Sharise Nance’s journey into entrepreneurship is rooted in her family’s legacy of business ownership, with her grandfather, grandmother, father and uncle each being entrepreneurs. That inspiration drew her to the idea of running her own business, a place where she could create her own path and leave a lasting legacy.
In 2013, Sharise co-founded Handinhand Counseling Services with her college roommate and partner, Tess. The practice began as a part-time endeavor while both were working full-time jobs. Initially, Sharise had no aspirations to expand into a group practice, but as the business grew, she was able to leave her full-time job in 2017 to focus solely on her practice.
Sharise’s second venture, Vitamin C Healing (named by her husband after sharing her vision with him), was created upon realizing the opportunity to establish a specialized focus and create multiple income streams. After writing her first book, she sought a subject that resonated with her experiences. Sharise found compassion fatigue, a niche area in mental health, as a critical issue impacting many in the mental health profession, leading to her second book and a series of speaking engagements.
Vitamin C Healing gained traction as Sharise connected with organizations in need of staff training on secondary trauma. By securing contracts for these essential trainings, her business began to flourish. In joining the Community Power to Prosper program, she was able to further hone her mission and clarify her target audience, enabling her to more strategically expand her reach and impact.
One of the biggest surprises Sharise encountered as a business owner was the significant time investment required to work on the business itself, beyond just providing services. From marketing and financial planning to establishing systems and processes, Sharise learned the importance of building a solid foundation to ensure long-term sustainability.
Looking ahead, Sharise aims to scale Vitamin C Healing by developing online courses for universities and organizations, allowing her to maintain a healthy cash flow without burning out. Her goal is to create systems that enable the business to thrive independently, ensuring its continued success and impact.
Sharise’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to invest time in working on their business and to take advantage of programs like Community Power to Prosper, which provide invaluable resources and networking opportunities. Her journey illustrates the power of perseverance, vision, and the ability to adapt to life’s challenges while nurturing a business that supports mental health and wellbeing.
Sharise Nance’s story is not only a testament to her dedication to her profession and community but also an inspiration to anyone looking to turn their passion into a thriving enterprise. As she continues to expand her businesses, her commitment to making a positive difference remains unwavering.
