BUSINESS OWNER: Molly Pace

BUSINESS NAME: He(art) Therapy 

MAIN PRODUCTS/SERVICES: Mental Health Counseling/Group private practice 

LOCATION: 4700 Gordon Dr., Sioux City, IA 51106, Suite 202 

WEBSITE: www.hearttherapy.info 

Short description of your business: 

He(art) Therapy offers mental health counseling and therapy to individuals, couples, and families. We are a small group practice with various therapists: art therapist, marriage and family therapist, faith-based therapist, and graduates pursuing their mental health counseling licensure. We are trained and certified in effective-based modalities such as EMDR, Gottman for couples, Mindfulness, and more. 

What motivated you to start your business? What drives you each day?

 I began my therapy career in community mental health and at addiction treatment centers. I love what I do as a therapist, but I felt like there was more I could do through my own design. I created my own business in 2018 with my love for the creative arts and passion for helping people. I was driven by the need to be authentic and operate in a way that feels best for me and my practice. Creating my own business has allowed me to do that and continues to allow me to grow and expand in ways I never imagined. Bringing on more therapists to serve my mission and community is a blessing. 

What’s unique about your business? 

The variety of practitioners and their uniqueness. I started this business because, as an art therapist, I needed to honor that part of me that differs from other therapists or practices in our community. As I did that, I drew other providers who felt the same passion, drive, and desire to be their authentic selves as therapists. Every therapist has their own style and qualities that make them unique. For example, we have a faith-based therapist, marriage and family therapist, and therapists who utilize their innate wisdom and perspective to provide quality counseling to our community. 

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome as you grow your business?

 I’ve learned that growth takes time and patience. Changes and unexpectedness come with business, so you must have a sense of adaptability and grace. I’ve ridden the waves of change and trusted that things would work out if I stayed the course and had faith in myself and my practice. Being a business owner means having a logical, rooted sense of control and a radical sense of faith. 

What has been your greatest reward? 

The first thing is the lives we’ve touched and changed as providers in this community. The business is rooted in helping others heal and supporting them on their journey to bettering their mental health. In return, we are rewarded as therapists through this assistance. Reflecting on this pride, I realize it is because I was brave enough and believed in myself to create this space and practice. I have also trusted my gut in seeing the quality of other providers and their match to He(art) Therapy’s vision and said yes to them joining and growing the practice. The reward is an increase in freedom and abundance. 

How have you benefited from the startup community in Sioux City and the region? What resources did you use? 

Yes and No. I needed help when I was going to step out of agency work and go on my own. I utilized community resources like Innovation Market but was not a finalist. The loss motivated me to work even harder to find a way. If I didn’t get help from this program’s resources, I would figure it out another way. I am driven to succeed! I remember someone’s speech at this event who was a successful business owner, and he echoed not giving up. The best resource in our community that helped me get my business dream going was Todd Rausch from SBA at WITCC. I was grateful for his guidance and support. He helped me find a way to get this dream off the ground and running. 

Are there any experiences that were particularly influential in that regard? 

Todd from SBA believed in me. He heard my vision, felt my passion, and offered his wisdom. He gave me ideas of how to proceed even though I didn’t have the resources from the innovation market. I needed this belief because it was hard not to be supported by the community and my peers at that moment. He reignited my confidence. 

Why is it important for the community to support startups and small businesses? What more can be done to help them?

 We all have dreams and desires, but the work needed to bring these to life can be a lot. To be the one with the idea and the responsibility to see it through can be isolating. With others around to reflect, encourage, and support it helps. Just like they say, “it takes a village to raise a child,” I believe the same is true about business in a sense. We need to validate and encourage everyone’s unique talents and abilities with support to share them with others. Community can help us do just that. 

What is one thing you know now that you wish you knew when starting your business? 

Accept that change is a constant. Some of the changes are good and prosperous, while others are challenging and uncomfortable. It is all part of the process. This has helped me adjust my vision of constant upward growth and enjoy the journey of the ups and downs. I am more accepting of the changes that life brings instead of resisting them. 

What advice would you give to someone looking to start a business?

 Do it! But more than that, believe in yourself. Not everyone will understand your vision, dream, or goals, and that is okay. Trust yourself and your unique wisdom. 

How can the community continue to help your business? 

Share! You can share a Facebook post, Instagram post, website, business card, or your experience or knowledge of He(art) Therapy. Often, when people are in crisis or struggling with their mental health, it is hard to think and take action. We can share this resource as a community to help others.

 What are some future goals for your company?

 I hope to continue to grow and maintain quality mental health care. We will bring on another therapist in the fall who will work primarily with kids and offer after-school appointment times. I intend to maintain the integrity of offering effective, solution-focused care while maintaining our authenticity and uniqueness. I want He(art) Therapy to be known as a place where people can come to learn more about themselves, heal, change, grow, and evolve.