We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kendra Theroith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kendra , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I draw my resilience from my mother, a remarkable woman whose life was a story of unwavering strength and love. Born in Tchula, Mississippi, as the oldest of twelve siblings, she started her life as a cotton picker and a maid. Yet, she never let her circumstances define her future. She was a devoted single mother to five children, including me and my twin sister, as well as another set of twins, my brothers. Her journey of going back to school, earning her GED, and then her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, all while raising us, was nothing short of heroic. She was even pursuing her Ph.D. when she passed away at the young age of 48 due to stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Her story, filled with perseverance and hope, has been my guiding light, especially through my own challenges. At 37, I faced breast cancer, enduring a bilateral mastectomy and numerous reconstruction surgeries. During these trying times, it was her enduring spirit that I leaned on. Her resilience in the face of life’s hardest challenges taught me to face my own with courage and hope. She showed me that strength isn’t just about enduring hardships, but also about the love and dedication you put into overcoming them. I carry her legacy with me, a constant reminder that no matter what life throws my way, I have the resilience and strength to persevere, just like my mother did.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Born and raised in Waterloo, Iowa, my life has been a journey of education, resilience, and dedication to helping others. My identical twin sister, Syreeta, has been a constant presence and support throughout this journey. After graduating from East High School in 2000, I pursued further education at Hawkeye Community College, earning an AA in General Studies in 2003, followed by a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Mount Mercy University in 2005.
Seeking to deepen my understanding of human psychology, I moved to Ontario, California, to attend Chapman University. There, I obtained a Master’s Degree in Psychology, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy. This led to a significant achievement in 2017 when I passed the California Board of Behavioral Sciences clinical examination.
In 2018, leveraging my expertise and my sister’s support, we founded Midwest Counseling and Family Services. Our organization focuses on providing psychotherapy for individuals grappling with mental health conditions. This endeavor is more than a profession; it’s a calling to support and guide people through their mental health journeys.
My personal experiences have deeply influenced my professional path. In 2020, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, an experience that profoundly affected my physical and mental well-being. During this challenging time, I realized the importance of self-care and its impact on mental health. This realization led me to create Sister Skincare LLC, a venture born out of my own need to address skincare issues related to medication reactions from breast cancer treatment.
Sister Skincare LLC is not just a business; it’s a testament to my belief that feeling good about oneself is integral to overall happiness and mental health. I’ve always believed that when you look better, you feel better, and this philosophy has been a guiding force in my fight against depression. My skincare line is designed to help every woman feel beautiful, boosting their self-esteem and, in turn, their happiness.
Professionally, I am focused on fostering both mental and physical wellness. Through Midwest Counseling and Family Services, I offer a space for healing and understanding for those facing mental health challenges. Meanwhile, Sister Skincare LLC represents my commitment to holistic well-being, acknowledging that mental health is deeply interconnected with how we perceive and care for ourselves physically.
What excites me most about my services is the ability to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, whether it’s through psychotherapy or skincare. Each aspect of my work is rooted in compassion, empathy, and a deep understanding of the human experience, making every success story a personal triumph.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, three key qualities stand out as instrumental in my success: resilience, empathy, and continuous learning.
1. Resilience: Facing life’s challenges, including my battle with breast cancer and the rigors of academic and professional advancement, resilience has been my cornerstone. It’s about more than enduring; it’s about adapting and thriving despite adversity. For those early in their journey, I recommend cultivating resilience by embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Building a support network and practicing self-care are also crucial. Remember, resilience is not just about being strong in the face of difficulties but also about knowing when to seek help and support.
2. Empathy: In my work as a Marriage and Family Therapist and through my skincare line, empathy has allowed me to connect deeply with others’ experiences. It’s about understanding, not just on an intellectual level but also emotionally. For those looking to develop this skill, active listening and putting oneself in others’ shoes are essential practices. Empathy grows by being genuinely curious about and open to understanding others’ perspectives and experiences.
3. Continuous Learning: My educational path, from undergraduate studies to a Master’s degree, and my venture into entrepreneurship with skincare, highlight the importance of lifelong learning. Staying updated in your field, seeking new knowledge, and being open to new experiences are vital. For those starting out, I advise cultivating a mindset of curiosity and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. Attend workshops, read extensively, and never shy away from opportunities to learn something new, even if it’s outside your immediate field of interest.
Advice for those early in their journey: Focus on building a strong foundation in these areas. Practice resilience by setting and overcoming small challenges, develop empathy by engaging in diverse social settings, and commit to continuous learning by setting educational goals and seeking mentors. Remember, the path to success is rarely linear. Embrace the journey with an open heart and mind, and you’ll find that these qualities not only contribute to professional success but also to personal fulfillment and growth.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, I am actively seeking partners and collaborators who share my vision and passion for both Sister Skincare and Midwest Counseling and Family Services.
For Sister Skincare, I’m looking for mentors and business partners who can help elevate the brand to become a household name. If you have expertise in skincare product development, marketing, distribution, or retail partnerships, I’d love to hear from you. I believe with the right collaboration, we can not only expand the reach of Sister Skincare but also empower more women to feel beautiful and confident in their skin.
As for Midwest Counseling and Family Services, my goal is to expand its reach across the United States. I’m looking for fellow mental health professionals, investors, or entrepreneurs who have experience in scaling service-based businesses, particularly in the healthcare sector. Your knowledge and insight could be invaluable in helping to extend our services to those in need, no matter where they are.
If you’re reading this and feel a connection to either of these endeavors, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can connect with me via email at [email protected]. Let’s explore how we can collaborate to make a meaningful impact in both the skincare and mental health spaces. I believe in the power of teamwork and shared dreams, and I’m excited about the potential of working together to bring these visions to life.
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: Kendra Theroith
- Other: For Sister Skincare, you can find more information and explore our products on our website at (http://www.sisterskincare.org). It’s a great way to see what we offer and learn more about our skincare philosophy. If you’re interested in services from Midwest Counseling and Family Services, we are available by appointment. You can call or text us at (909) 282-2610 to set up a consultation or to discuss our services further. We also welcome inquiries via email at [email protected]. Whether you’re interested in skincare solutions or seeking mental health support, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help and would love to hear from you.
Image Credits
For the photo with the black dress: Lisa Mattmann [email protected]
