In today’s fast-paced world, finding balance through wellness has become a top priority for many. For Aijalon, the founder of the Social Butterfly Experience, this journey began with a deep passion for mental health and wellness. During our recent interview, Aijalon shared her inspiring story, the evolution of her business, and the importance of mental health across generations and communities.
The Birth of a Business
The Social Butterfly Experience officially launched in September 2020. However, the seeds were sown much earlier. “In December of 2019, I was a senior in college, and before the pandemic was even a thought, I wanted to start a business. My grandmother was an entrepreneur with her own clothing brand, and my brother is a music producer. The entrepreneurial spirit is within my family.”
The name “Social Butterfly Experience” holds personal significance. “My grandma always called me a social butterfly, and it stuck. When forming the LLC, I added ‘experience’ to it, and it just flowed.”
Initially, it started out simply as a clothing brand and blog. But Aijalon’s vision evolved. “In August 2020, I took a class with Pitt’s Small Business Development Center on making an LLC. I got my paperwork approved in September and released my business on September 11. It started with the clothing line and blogs, then expanded to include a health and wellness podcast, candles, and bath products.”
Expanding Services
As her business grew, Aijalon sought to offer more services. “I researched and found that providing services could increase exposure. I discovered life coaching and wellness coaching, pursued certification through a community college in California, and since then, have been offering wellness coaching.”
Reaching a Broad Audience
Aijalon is certified to coach anyone across the country. “You don’t have to be certified, but I pursued certification for credibility. There’s also a board certification I’ll be going for soon, which would allow me to be posted on a national website for broader reach.”
Her clientele spans different types of backgrounds, “I’m open to everyone, but as a Black woman, my clientele naturally tends to be people of color. I often attract moms, which I find interesting since I’m not a mom myself, just an aunt.”
Balancing Act
Balancing her business with graduate school has been challenging but rewarding. “I’m in my second year of graduate school, graduating in December. The first year was tough, but I managed. This year, with more free time, I’m picking up the pace.”
Generational Differences in Mental Health
Aijalon reflected on the generational differences in attitudes towards mental health. “My mother, born in the 60s, didn’t have mental health conversations growing up. Mental health was seen as a weakness. I first sought therapy as a teenager, and my mom was supportive after initial resistance. My generation is more aware and open about mental health, recognizing the importance of seeking help. Therapy isn’t about being weak; it’s about finding tools to cope.”
Advice for Seeking Help
Finding the right therapist takes time, Aijalon advises. “It’s important to shop around and understand what you want to get out of therapy. In communities not receptive to therapy, it’s about breaking stigmas and recognizing the value of mental health support.”
Future Aspirations
As she completes her graduate degree as a physician assistant, Aijalon still sees herself in the wellness space. “I’ve always wanted to work in the medical field, but not as a doctor. As a PA, I can change specialties, which I value. I might go into psych after graduation, incorporating some therapy into my practice. I enjoy helping people recognize where they are and where they want to be.”
Aijalon’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and resilience. Her work in mental health and wellness is truly inspiring, and her story is a beacon of hope for many.
For more about Aijalon and the Social Butterfly Experience, visit https://www.thesocialbutterflyexperience.com/
