In a new world change is the only constant. As we all try to find what is our purpose in this life. It has become very evident that women are become taking their place as leaders in our societies. In fact, the United States of America had its first women presidential hopeful of a major party. This shows a lot about the direction in which the world and our country is heading.

This can be clearly seen in the corporate world or the new Business environment. In which more and more women are CEOs, Presidents and owners of all types of organizations. As an insurance agent, I would say that at least 80 percent of the time my supervisor or manager has been a woman. This is great for a man that has three daughters obviously. As observed it is also become obvious that they are very good leaders as well.

In this newsletter, we will be interviewing Carolina Alvarez L.M.F.T. She came to this country from Colombia with a dream. A dream to learn and succeed in this country. In Colombia, she studied as an undergraduate family counseling. When moving to the United States she continued her education completing her Bachelor’s degree in science and a Master’s degree in science with focused on family and marriage therapy. She has worked in Florida as a Therapist for 1o years. Opening a marriage and family counseling clinic. The motto of her organization is providing access to mental health, to all! We sat down with this CEO/owner/operator to discuss some of the challenges face as a small business and what has been the driving factor for success?

I started by asking Carolina what made her choose the mental health profession?

Carolina Alvarez: I have always believed in the power of people, and how they are capable of such beautiful things. Since When I was twelve I can remember taking the money my parents would give me every week and buy food. Then I would take that food to a very poor area called Moravia in my country Columbia. My friends and I would spend the day feeding them and playing with the kids. I did this till the age of nineteen and it helped me realize that I needed to find a profession in which I can help people. Mental health was the perfect fit, because it was a way to help people by empowering them to help themselves.

Julio Caba: So, you have been working in mental health organizations for over 10 years, how has that worked for you?

Carolina Alvarez: It has been an amazing experience! I have learned so many new things and have helped hundreds of families. It has helped me understand what metal health is about and the difference it makes in people’s lives.

Julio Caba: So, why open an agency? If you can get what you need working in an organization, like helping people why go through the trouble? Being that opening a business is difficult?

Carolina Alvarez: Because one of the problems with mental health is that it’s expensive to obtain. And what some people don’t understand is that we still have people in this country that do not have insurance because they can’t afford it or the company they work for does not provide it. But the same people make too much money to have Medicaid help them. I did not see any programs in the organizations I worked for that catered to that group of people. Most counselors are 150 to 200 dollars and hour. This becomes expensive especially knowing and understanding that counseling takes several sessions to get the benefits of it. This is the main reason for opening Change, to allow people in that bracket to be able to get the help they need.

Julio Caba: Wow 150 to 200 an hour? What do you normally charge? And does it bother you that you are not making as much as you could on a client?

Carolina Alvarez: it depends on the clients need or what they can afford. I have gone as low as $40 dollars and hour. And no! because I believe the money will follow. Right now people need these services and I am very honored and proud that I can provided the services. Look I love what I do, and in most cases by helping them I feel as if I am giving back to a community that took me in when I came to this country with open harms and gave me the education to do so.

Julio Caba: Yeah, but anybody could tell you this is all I can afford just to pay you less no?

Carolina Alvarez: No, not at all we must start believing in people. You would be surprise how honest people are when you give them a chance. Plus, all that I care about is the fact that they have made the first step in creating a better life for themselves.

Julio caba: Now let’s talk business, what has been the hardest part of opening and running a business?

Carolina Alvarez: Well, there have been many challenges but if I had to choose it would have to be the organization of everything. It can be difficult to develop new ways of operating and of course the fear of finding new clients. As a business owner, it can be very difficult to believe in the dream you are creating because I have learned it takes time to develop and you have to keep motivating yourself to push forward.

Julio Caba: In such a technological age, how do you use technology to help you in your business?

Carolina Alvarez: The use of technology has been imperative in the development of my business; social media, google, my website www.changetherapy.vpweb.net and blogs managed by jcabacorp have allowed me to get more clients, advertise my business and promote my ideals. Without this I don’t believe I would be where I am. I also use and electronic health record EHC that allows me to keep track of my notes, my practice and billing. Technology is also a great way to communicate with people that do not have access to traveling and this is the next market I would like to explore; counseling via skype to give my clients other options.

Julio Caba: What do you believe are the factors that helped you succeed by coming to this country, open your own business and succeed in this business?

Carolina Alvarez: that’s a great question, I believe that what motivated me was my desire to learn and succeed not only in a financial way but educationally. The original reason why I came to the USA was to finish my education. I have always believed that education is the key to success. My husband and kids also motivated me to continue and finish my masters. After this I went on to become licensed and gain as much experience as I could. As far as opening the business to be honest this was all my husband’s motivation and believing in me, I wanted it but I wasn’t sure I could do it but he reassured and gave me confidence in myself which allowed me to keep pushing forward.

Julio Caba: Have you had any challenges or do you believe is harder because you are a business woman?

Carolina Alvarez: I don’t think so, I focus on myself and my potential so I don’t focus on the female or male. I can tell you that being Hispanic and knowing another language has given me an excellent edge both while I worked in large agencies and in my own private practice. I focus on my qualities and clinical skills and do not let negativity bring me down.

What would you advise other women that are thinking about opening a business?

Carolina Alvarez: My advice is to move forward with their plan, to believe in their selves, surround themselves with people that will empower them and help them achieve their dream. Opening a business can be scary but with the right tool and positive people around them this is possible. Fear of the unknow is scary but you will never achieve greatness if you don’t try different new scary things. Also, to believe that this is going to happen and if you fail its ok, this is part of growth you dust off and move forward.

This was a great interview as it shows a small example of the leadership women are providing in many industries. I am sure the world is ready and in need of this diversity in the business environment and if you ask me, it will grow in numbers.