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

Hi Amanda, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I am not sure I have ever just landed in success or good fortune by accident. Every single accomplishment in my life has been the result of a huge risk. A business friend told me once that my faith is a horrible business model. Really, I can’t even say I disagree, but it has proven itself effective time and time again. Risk alone may be a poor model, but combined with unwavering belief, it produces. I always say, if we do the right thing simply because it is the right thing, it will all work out. So far, so good.

What should our readers know about your business?
One Love Longview is a non-profit organization in East Texas serving individuals who are unsheltered, uninsured, and/or underserved. We provide a plethora of free services including mental health and substance use counseling, medical and prescription coverage, showers, a laundromat, clothing, food, assistance with applications/resources/referrals, assistance with obtaining needed documentation such as ID/DL/birth certificate/social security cards, case management, care coordination, facility placement, LGBTQ+ specific services, and so much more.

One Love is unquestionably unique and stands apart here in East Texas. We have managed to build a successful non-profit that is openly non-faith based, LGBTQ+ affirming, and holds steadfast to the principles of harm reduction, none of which are popular in our area.

My business partner and I also opened a private group practice for mental health and substance use with the same principles. Our two practices remain two of the few LGBTQ+ affirming counseling centers in our area, with a nonfaith-based approach.

The lessons have been many. The most important part of the hardship has been the takeaway, which always comes back to one simple concept – follow your heart, it won’t lead you wrong. Even when it seemed nothing added up, when I couldn’t even make sense of my own vision, and when the world told me it would never work, I pushed forward. Today, we are successfully thriving in a vision I was told would never come to pass.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is easy! The locals are where it’s at here!!!!

Of course, I would always say you have to spend a full day at One Love. There is something about putting your feet on the ground that changes you forever.

Aside from that, we are big on food in our area. It would be a mistake to not visit all the local shops and restaurants. You have to walk the streets of downtown Longview, visit Silver Grizzly for coffee, eat ice cream at Wild Honey Creamery, and visit the attractions and museums like The Historical Museum and WOW Children’s Museum, Ollie’s Skate Shop, Books & Barrels, Oil Horse Brewery, and Copper Tree Retreat. As for restaurants, you can’t go wrong with Scottie’s Bistro and Tomboni’s. Our parks and trails are also a sight to see, and I would hope the visit landed on the week of Art Walk to get a chance to chat with our local talent. There is no one like them!

Additionally, if folks are up for shopping and like a fabulous thrift find, hit up Twice Loved Marketplace. It is the most unique thrifting experience, and all proceeds support One Love Longview.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Every great leader is only a great leader because they are surrounded by other great leaders. I pale in comparison to the group of people who are alongside me in this journey.

Special thanks and recognition:
My husband and children – Rafael, Keiton, Gavin, Jayden, and Jaryn.
My business partner and friend, Tina Rushing.
My team, mentors, board of directors, supporters, clients, family, and friends.

Website: www.onelovelongview.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.veasy.3?mibextid=ZbWKwL

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