As I stepped into 2025, I found myself reflecting on a whirlwind of growth, change, and evolution that took place in 2023 and all through 2024. In that time, I experienced an explosion of creativity and productivity that led me to establish not one, not two, but three separate companies. What began as a passion for creative expression and helping others, soon grew into a vision for a multi-faceted business empire focused on mental health, creative works, and animal rescue.
The Birth of My Creative Empire
The first of these ventures was Carlita’s Creative LLC, a company designed to house all of my literary works. This became the platform for my blog, Lita's Lens, my memoir, therapy journals, and other written projects that I had planned. In 2024, I finally brought my audiobook vision for Eve's Exodus to life. With the incredible talent of narrator Stevi J. Knighton, the audiobook is now available for purchase on Audible, marking a major milestone for me.
The second business, The Rescue Black Project, was nonprofit born out of a desire to help the often overlooked and underappreciated black cats in our communities. Black cats are the least likely to be adopted and are unfortunately often the first to be euthanized in shelters. I created a rescue for these cats in a sectioned off portion of my home and fenced off 150 square feet of my yard to give them a safe, free-range environment to play and explore. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to provide these cats a place where they can thrive and to watch them blossom.
Finally, I expanded my private practice, Melanin Mental Health and Wellness PLLC, a venture I had been working on for years. In 2024, I brought on a Wellness Coordinator to facilitate wellness programs and two licensed-eligible therapists to help meet the demand for mental health services. This practice not only grew in size but also in scope as I developed a Practicum and Internship program to support the next generation of therapists.
The Struggles of Expansion
However, as the businesses expanded and my responsibilities multiplied, I started to feel the weight of it all. While I was excited by the growth, the challenges began to take a toll on my health, my energy, and my overall sense of balance. Grief and loss issues compounded with the sheer magnitude of trying to juggle everything, causing me to reassess how I was managing my time, energy, and resources.
By the end of 2024, I realized I needed to make some tough decisions. My health challenges and the emotional toll of grief forced me to rethink how I could continue doing the work I love while also preserving my well-being.
A New Beginning for 2025
In 2025, I decided to consolidate everything under one unified entity: Melanin Mental Health and Wellness. This is now my sole business project, the heart of my life’s work. All my creative ventures, including my literary works, will be housed under this umbrella because everything I do, in some form, is related to mental health. The cat rescue, now transitioning into a sanctuary, is also a part of this entity, as it ties into our Emotional Support Animal program—another way to support mental health.
I’ve also streamlined my online presence, merging my previous websites into one comprehensive platform: mymelaninwellness.com. This will be the central hub for all things related to my work, from mental health resources to my creative projects.
The Value of Boundaries
Along the way, I learned a lot about myself and my limits. I’ve realized that in order for me to live, work, and operate in peace, I cannot be contained - I have to function as a free spirit. Boundaries and limits have always been a struggle for me, especially when I’ve tried to accommodate others at the expense of my own needs. I often find myself taking on more than I can handle, overextending myself out of both fear and obligation. I’ve often denied myself the permission to assert my own choices and decisions, thinking that by being understanding and accommodating, I could make things work for everyone. But in doing so, I lost sight of my own voice and vision.
That’s why, in the month that celebrates both love and Black History, I’m choosing to rededicate myself to my life’s work—not just for others, but for me. I am learning to embrace my vision and live on my own terms. I am limiting my business to a capacity that aligns with my current circumstances, ensuring I can operate effectively, without burning myself out in the process. I have found that peace doesn’t come from doing it all, but from doing what I can with intention and purpose.
In Closing
As I move into this new chapter, I am excited about the possibilities ahead. There is so much to look forward to, and I’m confident that by focusing on what truly matters—mental health, creative works, and inner peace —I can continue making a meaningful impact on the world while staying true to myself. I’ve learned that creativity flows best when it is nurtured, not forced, and that the path to success is one that I must walk at my own pace.
Written by Carlita L. Coley
----------------------------------------------------------
*******
About the Author
Carlita L. Coley is the Founder and Executive/Clinical Director of Melanin Mental Health and Wellness. A native of North Carolina with deep roots in Virginia, she is a Licensed Professional Counselor in both Virginia and New Jersey. Passionate about education, empowerment, and inspiration, Carlita uses writing to explore the human experience and promote therapeutic storytelling.
Comments