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

Hi Jhazmere, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My initial thought process behind starting my business focused around my vision. The name of my company is Mentor Raising Mentors Behavioral Health Services. The mission is to develop, mentally train, and multiply leaders in the community, among our youth. I want to change the face of our communities, but in order for me to do all of this I knew I had to create a business that focused on my vision and not someone else’s. I knew it would be challenging, I knew saracfices were going to have to be made, but I knew I was up for the challenge. I also processed the understanding that my growth was limited at my former company. I thought about legacy and what I can leave to my children. I wanted something my children could one day own and continue building if they so choose.

What should our readers know about your business?
The name of my business is Mentor Raising Mentors Behavioral Health Services, PLLC. I have a mental health agency that focuses on children, adolescents, and adults who suffer from mental health challenges and substance abuse issues.

What sets me apart: Is my energy, my will to be engaged, my will to serve, and my unorthodox methods to get children, parents, and my community to see the best in themselves.

I am proud and excited about the results, the turn around I have with many of my clients. To witness many of my clients move on to attend college, to be successful in life, to get out of a traumatic situation, or parents develop better relationships with their children, or learn self-care to create a better living environment for themselves is my biggest reward.

I got where I am today through prayer, dedication, and honestly self-discipline. Self-discipline is a word easily said, but not easily practiced. I have also been an employee with different agencies, so I watched and studied their format and everyday routines for me to implement similar routines in my practice. I feel like I am in a good space, but the company is not where I want it to be, this is not the last stop. It is never easy. In the beginning it’s late nights, early mornings. You have to constantly keep telling yourself “Keep pushing.” I watch a lot of Les Brown, Eric Thomas, and a lot of motivational speakers to engineer my mind to keep going and think outside of the box. I journal, meditate, write music, and read spiritual scriptures to keep me grounded and to keep my cup filled.

The most important lesson I have learned is to learn every part of your business from the ground up. I’ve been in situations in the beginning where I gave the responsibility to someone to complete tasks in my business that were never completed which pushed me back and cost me. I would say be hands on in the beginning, so you know how long things take to be completed, where things are supposed to go, being aware of change happening within your industry, gaining resources, and being open to always learn something new. A closed mind leaves no room for growth.

I want the world to know that I am an agent of change for change. I am Mr. HealthyMindz aiming to heal this world one person at a time. I will not give up and the path is not made to be easy, the path is designed to prepare you for your destination, so even though you may experience pain, setbacks, and disappointment, that is all a setup for the victory waiting for you at the finish line. Those who don’t go through anything, don’t know enough to give you a lesson.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First I would like to show them my office. I like to have fun and relax on my days off.

I would take them to Wilmington Beach for a relaxing weekend on a sunny day.
I would take them to Kings Bowl in North Hills.
I would take them to Level 7 at night to chill and socialize.
I would take them to J. Alexander’s to eat, Perry’s Steakhouse, Dame’s Chicken and Waffles, Pure soul ,Waffle up food truck, Stir, Viceroy, First Watch, and Nantucket for their strawberry shortcake.
For relaxation I would take them to the Rest Float Spa, Bella Viso Spa and Wellness, and Johnson Lake.

Entertainment we will do Nuvo Lounge and Bar for good afrobeats music and dancing, Watts and Ward, and Kill Joy
Spiritual: I will take the person to Vision Church, Word of God, or Raleigh North Christian Center

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I first and foremost want to give an honor to God. God has blessed me with the vision and tools to move on this path with faith and courage. Because of God I move in purpose on purpose. My mother has always pushed me and gave me the confidence needed to keep going.
My father for challenging me to think outside the box and to be tough when things are not always easy.
My late grandmother for instilling patience, gratitude, and starting me off on my journey as a counselor.
Mrs. Jocelyn King Delay for serving as a mentor and supervisor on my journey as a mental health agent.
My children Jhazlyn S. Preston and Mckenzie A. Preston for being my Why.
Lauren Durant who also serves as a mentor providing insight on how to structure a mental health agency that is successful and the importance of having a strong team around you.
Saint Augustine’s University and Walden University for providing me with the educational foundation for me to be where I am today as a change agent.
Penelope Berringer from Pennsauken, NJ for seeing something in me I didn’t see in myself. She is the reason for me attending college and making the most of myself.
And finally, Kiamesha L. Young for teaching me the science behind being an entrepreneur in regards to creating systems, developing standard operating procedures, teaching me to ask questions, how to develop a team, and how to focus on the back end of the business before you execute and operate on the front end.

Different books that have guided me on this journey are:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by -Stephen R. Covey.
Crazy Faith by- Michael Todd
Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter Book by- 50 Cent
Think and Grow Rich by- Napoleon Hill
Releasing your potential exposing the hidden you- Dr. Myles Munroe
A framework for understanding poverty- Dr. Ruby K. Payne
Designing The Mind The principles of psychitecture- Ryan A Bush

Website: www.mrhealthymindz.com

Instagram: mrhealthymindz

Linkedin: Jhazmere Preston

Facebook: Jhazmere Preston

Image Credits
Image Credits: Jordan Photography

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