Today we’d like to introduce you to DaJonese Turner.
DaJonese, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a child, my dream career was a Child Psychologist, so over the years, I made plans to do the work to become just that. My first job out of Undergrad was a Case Manager in Child Welfare. This is the place I got my footing, I learned so much in that space and will be forever grateful. In this job, I started off being the Case Manager for youth who were only one year younger than me & it was different. These young adults were nothing like me and my friends, did none of the things that my peers (in this age group did) – it really took me by surprise initially. But, over time, I figured out what was happening and learned that some of the vital “life” skills were not being properly taught to the group, which meant they were walking into adulthood unequipped for what life had to come. This understanding brought on my desire to form a life skills group. From that, the idea formulated into what it is today, a service that provides both counseling and coaching, because I realize that it is important to deal with the trauma of yesterday while preparing you for the transitions of tomorrow.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely not!! Nothing about becoming an entrepreneur is easy. There have been several tough times along the way, from managing work and life and making sure the necessary funds are available to get the job done. As a small business owner, the biggest struggle I have encountered is finances of course. Over the past three years, I have sponsored several events with the premise of helping young girls throughout Chicago, often times financially sponsoring from my own pockets with no recourse. But, it is my pleasure to do so, if I just touch the life of one young lady along with her journey. The other big challenge is getting others to take the services offered seriously. Encountering so many who would benefit from the services and struggling to get the turnout, can be tiresome. I wish I had the ability to reach the masses as there is a true need for what we are offering throughout Chicago.
Me in the Making Counseling & Coaching Services – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Me in the Making is a personal development boutique that specializes in working with adolescent/teen girls and millennial women. We pride ourselves on helping young girls and women manage life transitions because we know how hard it can be. Me in the Making works under the premise of Counseling, Coaching and Community, offering services that include individual and family therapy, group coaching and various community outreach projects throughout the year including an Annual Vision Board Brunch and multiple sponsorships.
We are proud to say that we have been able to expand our sponsorship efforts. For the past two years, we have provided Prom Sponsorship to three high school seniors, as well as two trunk parties for young ladies headed off to college. We look forward to being able to continue to provide to the young ladies deserving of these things.
We are one of few services in the area that provides a full range of counseling and coaching specific to women. Our office provides ladies the space to deal with past trauma, manage life, create new bonds and take the leaps necessary to make it through this thing we call life.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me means creating the life you want to live!
I think it is important to be able to carve out what is most important to you and take the necessary steps to make it happen. I would qualify success as being able to to do the things you want to do on your terms. When you are able to wake up and not feel that the day is a non-stop task because you are doing what you love to do ~ this is a success.
Pricing:
- Services range anywhere from $15- 150, call us for specifics regarding individual services
Contact Info:
- Address: 10540 S. Western Ave. Chicago, IL. 60643
- Website: www.meinthemaking.org
- Phone: 708.858.2168
- Email: info@meinthemaking.org
- Instagram: @me_inthe_making
- Facebook: meinthemakingl3c
Image Credit:
Joe “Wolf of Chicago” Dean
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
