Lauren and Katie of Luminary Counseling and Solutions
What inspired you to launch your business?
We launched Luminary at the start of the pandemic. All of us were facing uncertainty about the future and battling a loss of normalcy in so many ways. Recognizing the Springfield area as being underserved for psychotherapy and those with open doors being overburdened, we set out to offer a fresh take on mental health care for women. These services were needed more than ever, and we took that as our final nudge to strike out on our own.
What is your passion?
The collective dream between Katie and myself has always been to connect with, validate, and empower women. Our passion is caring for people. This work is dedicated to helping them see themselves for who they are and who they can be. Not because of negative experiences or self-criticism. It’s connecting, joining, and walking alongside people.
How do you start your day?
Lauren says: If I’m lucky I’ll get to tiptoe down the hallway, start the Keurig (carefully avoiding the clinking of a spoon), and take the first quiet sip of a hot cup of coffee before two little girls wake up. Then, I set aside time for my mind and prep myself with a podcast, motivational affirmation series, or my favorite playlist so I start off with a sunny disposition.
Katie says: before heading out the door for the necessary large coffee, I’m a busy mom of three and typically feel like I ran a marathon getting them ready for the day before arriving at the office. When I get to the office, it’s instantly a place of peace and tranquility. I take time to intentionally plan for my sessions, catch up with Lauren and practice gratitude toward the day.
Favorite local businesses?
Cori Jahns at Rose Aesthetics and Wellness has been integral in my own physical health journey this year. Our go-to for gifting is specialty gift baskets from Giggles and Gab.
What do you deem as success in business?
Success for us looks like life balance and flexibility meaning we get to choose which facet of us gets priority for the day. Some days it’s motherhood or friendship and others it’s being an entrepreneur and professional. It’s loving what you do every day, so life is by intentional design.
What is your number one piece of advice for business owners?
The best advice we could give is to spend the money to hire professionals upfront. You are an expert at something, that’s why you’re starting your own business. You do not have to be an expert in everything. Make good connections with professionals you trust so that you can hire out in areas that you don’t yet understand and focus more on your own growth.