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

Hi Tareva, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I initially began thinking about opening my own pediatric speech and language clinic, I wanted to make sure I was providing specialized and top quality services to everyone within the community. I worked for various private practices and within the school system after obtaining my Masters degree from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Building upon my skill set, I knew I wanted to have the flexibility to manage my own schedule while continuing to make a difference in the lives and homes of others. After relocating to Georgia and saw the dire need for pediatric speech language pathologists I knew that it was time for me to follow my ultimate dream: becoming an entrepreneur. One day I sat down with a notebook and began writing down my goals and what I wanted entrepreneurship to look like for me. I started watching webinars on entrepreneurship, reading books on how to began a private practice, and even located a mentor who could help guide me during this journey. As I sat with all of my books, laptop, and notebook I said to myself, “now is the time,” and I never looked back.

What should our readers know about your business?

Helping Hands Speech & Language Services is a pediatric speech and language mobile facility, meaning we provide services in the child’s most natural environment. Children can be seen at their home, daycare, preschool, head start program, or grandma’s house. Services are also provided via teletherapy in Georgia and North Carolina. For many families who struggle with transportation, busy home life schedules, or even medically fragile children this is the perfect option for them. We continue to ensure high quality services are provided whether face to face or virtually. It’s not about how many clients we can serve within a week, but the quality of care we can provide for each of our patients. We make sure that each individual is getting top tier individualized services to meet their needs. Parent training is a huge part of therapy as well. We want to teach parents how to work with their children daily using the materials and toys they have at home or interact with each day.
Hard work, dedication, long days, and research got me to where I am today with Helping Hands Speech & Language Services. Overall, the journey was not easy. I had to learn patience and perseverance during this time while continuing to work a full and part time job in the midst of being a single parent. While building my practice I worked in the school system and a private practice sectors to gain knowledge of various skill sets required to run a successful private practice. I was able to overcome the obstacles of entrepreneurship by staying focused, reaching out to mentors, and  contacting providers who could answer my questions. When I did not always have the answers I found someone who did.

Three lessons I have learned along the way while starting my private practice have been: do not be ashamed to ask for help, you must be patient with yourself, and never give up on your purpose.

I would love for the world to know that being able to work with children to improve their quality of life is my purpose. It is the gift that God chose specifically for me. Helping Hands Speech & Language Services was created to bridge the gap between communities and communication for all. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the forefront of this company.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I were to have my best friend in town for a week I would love for them to explore the Beltline, Piedmont Park, the High Museum, and the hidden Bamboo Forest.

For dinner I would suggest a vibrant Caribbean restaurant such as Rocksteady. There you have delicious appetizers and entrees with a cozy lounge located upstairs. We would visit St. James live for exceptional jazz, good food, and great drinks.

For networking opportunities I would visit the Gathering Spot for an insightful event, dinner, and drinks.

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?
When I think about my overall success and who I should dedicate my shoutout to I would definitely have to say I owe it all to God, my family, close friends, and mentors. Each one of these individuals pushed me to my highest potential and saw the best in me when I didn’t even see it myself. My daughter, Mikayla, is my daily reminder of how far I have come. She pushes me to be the best version of myself each day. Her “Mommy I am proud of you,” makes this career choice even more rewarding. My family and friends send me daily affirmations that I recite aloud while I prepare for my day. My sister, Kimberly, gave me the book “The Four Agreements,” which has helped me in this season of my life. My parents, Mable and Willie, will travel to the moon and back to make sure I have what I need to work with my clients. Each person and their own uniqueness has helped shaped my career and how I measure success within my life. So with love and gratitude, it is my pleasure to shout them out.

Website: www.helpinghandsspeechservices.com

Instagram: @helping_hands_speech_services

Linkedin: Tareva Ruffin

Twitter: Tareva Ruffin, M.A. CCC-SLP

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

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