RASHAN M. CARTER LCSW, MPA

Rashan is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana – a place she endearingly refers to “ as home,” residing in Texas She is the mother of a dapper 14-year-old student-athlete that keeps her schedule as busy as she does herself As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), she possesses extensive skills in working with clients with co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders (COPSD), substance use disorders (SUD), and trauma (with the use of ACES and Trauma-Informed Care approach) She holds a master’s degree in public administration non-profit management, providing consulting and coaching services Recently, pushing her passion into writing by authoring her first publication, Purposeful Life: A passion-driven guided journal, and co-author to Taking the S of My Chest. She is a speaker on the Mind Matters Health and Wellness Channel, which is featured on the Black House Media Streaming Network. Her work is truly her passion, and she allows that to drive her purpose

You have a long history in the workforce, and with your education, when did you discover your passion?

I can honestly say my passion discovered me I had no idea that this was what I was going to do for a living, my career, etc I imagined myself as an attorney, and one day it all just changed The discovery happened during my sophomore year of undergrad when I was sitting in my sociology class, and the study of human behavior just sparked, and the rest, as I say, became my purpose

How did growing up in New Orleans, Louisiana, prepare you for who you are today as a businesswoman?

New Orleans is a culture all of its own, and the culture lives within me. As a businesswoman, I would be remiss if I didn’t say that the resilience of the city truly shaped my resiliency as a businesswoman I bring my love of people, food, fun, and heart to each person I work with, and I make sure I see them for themselves

Can you describe the Texas business scene?

The Texas business scene is diverse, fastpaced, and big As they say, everything in Texas is big Each industry has its rightful place and works harmoniously together for the greater good of its community

You are a proud mother. Can you share how you are currently navigating business and motherhood? What tips do you have for upcoming entrepreneurs trying to balance business and family?

It is truly not a balance; it’s all about priority. I realized when deciding to go into business for myself that I wanted my family to be a part of it all, for they are my inspiration that I could do any and all things So, I prioritize my time, investment, influence, and insight to ensure that I pour into them just as much as I pour into my business, if not more. To upcoming entrepreneurs, invite your children into the fold of your business, make them partners, and create additional income streams so they can also be entrepreneurs. Share the passion you have for your business so that they can see why it’s important so that they can also be vested in the business

Tell us about your publication, Purposeful Life? What message do you hope women take away from this project?

Purposeful Life is a journal for everyone looking to find their passion and purpose for fulfillment This journal was created to compel writers to dig deep for selfdiscovery based on prompts one may not have ever thought to ask or to ponder. Allow this journal to push you in the process of healing for your growth and your glow My takeaway from the journal is that the writer begins to discover their self-care and implement it, then it is that the writer finds a way to write their story for themselves as a reflection of who they are as they evolve

Tell us about the work you are doing with mental health. You are a speaker on The Mind Matters Health and Wellness Channel. What can listeners expect from your segment?

Viewers can expect to learn things through a passionate friend who just so happens to be a therapist as I discuss varying topics each month. They can expect to begin with a mindfulness moment in an effort to encourage a shift in mindset and then a bit of homespun knowledge on mental health that makes one feel like they are just talking to a passionate friend

What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?

My definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles is a woman who works within her purpose by using her inspiration, influence, innovation, insight, and involvement www passionpurposefulfilled com