Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashanti Miranda.
Hi Ashanti, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always been the person who friends confide in and look to for advice. As an only child coming from a single-parent household, education was emphasized as a priority and a means to get ahead in life. I always had a heart for service; I even participated in the senate page program under Senator Rosa Franklin for Washington State. I went on to serve over 4 years in the United States Navy, and after I left the military, I received my BSW from Point Loma Nazarene University (2019), where I sat on a board as the career chairman for the student veterans’ organization. I then went on to receive my MSW degree from the University of Southern California (December 2020) where I spent time learning about trauma-specific interventions for adults with mental health and interning at Operation Homefront (a transitional home for veterans. Throughout my time in school, I also worked with veterans within the VA healthcare system to include vet centers, residential facilities, and inpatient psychiatric hospitals. Following my passion for mental health led me to the hospital where I have been helping the most acute of our population in a time of crises. In the last year, I started seeing clients for 1:1 & group therapy, applying for Licensure (LCSW), and providing soul care groups designed to educate and empower women who identify as BIPOC through my business Uncommon Coaching LLC.
When I was discharged from the military, I struggled to find myself, I struggled to find my purpose, and I began to slip into depression. Although I faced many challenges regarding my mental health, self-esteem, and employment, I never lost focus on my education. Throughout the pursuit of my degree, I discovered my purpose through continued service and a passion for helping others. It was through this discovery that I came up with the idea for Veterans of Hope. Veterans of Hope NGO is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate veterans through providing psycho-educational groups and help them regain purpose through service by partnering with other organizations in the community. I’ve found my Non-profit work to be the most rewarding.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve experienced many struggles along the way, and I’m sure they are more unforeseen obstacles ahead. However, I truly believe things are always working out as they should, so the future doesn’t worry me. The most difficult obstacle I’ve faced so far in entrepreneurship has been learning to delegate. As a black woman, I have often operated under the belief that no one is going to help me and I must do everything myself. So, you can imagine how hard I took it when I learned the game of business is played with teams, not individuals. Through therapy, personal development, and a whole lot of trial and error, I can now proudly say I’m quite comfortable delegating tasks, and I am looking forward to growing a team as the business grows. As a student, veteran, clinician, and entrepreneur, I would say the biggest obstacle I have faced besides learning the ins and outs of obtaining funding (still learning) has been overcoming myself. Often, I realized I was standing in my own way by not seeking knowledge, personal development, and resources. Learning that it’s ok to ask for help and to invest in myself and my business through proper mentorship has been life-changing. Along this journey, I have lost friendships, relationships, jobs, and grieved loved ones no longer physically here. The one thing I refused to give up on this journey has been my passion for what I do and belief in myself and the people in the communities I serve. If not for the support and encouragement of my board members, associates, BGSC sisters, friends, and family, I would not be where I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Uncommon Coaching & Consulting?
I received a graduate degree in social work with a specialization in adult mental health and wellness in 2020, but I have been working in the mental health space since my days as a sailor. I’m currently a serial entrepreneur providing a multitude of services to the community to include 1:1 therapy, Group therapy, mental health educational workshops, and more. My specialty is helping others discover the light within so they can live their best lives unapologetically. I do this mainly through a psychodynamic, CBT, solution-focused approach. I am most proud of the work I’ve done with the veteran population and the many different people I’ve had the pleasure of serving. I believe what sets me apart is my personal experience, authenticity, and passion for helping others. I try to live by example; my hope is to shine as bright as possible and inspire others to do the same.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
What matters most to me is mental health advocacy, holistic healing, education, and service. Many around the world are suffering in silence from mental health issues. There’s a huge stigma surrounding mental health, and many don’t have access to crucial tools necessary to heal from their wounds. I’ve learned over time how important and life-changing it can be for someone to share their story and give back to others. Something that we all have in common is the human condition. we’ve all encountered trauma in some way, and I think what helps us connect to one another is sharing our personal struggles and triumphs. Mental health, holistic healing, and education are important to me because my personal experience with mental health led me on a courageous healing journey where I gained the tools necessary to take on bigger challenges. My journey gave me the confidence to become a leader and, eventually, an entrepreneur. Finding my inner strength and light led me to educating people around the world about the importance of all 3. It may seem grandiose, but it is my hope to help the world heal itself and achieve a level of awareness that helps our society to evolve.
Pricing:
- group therapy $35 pp
- 1:1 therapy $150 per session ( beg. 2024)
- Self Care Secrets Online Course $250-500
- Workshops & Consulting – TBD
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashantimiranda.com
- Instagram: @the_uncommon_socialworker
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ashanti-miranda
- Youtube: @Uncommoncoachingllc
- Other: https://www.theuncommoncoaching.com/self-care-secrets
Image Credits
Shelter to soldier organization
