Meet Marcene Kinley | Co-Founder/Counselor

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

Hi Marcene, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted to broaden my reach and take my expertise to a greater level. As a changemaker and leader, private practice enabled me to connect with more people and provide services on a national level. It was scary and a huge risk, but I am not one to bow down from a challenge. Starting a business is often unpredictable, but my partner and I stepped out on faith with a strong mission and vision to instill hope and equip others to find their purpose. I considered all the innovative community programming I had already created and my ability to lead and mobilize a community, resulting in changing the trajectory of one life at a time. I then knew it was my calling and purpose to transform the stigma surrounding mental health on a broader level. As they say, you know when it’s time to move on to bigger things.

What should our readers know about your business?
I believe that “YOU are your best accessory” which means that you are already shining bright just the way you are. Accessories are the little things that enhance and highlight our strengths. In my solution-focused brief therapy
approach, I believe that you already have the answers to your problems inside you; I am here to help you emphasize your strengths and bring out those answers.

Intentional Hearts Counseling &Consulting, PLLC strives to make people feel better about themselves in their hearts so
that it shows on the outside. We are intentional about ensuring ALL people have access to services and empowering
them to feel confident no matter the circumstance. Services provided include individual counseling, family interventions and development and training.

I also co-authored the “Be Intentional” Positive Thinking Activity Workbook. This is one of most exciting and proud pieces of launching the business. The book is a resource that would help individuals manage overwhelming emotions that can take over the mind. It provides creative activities to encourage the use of positive thinking for its readers. When challenged with the intricacies of building a business and facing some disappointments, the valuable tools in the book also helped me oversome these challenges.

Hurdles have been many and I’ve had to work harder and prove myself over and over as a black woman, I have, I do and I will overcome! It is an ongoing challenge that I gladly love to rise above. Instead of waiting for an invite to the table or being tolerated at the table, I built my own table!

I want the world to know that, as a servant leader, my goal is to create a safe space for others find their truth. my therapeutic relationship is that of a partnership. Our motto is “Leave your heart in our hands, so you can face tomorrow”

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.
There are aways great places to eat and listen to music in the DFW area.
Definitely have to visit the Stockyards, the heart of Fort Worth, to hang out, maybe attend a rodeo, relish in the history of the city and eat some good food.
We could also take the Grapevine train from there and visit Main St. in Grapevine. This quaint street always has something going on, including good food (Big Fish being one of them), shopping at the boutiques and ice cream at Beth Marie’s.
The Fort Worth Zoo is a must, rated as one of the best in the nation,
Other places I would take my friend include 7th St in Fort Worth, Epic Central in Grand Prairie to visit Chicken and Pickle and the light show, and of course shopping at one of the Outlets.
Lots of time would be spent at home talking, laughing, watching movies, hanging out in the backyeard, taking walks and ordering in.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
What a beautiful blessing I have received of amazing family and friends.
First, my children, my 3 blessings, thank you for hyping me up every step
of the way and always having my back. My mom, my SHEro, my rock, I
will forever be grateful for your unconditional love and support. You
have instilled in me the strength to endure and walk boldy in my truth!
My hubby, Kevin, always supports my dreams and is the reason I took the leap. He believed in me before I believed in myself. He continues to catch me when I fall, brush me off and encourage me to keep moving. To my dear friends (you know who you are) and my IHCC co-pilot Dr. TJ, thank you for allowing me the
space to just “be” and your constant encouragement. I am empowered
and driven by my amazing support system and I humbly acknowledge all
of my “purpose partners”, who have believed in me at times when I
struggled to believe in myself. Y’all rock!
And….Brene’ Brown….she gets it and has guided and confirmed and encouraged my work and passion with her teachings.

Website: https://www.intentionalheartscc.com

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