philly is a great place with great food! Obviously grabbing a cheesesteak has to be on the list. There’s awesome happy hours, jazz clubs and restaurants that range from soul food at SOUTH, to Taco Tuesdays at Añejo, and everything in between.

I would take them to some of my favorite spots in the city. Playing vintage video games at Barcade in Fishtown, supporting local vendors and artists at Cherry Street Pier, if it’s nice out definitely hanging out at Cira Green which is the park in the sky in University City. Or, if we’re looking for a scenic walk, strolling through Schuykill River Park is my go to. And finishing the night off with some water ice is always a solid choice.

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 definitely dedicate my shoutout to my parents. My mom has always been such a fierce advocate for me and my brother and is the reason I’m so passionate about helping others. She was my first business advisor, always there to help me plan things out, and help me take advantage of every potential resource. My dad has always stoked my creative flames, helping me come up with unique ways to take on school projects, which has led me to take on bigger problems, like access to mental health resources, with unique and creative solutions, like A Little Mental and AroDough.

I would also want to shoutout my friends and extended family. They have always been so supportive of my goals and are always the fuel I need to push through when the going gets tough. Their encouragement, their donated time and skills, and their discernment, has helped me navigate this solopreneur journey still immersed in community.

Website: https://www.alittlemental.org/

Instagram: @a.little.mental, @arodough