How This Female Entrepreneur Turned Her Passion Into A Six-Figure Business

Jasmin Terrany, LMHC yellow chair

This inspiring entrepreneur went from working three odd jobs earning an average income to a six-figure income – but it wasn’t an easy journey.

When Jasmin Terrany graduated from her Master’s program at Columbia University, she ended up working three jobs to make ends meet. She worked part-time as a therapist at a Medicaid clinic, part-time as a school counselor in a high school in Harlem, and she also started her private practice on the side.

She started her practice in 2007 and realized early on that although she had done psychotherapy training, it didn’t mean people would be knocking on her door to obtain her service. She knew she had to think like an entrepreneur to get people to be more interested in her business. That’s why she started taking marketing classes and learning more about sales. Eventually, she ended up inventing Life Therapy – it combines traditional Psychotherapy and Life Coaching, as well as spiritual practices like Mindfulness and Meditation. When she started her business, she was only charging $50 per session; she never imagined that eventually, she’d be charging ten times that per session. She now maintains a six-figure, ten hour a week virtual business, while raising two small children at the same time.

StarCentral Magazine recently sat down with Jasmin to find out more about her journey to entrepreneurship and here’s what went down.

Jasmin Terrany, LMHC yoga pose

Could you please tell our readers a brief background about yourself and how you started your business?

I work mostly with high-profile individuals who want to make their personal life as successful as their business life. I help them improve relationships, self- confidence, and body image while alleviating stress and anxiety. I call my work “Life Therapy” because it combines traditional Psychotherapy, Life Coaching, and spiritual practices like Mindfulness and Meditation.

When I graduated from my master’s program at Columbia University, I got three jobs. I worked part-time as a therapist at a Medicaid clinic, part-time as a school counselor in a high school in Harlem, and I started my private practice on the side. I rented office space by the hour. Eventually, as my practice grew, I rented one day of office space then two days, then got my own. When my practice was lucrative enough to support my lifestyle, I quit my other jobs and continued only with that.

Can you describe your journey to success? When did you start? Did you ever imagine you would become this successful?

I started my practice in 2007. I realized early on that although I had done all of this psychotherapy training, just because I believed myself to be a wonderful therapist it didn’t mean people would show up. I had to become a business person. That;’s why I started taking marketing classes and learning about sales. One of the key phrases that helped me grow was, “I only want clients who are ready, willing and able.” Before I started using this mantra, I felt the need to accommodate any potential client even if they weren’t right for me.

When I started with my first client at $50 per session, I never imagined that eventually, I’d be charging 10x that per session. I now maintain a six-figure, 10 hour a week virtual business, while focusing on raising my two small children.

What is your primary source of income?

My private practice and my books. I meet with clients via Skype, phone or any other video conference.

What is your primary tactic when it comes to making more people aware your brand and engaging your customers? How did your business stand out?

To be authentic and share my story, it starts with my mom…

My mom Betsy is the mom everyone desired. As beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside, she’s overflowing with unconditional love, true understanding, and joy. She was a best friend, the ultimate role model, and a true parenting guru. In over a decade of private practice, a lifetime of relationships, and over 50 countries of world travel, never have I even heard of another mother who parented with such intention, dedication, clarity, wisdom, and fun.

With no warning, no preparation, one sunny afternoon, she simply disappeared from this world. She was driving to meet me for lunch, and never arrived. Age 64, mile marker 64. Gone.

As I sat all alone, trying to digest this unfathomable news. I stared out the window as the sunlight kissed the sparkling ocean waves. I couldn’t believe the peace I felt, amidst the heart-wrenching pain in my soul. She was there with me. Her loving wisdom was so deeply embedded in my essence that I couldn’t tell if it was her voice or my own.

“Now is your time.” Every part of me knew. “Don’t be scared. This pain is your gift. This is your learning… You are the Mommy now.”

After the most devastating year of my life, it all began to make sense. On the first anniversary of my mother’s passing, I naturally gave birth to my own daughter. The hair-raising synchronicity of this moment, not only brought new physical life into the world but channeled the content of my most treasured work of art:

“Extraordinary Mommy: A Loving Guide to the Most Important Job There is.”

This book is my new chapter of life. I have visions for other books, workbooks, educational programs, children’s books, workshops, motivational events and so on.

I believe that extraordinary mothers make extraordinary people, and I am destined to help mothers access their truest strengths so they can be warriors of love for the most important job there is.

Jasmin Terrany, LMHC staircase

What money mistakes have you made along the way that others can learn from (or something you’d do differently)?

At one point I got a money manager to invest in puts and calls. I was young and thought I had a high-risk tolerance, but after he lost almost 50% of my portfolio, I realized I was wrong. Now I am focused on stability and longevity and make sure to plan for my future.

What have you learned in the process of becoming wealthy that others can learn from?

Having money is helpful for sure, but when you die you won’t look back and wish you worked more, you’ll likely wish you lived more. Studies show that after a baseline of financial stability, more money doesn’t make people happier. More living makes people happier.

What new business would you love to start?

I have committed to a new venture, of which I am extremely excited about: A Mommy Mission.

Extraordinary Mommies Make Extraordinary People.

In this country, there are certifications for professions as simple as florists. Yet the most important and challenging job that exists requires no license, certification or training.

Approximately 4 million mothers give birth per year, and there is no recognized “Mommy Manual.”

Many books teach what to expect and what to do, but few focus on how to be, the psychological, emotional and spiritual foundation of the mother, which is truly the basis for all experiences. Although mothers feel the truest, purest love for their children, the stress and challenges of motherhood often distract them from it.

My upcoming book, “Becoming Mommy: A Loving Guide to the Most Important Job there is,” is written from my perspective as new, vulnerable mother and trained psychotherapist, I summarize the ten core principles of my own extraordinary mother. Through engaging stories and examples, outlined lessons and chapter overviews, new mothers can quickly and deeply receive the golden nuggets of parenthood.

I am focused on PR and marketing for this book.

Jasmin Terrany, LMHC Speaking

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

Tell myself to enjoy and trust the process. You are never done, there will always be more, focus on embracing what you have when you have it.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were first making a name for yourself, what advice would you give yourself?

You don’t have to know everything, be as vulnerable and authentic as possible and realize that we are all fellow journeyers learning together.

Do you have any favorite business-related or personal development related books that you can recommend to other entrepreneurs?

These books changed my life: “Power of Now”, “A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose” by Eckart Tolle, and “There’s Nothing Wrong with You” by Cheri Huber.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Don’t assume all the “successful” people out there are smarter or better than you. Everyone is learning as they go, you just have to start.

What advice would you give to a newbie Entrepreneur setting up their first business?

Make a goal, like driving cross country to California from NYC. Start driving in that direction. You will have no idea what roadblocks and detours will arise, but you’ll keep figuring it out along the way. Your final destination may even change, perhaps you’ll decide to stop in Colorado. Regardless of the outcome, enjoy the ride.

1 comment
Leave a Reply
You May Also Like