#BossBabes

Meet Kendra + Lisa
from
Lotus Therapy Group

Can you tell us a little about you?

I'm a registered dietitian working with individuals struggling with eating disorders. I've been working in this field for over a decade and recently opened up my own private practice with my business partner, Kendra DeFrank. 

Can you tell us a little about your business?

Lotus Therapy Group, Inc. is a mental health practice treating individuals struggling with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, self-esteem and grief/loss. This outpatient clinic works with individuals of all ages and is by appointment only. Treatment staff includes a registered dietitian and licensed clinical professional counsellor. We are located in Frankfort and Naperville, IL.

What made you want to start your business?

Kendra and I both felt it was time to step out on our own to fulfill our full potential. We knew that fully being on our own would challenge us to really grow as practitioners and felt it important for personal as well as professional growth to take this next step. 

If you could go back in time and tell yourself one thing when starting out, what would that be?

Sleep will come eventually lol 

What were some obstacles/challenges along the way?

It is always scary to go out on your own. It has been hard to go all in knowing that there is not a bigger business to catch you if you fall. However, doing this with Kendra and the support of my family has made this dream possible and not so scary to take on. 

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Hawaii is next on my bucket list. I had intentions of travel fall 2020 to Hawaii, but obviously that did not happen so I'm planning on making that happen in the future! 

Which babe in history would you want to have lunch with, and why?

As cheesy as it might be it has to be Oprah. She's a queen and her story is so impressive. I think lunch with her would be very powerful and give so much insight on what it really means to be a #bossbabe

Why is it important to have a personal brand?

Our person brand allows us to be us. It sets us apart and commits us to the practice and to the mission we have for Lotus. The brand is unifying and identifying and we knew we couldn't start without a strong visual representation of who we are.

Can you tell us a little about you?

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. For over 15 years, I have been helping people heal. I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, trauma/ptsd, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and self-esteem. I love my job! I love being able to help people move through their pain and become the best version of themselves! 

What made you want to start your business?

I have spent many years providing counseling in the hospital setting and in another private practice. I wanted to start my own practice for a few reasons: 1) I wanted to create a beautiful space for clients to heal, 2) I want to be able to build a team of amazing counselors, and 3) I wanted to help teens in the very community I grew up in.

Why do you think it is important for women to support other women?

We work with teen and adult women everyday who struggle with self-esteem and have felt the need to compare or compete with other girls in order to feel good about themselves. We believe confidence is not “I am better than her”, but rather “I am great and so is she”. When woman support woman everyone wins! 

If you could go back in time and tell yourself one thing when starting out, what would that be?

I would remind myself not to let fear get in the way of taking chances. J.K. Rowling once said “It is impossible to live without failing, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all”. Failure is part of being human. When we embrace this, then we are less likely to hold ourselves back. 

What were some obstacles/challenges along the way?

The journey of creating Lotus Therapy Group has been amazing! The most challenging part was trying to juggle being a mom of three during a pandemic and building the business at the same time. Many long hours went into building our website, our brand, and doing major construction to our space, but it has all been worth it! 

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I love to travel and there are many places that I want to see in my lifetime. However, my favorite place to go is Door County, WI. I love slowing down with my family there, eating some good food, and watching the sunset. 

Which babe in history would you want to have lunch with, and why?

Honestly, I would have lunch with my mother-in-law who passed away from cancer 10 years ago. She was the perfect combination of loving and strong and a great example of what a woman should be. She would be so proud of the business I have created! 

Thank you Lisa + Kendra for making your life’s mission one that helps and empowers women. We wish you the best of luck in your new practice and are inspired by your resilience to create a safe space during a pandemic.