Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynn Jimenez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
About 8 years ago, at the end of my marriage I started exploring spirituality more, and this included a more dedicated meditation practice. In meditation one day, I saw myself doing yoga teacher training, I had no idea why, at the time I was doing school mental health (I am a LCSW), and I figured it would help my students. At this point I had already separated from my ex, and I wasn’t sure how 3 months of weekend teacher training would work due to my custody schedule. But my sister generously offered to watch my boys, so I went for it. A few months later in meditation I saw the beginnings of my current business.
A little back story, I never wanted to be a therapist. My early life was too chaotic and at some level I didn’t think I could help others when I had so much unresolved trauma. But moving through my divorce and going into more clinical based positions I began working on my own stuff, and learning more about the nervous system and attachment theory and felt much more equipped to be of assistance to others.
So in this meditation, it came to me that families need help. There are so many people that were not explicitly taught about their emotions, and with growing mental health concerns, this would be a great preventative effort. The original idea was to help parents be more attuned to their kids so they can help them regulate their emotions.
That fall I quit my job. Then COVID hit. Looking back, I had so little business experience / knowledge, no wonder everyone thought I was nuts! but I made it through. I kept adapting, acquired a decent amount of debt along my learning curve. But 6 years later I am still in business. I have pieced together many things to bring in income. It has allowed me to be home with my kids more, and that has been the best part of starting a business. I do private practice and clinical supervision to have more steady income. And my business works with organizations, mostly school districts to teach people about psychological well-being. My focus is how to regulate the nervous system and promote healthy relationships. I also work in addiction treatment, so that is an added area of expertise.
My goal is to help people develop easy and effective tools to regulate stress responses.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Ha! Nope. I was very naive in starting a business. I had no real experience, and as soloprenuer I was doing it all. I had an assistant for a bit, but then couldn’t afford her. There were several years, where I really wasn’t making much, I relied on my savings, then racked up debt. But I am in a better position now, and it will only get better.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, and subtance abuse. My practice is informed by an understanding of the nervous system and how this impacts psychological well-being. As well as attachment theory, how relationships shape us throughout life. I love to teach, so I oversee new clinicians who are in the process of licensure, as well as provide continuing education workshops. I am most proud of the business I built to work with organizations and train larger groups, I really enjoy that work!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Oh man. I have the most amazing village supporting me. I was estranged from family for a period of time, due to dysfunctional dynamics, but since have developed very close bonds with them again. My siblings have done some much to help with- not only emotional support, but financial support, help with my kids, dogs, household and auto repairs. They really are the best!
I also have the most amazing friends in my life. I have a larger community than most, and have relied on their strength so much. Building a business has also forced me to grow personally, and my friends have rooted for me, wiped my tears, and offered help in whatever way they could.
I have had several colleagues that have believed in me and they were my first organizational clients.
Pricing:
- I have individual courses that teach people about stress management and emotional regulation, these courses are offered at $97.
- Continuing education trainings vary based on length.
- Organizational workshops on wellness also vary by length.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.connectflowgrow.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectflowgrow/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connectflowgrow/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-jimenez-071b429/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@connect.flow.grow.229
Image Credits
Kenny Wong @iamkennywongphotos
