Why I Started My Consulting Business--and What You Can Expect Here--My Journey

I was 31 years old when I realized something in my professional life had to change—if not everything. At the time, I worked in the administrative offices of a state agency that oversaw mental health service provision across Mississippi. My role was critical: I was part of the team responsible for certifying, recertifying, and, when necessary, decertifying hundreds of mental health agencies statewide.

By 2021, I had been with the agency since 2014—making me one of the most senior members of the team in experience, though not in age. I was the youngest by far, but my tenure gave me deep insight into the agency’s history, policies, and procedures. I had been trained by seasoned professionals who poured their knowledge into me, and over time, I became the go-to expert in certification reviews for Children’s Services, Adult Services, IDD Services, Substance Use Programs, and Crisis Response. I frequently led certification visits, resolved interdepartmental issues, and worked directly with Executive Directors and CEOs. I even served as a mediator during internal staff conflicts. I had a firm handle on both the clinical framework of mental health and the regulatory language of credentialing.

So when a leadership position opened in my department, I applied—confident that my experience, work ethic, and track record spoke for themselves.

I didn’t get it.

And the reason I was given left a bad taste in my mouth. In so many words, I was told it wasn’t my time. That I needed to wait a few more years, maybe until someone retired. Though they didn’t say it directly, the subtext was clear: I was too young.

That moment—and a growing list of frustrations like nepotism, toxic morale, and broken systems—lit a fire in me. I knew I needed a new path, but what? I had a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling and had passed the National Counselor’s Exam, but I hadn’t completed the hours to pursue private practice. Still, I prayed, thought deeply, and listened.

Then the lightbulb moment came.

I realized that many of the providers we reviewed were struggling because they didn’t have someone who could bridge the gap between state regulations and clinical operations—someone who spoke both languages fluently. And that someone could be me.

That’s when the vision for L Insight Consulting was born.

I never thought I’d be a business owner, but I jumped in headfirst—researching, planning, and preparing. I officially left my state job on January 7, 2022, and I’ve been grinding ever since.

Since then, I’ve helped dozens of mental health agencies across Mississippi and beyond with program development, staff training, policy creation, client documentation, health and safety protocols, morale boosting, and even staff retreats. If it helps a provider stay in compliance and serve their clients better—I’m there.

I’ve learned a lot. And I’m still learning.

This blog is my space to share that journey with you—the wins, the challenges, the behind-the-scenes moments of running a business while raising my now 11-month-old daughter as a full-time, stay-at-home mom. You’ll find lessons from the field, business tools I swear by, insights for providers, and so much more.

I’m glad you’re here. And I hope you’re ready to grow—because I sure am.

With love and insight,

La’Shon