Today we’d like to introduce you to Chavara Hamilton
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in Houston, Texas. I was raised in a small town by the name of Cleveland, Texas (59 North of Houston). I like to think of myself as a country, but city girl. I currently reside in the Dallas-Fort Worth area (no, I ‘am not a Cowboys fan). I arrived in Dallas at the age of 18 with tears in my eyes. Truthfully, my mother was teary-eyed as well as I’m her only child. My aunt, who is my mom’s middle sister provided the transportation. I attended Paul Quinn College and later finished my bachelor’s degree at Jarvis Christian College, where I earned a degree in Business Administration. I earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from Dallas Baptist University. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor and Mental Health First Aid Instructor. I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced domestic violence. Additional direct counseling experience consists of working with communication issues, healthy boundary setting, anger management, self-regulation, substance abuse, anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression amongst other issues. I ‘am passionate about working with women whether individually or in a group setting. My interest in this work was inspired by many of the women in my family, which I’m not quite sure they are aware of. While working for an agency, I would become so excited about helping the women I served. Considering my mother was a survivor of Intimate Partner Abuse, it was rewarding to witness others regain their power. I shared with a previous supervisor that I wanted to start my own practice. She said “okay, what are you waiting on?” I remember stating, “I don’t know. I’m scared.” In addition to my agency work, I always believed there was something else I needed to do to advocate for women. I’m an advocate for all women, but it was especially important for me to create a space for the women who look like me. I began brainstorming, seeking out other professionals for support, researching, joining counseling Facebook groups coupled with lots of prayer, because I was entering uncharted territory. I didn’t know many entrepreneurs and honestly, I didn’t view myself as an entrepreneur. In May of 2020, I invested in my PLLC. Then, in February of 2021 my website went live. I began seeing clients in October of 2021. I will never forget this because it was the weekend after my mother’s wedding and my stress-odometer was at its peak. Personally, I’m an ambivert. I thoroughly enjoy spending time alone (my only child syndrome coupled with my Pisces nature is on display). Additionally, I enjoy spending time with family, friends, brunch, traveling, spray painting home decor items, shopping, reading and watching drama television. I believe “self-love is the best love” and take pride in my commitment to self and dedicating the same energy and compassion to those I serve.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Smooth? I don’t know that there is an easy way to do hard things. However, I do believe we can learn to dance in the rain, because it will not rain forever. When experiencing difficult times, my mom and I would jokingly remind one another to put our boots on and handle it! This was definitely a venture that required my boots and a few additional pairs. As previously stated, entrepreneurship is uncharted territory for me. This alone makes the journey challenging. Additionally, tons of unknown information, minimal financial resources to start a business, time management, balancing multiple roles, etc. Despite the struggles, I’m grateful for the tools I’ve obtained throughout this journey. I remember updating some information on my website and literally stated “look at you girl.” I was so proud, because technology is an area I’m working to build my strength. I believe everyone has certain skills for a reason and it is important to know when to seek external support for those things that do not come naturally. So, for me to complete this task was rewarding.
As you know, we’re big fans of Sup-HER Circle, PLLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Sup-HER Circle is a space for women to have real life conversations about real life experiences. Sup-HER Circle offers virtual individual and group counseling services to women ages 18 and older. My hope is to provide a welcoming, caring, non-judgmental, authentic, empowering and overall safe environment to help women explore thoughts, feelings and behaviors that impact her operating as her best self. The mission is to transform internal hurts into external strengths. As for my therapeutic style, I’m professional, yet relatable. I may show up in heels, sneakers or with colored hair. Nevertheless, I enter sessions as myself and encourage any prospective clients I’m privileged to serve to do the same. Culturally, counseling can be rejected and/or frowned upon. Oftentimes, the message is that grandmothers and mothers are praying, therefore we will be alright. My hope is to emphasize that we can serve a Higher Power of our choice and attend counseling. Two things can be true. We don’t have to limit ourselves when individuals were blessed with gifts to help others.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My initial thought is my mother. She gave me life, but it is through her pain that I found my purpose. Additionally, my family, friends, past supervisors, prayer partners, coworkers, and clients. Each individual provides a different type of support and I’m truly grateful for my support network. Reflecting on my supporters literally makes me smile. I’m intentional about my relationships and very selective about who I allow into my personal space, so to be surrounded by individuals who genuinely want to see you win is a blessing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.suphercircle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suphercirclepllc/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suphercirclepllc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9DeN19RNn4&t=4447s
Image Credits
DLM Visuals