Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Deion Collins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Deion, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Finding my purpose was a very personal experience. Reflecting back on the journey is always bittersweet. At the time, I was in community college, just going for the hell of it. I did not have a real goal but I was hoping the degree would help me find decent jobs in the future. When I was in college my younger brother was still in high school and he was struggling with his mental health. He was battling depression and anxiety. Honestly, it was hurtful to watch as an older sibling. While in school I started taking Psychology courses and I fell in love with this career path. After I graduated with my Associates, I then went back to school online and obtained my Bachelors in Psychology. In the midst of all of this my brother was starting to get better. In the year 2018, he graduated high school and I graduated with my Bachelors. Looking back at his mental health journey, it inspired me to become a Therapist. I went back to school to obtain my Masters in Counseling. My brother was, is and will forever be my reason for finding my purpose. I currently work with troubled youth as a Group Therapist. Once I become fully licensed I have full blown intentions to start my own program for all teens and adolescents.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am excited to spread the word about me and my endeavors. I currently work as a Therapist, but I am pre-licensed. I am license eligible so I plan to take the exam within the next three months. Outside of becoming a Licensed Therapist, I have started a new business. My business is called Esme Lounge wear (pronounced “Ezz-May”). It consist of two-piece sets; a pair of shorts and a pullover hoodie that matches. I am overjoyed about the launch of my business. My expected launch date is February 14th, 2024. I am eager to further my Mental Health career so I can continue to serve others dealing with mental struggles and I am also proud to become a new business owner.
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?
My three best qualities that got me to where I am today is my social personality, my charming yet nonchalant demeanor and my confidence. My best three skills are my communication skills, my leadership skills and my self-support. I never depend on other people to motivate or support me. I do my best for me and that has always been a good enough reason. My best advice for others on their life journeys is to remember that every lesson learned does not have to be personally experienced. You can always learn from someone else’s mistakes. Secondly, if you cannot stay motivated, stay consistent. Always remember that you can never do anything all by yourself, it is okay to ask for help. Lastly, pray!
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Over the past 12 months I have learned a lot about myself. The past year has taught me to believe in myself at all times. Sometimes believing in yourself is all you truly need to do to become the best version of yourself. Trusting your own power and decisions helps to make it easier to accept, change and/or control the outcome of your choices. I also learned a lot about self love. I have found myself in so many situations where I had to truly put myself first and it has worked out for me. Putting myself first has always been a struggle. I struggled extremely badly with people pleasing and it got me no where. I just never wanted to seem like a “selfish” person when in actuality it was other people selfishly taking advantage of my kindness. When I was in therapy I learned that no matter what I do people are always going to have their own perceptions about me so always do what is best for me. My self-love and believing in myself journey was my biggest growth and personal improvements within the past 12 months.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.deionleann.com
- Instagram: deionleann
- Linkedin: Deion Collins
- Other: My therapist contact info is: www.askdeion.com Instagram: askdeion askdeion@gmail.com
Image Credits
Photos of me by: Justin Cross