Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheila Hughes
Hi Sheila, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in a small, predominantly African American neighborhood located in northeast Denver, Colorado (Park Hill). The metropolitan area of Denver only consisted of roughly 3% African American population at the time (early 1980’s). The neighborhood was mainly young African American families that had migrated from the south or west in hopes of better jobs and educational opportunities. 85% of the families were headed by single mothers within the low-income bracket. My environment was surrounded by poverty, drugs, and eventually gangs; I was unaware at the time, but my life was greatly affected by all 3. Initially, my family consisted of myself, my father, my mother, and my older brother. My father developed a drug addiction and left the household, my brother became involved in gangs, and my mother dealt with poverty and depression as a result.
My story is similar to many of my peers born in this same era. As a teenager I made a decision to help my community, I felt the way that would be most effective was to become certified in addiction and substance use disorders. After finding the trainings and getting a job in the field I desired more knowledge in the behavioral health field, so I went back to school. After obtaining my Bachelors in Behavioral Health and a minor in Human Services, I went on to obtain my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. It took years of working in the field and obtaining experience before I could get back to my original goal, working with the community. For the past two years I have been able to do just that under my own practice, Glow Up Counseling.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Life happened along the way. I put my education on hold when I became pregnant with my daughter and then a year later I joined the Air Force. One of the biggest challenges for me was systemic racism. After joining the military I was able to view corporate America through a different lense. On one end I can lead combative fire teams in wartime drills but on the civilian side with the same education and in some cases more experience, would get paid a 3rd of what my Caucasian counterparts compensation. There were times when many times when I was met with anger and threats of retaliation when I decided to accept better opportunities. It has been interesting to say the least. The organizations and practices I was working for at the time did not accept medicaid or reach out the to BIPOC communities. Branching out on my own was difficult, and scary, I am still learning, but it was the best thing I could have done.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Glow Up started 2 years ago. I created the practice so that I can have the flexibility to work from home and be with my kids, but also so I can pursue my passion in mental health and educate the community. Being in mental health for over a decade has allowed me to work in a multitude of areas and populations. I have worked in residential, outpatient, military, the Department of Corrections, and inpatient facilities. I have worked with kids from 7 years old to adults up to 80 years old, with eating disorders, substance use disorders, trauma, crisis, and a multitude of other behavioral disorders. My sessions now mainly focus on depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use disorders. I work with 12 years old and up. I am known for my activities in the northeast denver and aurora communities. I have been on Fox News, the Kathie J morning show, Colorado Black Health Collaborative’s podcast, to name a few. I do panels, forums, and presentations regularly. Brand wise, being an entrepreneur was never a goal in my wildest dreams, so everything I do at this point, is a proud moment. We are accepting new clients, we are available via telehealth, and we accept most major insurances. We are growing with 5 new practitioners recently joining Glow Up. Our community events can be found on our website: WWW.glowupcounseling.com.
What are your plans for the future?
I have so many plans for Glow up! August we will be in the community doing pop ups in our Glowmobile! We will be partnering with back to school events mainly, offering resources, doing consultations. I am also doing a forum for Black Maternal Mental Health. This fall I plan to do mental health “series” on mental health as it relates to our overall wellness. I am working on a newsletter for quarterly updates.
Pricing:
- Pricing is based on their insurance’s copay, if they would like to do self pay they can email for more info.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.glowupcounseling.com
- Instagram: glow_up_counseling_
- Facebook: Glow Up Counseling & Consulting, LLC
