At IFRI-TRYV, we take pride in supporting BIPOC entrepreneurs who are not only leaders in their industries but also pioneers of change in their communities. This month, we’re highlighting the founder of True Faith Psychotherapy, Johnette Tarr, whose journey from Liberia to leading a mental health practice in the United States embodies resilience, courage, and the transformative power of a dream supported by community. 

Background and Inspiration  

Born in Liberia during a turbulent time, Johnette was inspired by the strength and determination of her grandmother, who supported her family through her cook shop. This legacy of resilience and self-reliance paved the way for her entrepreneurial spirit. Her experiences, from working in mental health services to studying abroad in South Africa, shaped her understanding of the unique mental health challenges faced by the BIPOC community, driving her to establish True Faith Psychotherapy. 

True Faith Psychotherapy provides a safe space for individuals to confront their struggles and embark on a journey towards restoration. The core mission is to offer compassionate, culturally sensitive care that empowers individuals to heal and grow.  

Turning Points and Growth  

With IFRI-TRYV’s guidance, she navigated early challenges such as client acquisition and business strategy formulation. A key turning point was the establishment of a Psychology Today account, which significantly increased client referrals. Within less than a month of leveraging IFRI-TRYV’s strategic advice, Johnette saw her clientele grow from 5 to 20 new clients, showcasing the effectiveness of the business strategies implemented. IFRI-TRYV’s mentorship helped refine her business focus, asking critical questions like “What separates me from other psychotherapy providers?” leading to enhanced service quality and a clearer business trajectory.  

IFRI-TRYV provided support in business modeling, helping Johnette structure her practice to maximize operational efficiency and profitability. Through financial management and budgeting advice, she gained a deeper understanding of her business’s financial health, enabling her to make better decisions, allocate her resources, and predict a timeline for propelling her business. Business coaching was instrumental in developing her strategic thinking and large picture goals, particularly to understand her Total Addressable Market (TAM) and the specific needs of her market segment.  

Mentorship from IFRI-TRYV was crucial in building her confidence, developing problem-solving skills, and learning to navigate and utilize different networks effectively. This support helped her learn how to let her business speak for itself, increase clients, and adopt a proactive approach to business challenges. 

Impact and Vision  

True Faith Psychotherapy aims to impact the BIPOC community by promoting inclusive representation and empowerment. Long-term goals include creating employment opportunities, achieving sustainable growth, and making a meaningful impact both within and outside the community.  

She advises other BIPOC individuals to leverage their unique stories, build resilience, prioritize education, and be fully immersed in their entrepreneurial journey, even if it means missing out on social events. Her work with IFRI-TRYV taught her to be firm, say ‘no’ unapologetically, and commit fully to her professional goals. 

Final Thoughts  

Entrepreneurship is a challenging yet rewarding journey. Johnette Tarr’s story is a testament to the power of being “BRAVE (Bold, Resilient, Active, Visible, and Ebullient).”  IFRI-TRYV is proud to have supported her in transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and improvement. 

Check her out at: https://www.truefaithservices.com/ 

Check Out her Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnette-tarr-b34842146/ 

Check out our article on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ifri-tryv-client-feature-true-faith-psychotherapy-empowering-5ygfe/