Funmi Fatona-Ayowole is an emotional wellness coach and a mental health advocate. Her passion for mental health stems from a core conviction that everyone needs to be seen, heard, and understood.In her professional life, she has witnessed the debilitating effect that mental and emotional challenges have on individuals, families, and communities, and this has driven her to create safe spaces to support people in their journey toward healing and wholeness. Specifically working with underserved communities, such as new immigrants and young leaders of colour, Funmi seeks to highlight the challenges these audiences face in accessing culturally sensitive mental health care. This desire led her to establish The VirtualSoulClinic and TheSoulClinic, both platforms that actively contribute to a world where mental health support is accessible, destigmatized, representative, and truly impactful. Funmi tells her full story here:
I have lived in Canada for six years and had unique experiences that have shaped who I am today. I founded TheVirtualSoulClinic, which was born from a deep desire to make culturally sensitive mental health support more accessible. One way we do this is through the use of technology such as our QuickScan diagnostic tools, free support calls, and one-on-one consulting with mental care specialists, and these methods have proven very functional in breaking down barriers. I am driven by a deep sense of purpose to support new immigrants in Canada and young leaders of colour through TheVirtualSoulClinic.
TheVirtualSoulClinic and TheSoulClinic are both emotional well-being and mental care advocacy platforms. TheVirtualSoulClinic is a non-profit that aims to make mental health support accessible to everyone, especially those who face barriers to accessing help – at no cost. We operate like a mental health “first aid”, using QuickScan diagnostic tools and personalized phone calls to connect people with the support they need in safe, virtual spaces. TheSoulClinic, on the other hand, is a private coaching practice with more in-depth training and coaching with individuals and groups, focusing on long-term growth and helping people build their “soul strength.” It’s about fostering mental and emotional independence, clarity, and resilience. It gives more room for personalized and extended support through coaching programs and sessions. Both platforms aim to empower individuals to build their “soul strength” and mental capacities and live more fulfilling lives.
At the beginning, we were faced with a number of challenges while starting both endeavours. With TheVirtualSoulClinic, one of the biggest hurdles was securing funding. As a non-profit offering free services, we rely primarily on donations and grants. Another challenge was building trust within the communities we serve, especially with new immigrants who were unfamiliar with our virtual mental health support system. Also, ensuring we had a robust and secure technological platform was crucial and required significant investment in development and ongoing maintenance. We faced some challenges in finding and training qualified culturally sensitive volunteer coaches who understood the unique needs of our target groups.
For TheSoulClinic, balancing the business side with the actual coaching work was something we had to learn. Despite these challenges, the response to both ventures has been incredibly rewarding.
At TheVirtualSoulClinic, we’ve seen a significant demand for our services, which tells us we are meeting a real need in the community. We’ve received positive feedback from our clients, who appreciate the accessibility and convenience of our virtual support. TheSoulClinic has also grown steadily, with clients reporting positive outcomes from our coaching programs and sessions. It’s truly fulfilling to see the impact of our work on people’s lives. The positive response reinforces our belief in the importance of what we’re doing and motivates us to continue expanding our reach and impact.
Walking this journey, I have learnt many lessons, one of which is to build strong partnerships from the start. Another is to seek collaboration with other organizations and individuals who share our mission and leverage their expertise and resources to expand our reach and impact more efficiently. Looking back, as a tech-driven non-profit, I would have invested even more heavily in developing and refining our platform and automating processes and focused on building a strong team. I am now dedicated to documenting my learnings and discoveries on my journey as this would contribute to the broader conversations around mental health support and help formulate and implement policies in the future.
To migrant women of colour, I have this to say, You are seen. You are valued. You are resilient. Your journey, though challenging, is a testament to your strength and courage. You bring a unique tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and talents that enrich the fabric of Canadian society. Your resilience is your strength, and it’s what makes you capable of overcoming any obstacle.The transition to a new country can be overwhelming. There will be moments of doubt, homesickness, and perhaps even discrimination. But please remember that you are not alone. There is a community of women, just like you, who understand your struggles and are ready to support you. Seek out those connections, build your network, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Embrace your heritage. Your culture is a gift, and it’s something to be celebrated. Your unique identity is your superpower. Invest in your well-being, and prioritize your mental and emotional health. Find healthy ways to cope with stress, whether it’s through exercise, meditation, creative expression, or connecting with others. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s essential. You are important, and your well-being should always be a priority.
Never give up on your dreams. You have the power to achieve anything you set your mind to. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Your journey may be different, but your potential is limitless. You are building a new life for yourself and for future generations. Your presence here matters. You are making a difference. Keep shining your light, and remember, your potential is limitless.
Funmi tells her story from Markham in Ontario, Canada.
