We had the good fortune of connecting with Alicia Garner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alicia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have always wanted to embark on an entrepreneurial journey. As a mother of an impressionable ten-year-old, I always wanted to exemplify the idea that only you can put limitations on what you can accomplish. My parents were born and raised in Jamaica. They came here over 40 years ago to provide me and my younger brother a better life. While growing up, my parents would take us to visit our family in Jamaica. I remember feeling a huge responsibility to succeed and showing my parents their sacrifices weren’t in vain. Fast forward to today, I was looking for a way to create a family legacy, build generational wealth, allow space for my creativity, and help to heal my community. Ellie Mental Health checked all of those boxes.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am not your typical corporate girl. I proudly wear my locs and a nose ring every day. What you see is what you get! When embarking on the journey with Ellie Mental Health, one thing that was always at the forefront of my mind was how difficult it was to find clinicians of color. I have had family members struggle to find a therapist of color after weeks and months of searching. I wanted to change that and make our clinic more accessible for marginalized communities who are unable to find adequate and culturally competent clinicians. I wanted to showcase diversity at its finest.

When you come to Ellie Mental Health Mansfield, you are in for an entire experience. When you walk in, you may hear upbeat afro-beats playing in the lobby, with a fragrant incense in the air that immediately relaxes and gives you a sense of peace. When you check in on the iPad receptionist app, your therapist will come out to greet you and take you back to one of our affirmation-labeled spaces. I believe that healing comes from all of your senses.

Our team is comprised of all diverse clinicians who bring fun and passion to their work every day. I am so proud of the team that we have and are continuing to build. You can tell our team enjoys each other, the space, and our clients.

Prior to owning Ellie Mental Health – Mansfield. My husband and I owned a small company called Kulture Elevation. We sold apparel, I read stories to kids online, and I would do presentations at local schools. We were really focused on teaching cultural pride and awareness to the next generation as well as adults. I am always looking for new ways to challenge bias and the status quo. That business taught me so many valuable skills that I have been able to use in my current business.

Being a business owner is not for the faint of heart. As you get your business off the ground, there will be a lot of sleepless nights and early mornings. Most entrepreneurs start their businesses while working a full-time job. When you are doing both a full-time job and your passion project, you have to be very careful not to get burned out. Find other business owners who see your potential and are willing to barter their services for yours in order to keep your costs contained. Sometimes it’s worth paying someone to help you because it allows you to practice self-care.

Throughout my journey as an entrepreneur, I have always tried to be as curious as possible. I frequently talk to others who have had businesses before me, and I try to soak up as much of their wisdom as possible. You want to make sure you have a great accountant who can advise you properly, as well as a good attorney. The last thing you want to do is make decisions that you have to pay dearly for later on. Throughout all of my business challenges, I have always had conversations with people who are smarter than me so that I can make the best decisions possible.

If you don’t have a mentor, find one. There are so many lessons and wisdom that can be gained from someone who has been in business longer than you. They will offer you objective opinions based on fact and experience vs. just guessing. Your mentors may change over the years as you evolve in your craft, and that’s okay. You want to be astute enough to realize when you have outgrown a mentor. You want to consistently increase your circle of business owners because, as the saying goes, it’s all about relationships.


If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love the arts, spoken word, plays, art galleries, live music, you name it, and I am there!!!. If I was in the city for a week, I would encourage my friends to stay in the bishop arts district for a couple of days. They could visit all of the cute shops, food locations, and culture in that area. It’s a super relaxed vibe that is very eclectic with a wide variety of people. Not too far from the neighborhood is Spiral Diner, and they have great vegan food. The atmosphere is super laid back, and the clientele is diverse and unique. Another great spot would be to check out Deep Ellum. I love walking around and taking pictures in front of all of the different murals. There are a lot of different food options, and the visitors are very eclectic and unique, which I absolutely love. At night you will see show cars and bikes driving up and down the street, and you will just see people having a good time. There are some nice nightlife spots to check out there as well. I can’t forget about the Dallas Poetry Slam. I absolutely love the energy and poems that they bring. Such a talented group of poets who truly love their craft! I am always paying attention to shows, plays, and dance groups that are performing at the At&T Performing arts center or Dallas Fair Park. Both put on Broadway-style productions which are fantastic.

On Wednesday nights in Grand Prairie there is a great karaoke spot called Drafts. They have a laid back fun vibe that you would definitely enjoy. At some point during the week you have to check out the Chicken Hut in Arlington. I drive there from Mansfield for their grilled cheese sandwich, it is so good. There are 4 different types of cheese and they season their fries with lemon pepper seasoning and it has quickly become my guilty pleasure.

Another one of my favorite spots is Grow Desoto. It’s an amazing marketplace that has multiple black-owned businesses, there are so many amazing finds there such as moe-tivate your womb which offers crystals, incense, herbs, and more. They also have a wide variety of amazing food options, everything from vegan to burgers and fries. There is a cupcake vendor that makes the most decadent cupcakes ever!

On a Friday night you can’t go wrong with Hero’s lounge in downtown Dallas. They have some of the best Jamaican food you will find in the city. They also have great dj’s, drink specials and sometimes live bands that are amazing!

Saturday night you will want to head to Sandaga, the live bands are a whole vibe you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a great way to just listen to great music and enjoy your night.

In between all of these amazing events, I would always encourage people to check out a good movie or a museum. I really like all of these immersive art galleries popping up. They are a great way to do something different and take some memorable pictures with loved ones.


Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This shoutout is dedicated to two very important people in my life. First my amazing husband Keir who has never told me that my dreams are too big, but instead has always responded with what do you need me to do? After 22 years his love and support have definitely helped me to become the woman I am today.

The second person I would like to recognize is my father. My father has always been my biggest fan and has been there to help me talk through all of life’s challenges. Throughout the opening of our family business, he has jumped right in to support us whether it is taking care of our daughter, helping to organize our building, helping with marketing, or brainstorming new ideas. I am truly a daddy’s girl through and through!

Website: https://elliementalhealth.com/locations/mansfield-tx/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elliementalhealthmansfield/?fbclid=IwAR1GcXyPNcbEqsRbbpSrW-gAGla61Me4SxYQtJ8iRTWZr3hT_0CtqmEo37Q

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellie-mental-health-mansfield-tx/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ellie-Mental-Health-Mansfield-TX/100088133402900/

Other: https://linktr.ee/elliementalhealthmansfield

Image Credits
Torrance Williams

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.