Meet Paige Gaines | Mental Health Coach

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

Hi Paige, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought behind starting my business was quite simple I wanted to help people. After being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I recognized the lack of resources and information provided in my community. There were many missing pieces and barriers to navigating the mental health realm. Many challenges included finding providers who were culturally competent and equipped with the knowledge of helping a minority living with mental health challenges was quite discouraging. I recognized the needs of my community and decided I wanted to take what I learned and share it with those who did not have access to the same resources and support I had. I believed the information given to me should be accessible to all despite their circumstances. In the beginning, I was unsure of how I would make a change but, I was determined to be a part of the shift in conversation and approach to mental health in the black community.

What should our readers know about your business?
911 Sane Jane is and will always be a work in progress and, I am proud of that. What sets me apart from other businesses is my vulnerability and transparency about my mental health challenges. The most difficult moments of my life I broadcast to the world in hopes of helping another individual. Being this open to the public about my private life has been a welcomed challenge. I have spent many days in tears because of fear for what my peers or family would think of my transparency but, it never stopped me. I have had eyes on me, my journey from the beginning and, I am excited to see the progress and success. When it comes to the process of building Sane Jane I can say putting in the groundwork was crucial. I spent many weekends participating in local training and events to get my name out there. I did many events for free for the sole purpose of building relationships. I knew I had to put a face to my story and brand and, it has made all of the difference. Hard work does pay off. The biggest challenge was not knowing what I wanted the actual business to look like. Of course, I had ideas and input from others but it was a blur at first. I just had a dream and a passion that needed structure to be successful. Having a passion is great but turning that into a business was an ongoing challenge. Through the process I learned three things; work ethic, consistency and, the power of word of mouth will take you far. The one thing I would like people to know would be to play smart in the beginning. Don’t underestimate the power of the process. Enjoy the ride and learn as much as you can!

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?
Being a mental health advocate and obsessed with all forms of self-care, I would have to start with a visit to Iwi Fresh, a Skincare Farming Spa. I recently had the pleasure of working with them and, I am obsessed. They have numerous areas to practice self-care, from personalized sugar scrubs to meditation spaces filled with interesting books and resources. One of my favorite pieces to this place is their room of plants. They have countless options! Being new to the world of plants they walked me through the process and made sure it was an enjoyable experience. Following the self-care, I would suggest a walk through Centennial Olympic Park especially, during the fall season. The changing colors of the leaves are a sight to see. Lastly, I would highly suggest grabbing food at Mojave in Sandy Springs. It is a yummy Latin spot with great food and a pleasant environment.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Two people are essential to the success of 911 Sane Jane, my parents. Before I even had the idea of starting a business or building a brand I lived through many difficult times of mental health stress and turmoil. In those times they were always close. We spent nights in hospitals and countless days with doctors in hopes of providing a better life for myself. They believed in me when I no longer wanted to be alive. Their strength inspired me to be proud of what I have overcome and in return give back to those in need. I want people to feel the love and support I was fortunate enough to have from the beginning. They adore Sane Jane and have never missed a speaking engagement or workshop. They help me with business plans and future dreams by simply telling me “You’re more than capable go for it!”. I owe it all to them.

Website: www.911sanejane.com

Instagram: 911sanejane

Linkedin: 911sanejane

Twitter: 911sanejane

Facebook: 911sanejane

Youtube: 911sanejane

Other: sj@911sanejane.com

Image Credits
Cat Harper Photography