In our previous conversation, Randi Paris shared her incredible journey—building a career in social work, launching a thriving therapy practice, and navigating the challenges of motherhood and entrepreneurship. But the story didn’t stop there.
Today, we catch up with Randi to uncover the unexpected lessons that have shaped her path—how her daughter Giuliana became one of her greatest teachers, the hard-earned wisdom of balancing a growing business with personal well-being, and the next big projects she’s bringing to life. From overcoming overwhelm to empowering other women, Randi’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and fearless ambition.
Let’s dive into the next chapter of her inspiring story.
What is the most unexpected lesson Giuliana has taught you about emotional resilience and personal growth?
Giuliana has profoundly shifted my perspective on life. She experienced rapid growth for her age, which led to multiple fractures during her kindergarten and first-grade years. Watching her navigate these challenges with resilience—while still maintaining gratitude for the amazing life she has—was a masterclass in emotional strength. She reminded me that adversity can be an opportunity for growth and that gratitude is the foundation of resilience. Beyond her own journey, she has also left a lasting impact on her classmates and teachers, demonstrating kindness and acceptance, even to those who aren’t always kind to her. Her ability to offer joy and create a judgment-free space for others has been one of my greatest lessons.
Can you share a moment when you felt overwhelmed, and how you worked through it?
Running a small business is not for the faint of heart. Growth often comes with a period of discomfort—the “growing curve” can feel overwhelming. As both a business owner and a mom, I constantly feel the pull between caring for my team and prioritizing my family. But when I start feeling stretched too thin, I pause and ask myself: What do I have control over? That simple question grounds me. And it helps me recognize that it’s okay to make decisions that align with my well-being. After all, I built this business to support my core values as a mom, therapist, and entrepreneur. When I feel out of balance, I remind myself that asking for help—whether at work or home—is a sign of strength, not weakness. Once that balance is restored, the clarity and peace that follow are invaluable.
What key values do you hope to instill in Giuliana as she grows up watching you build and lead?
I want Giuliana to see consistency between my personal and professional values. I want her to understand that ambition and compassion are not mutually exclusive. As women, we often feel the need to choose between being driven and being nurturing, but I hope she sees that she can be both. Before becoming a mom, I was deeply service-oriented, often pouring into others without fully pursuing my own dreams. But through Giuliana, I’ve learned that I am her role model, and my choices shape her understanding of what’s possible. When I face difficult decisions, I often ask myself, “What advice would I give Giuliana if she were facing this?” I want her to be assertive yet kind, confident yet open-minded, and fearless in chasing her passions.
If you could write a letter to your younger self before embarking on this journey, what would you say?
“The work you’re doing—both personally and professionally—matters. You are a quiet, driven introvert who deeply cares for others, and even when people don’t recognize your worth, you do. Keep learning from those around you—both the leaders you admire and those you don’t—because one day, you’ll build your own leadership style. You’ll create a career that allows you to help others while also leading in a way that feels authentic to you. And perhaps most importantly, the work you’re doing now will pave the way for the most rewarding role of all: being a mother. You’ll get to raise a daughter who reflects all the lessons you’ve learned and the values you hold dear. And one day, you’ll look around at the mental health practice you’ve built and realize you’ve created something that allows both you and your team to have true work-life balance.”
What is the most rewarding part of working on projects with Giuliana?
Seeing the world through Giuliana’s eyes is a daily reminder of how life’s challenges can erode our natural optimism if we let them. As a therapist, I’m constantly applying strategies to my work—but as a mom, I get to live those strategies in real-time with her. One of the greatest lessons has been the power of being fully present—listening to her as she is today, without filtering it through my own childhood experiences or expectations. This has allowed her to develop confidence and a strong voice.
One of my favorite moments was when she suggested I create a worksheet for my husband—essentially a “parenting feedback form” for when I’m not home. I laughed and asked what the goal was, and she matter-of-factly responded, “So he knows what he’s doing well and what I need him to work on.” This sparked the idea of creating a Family Feedback Worksheet for our clients, which has now become a valuable tool for families of all ages. Working on projects with her feels like working with a colleague—her creativity fuels mine, and together, we create meaningful tools for others.
If you could design your perfect day, balancing work and family, what would it look like?
In many ways, I already live my perfect day. It starts with waking up Giuliana, and every morning, we have a dance party to set the tone for the day. Dropping her off at school is a simple but beautiful moment of gratitude. From there, I dive into my work—spending an hour on business tasks, followed by back-to-back therapy sessions. In the afternoon, I pick her up from school, often using carline as a time to catch up with colleagues. Evenings are dedicated to family time, whether it’s cooking dinner, attending her extracurricular activities, or coaching her first-grade basketball team with my husband. Once she’s asleep, I wrap up any lingering business tasks to lighten my load for the next day. My goal is to be fully present and intentional with whatever I’m doing in the moment. It’s not always easy, but I’ve found that this approach reduces guilt and increases fulfillment.
How do you balance the demands of running a business while staying connected to your clients’ needs?
At my core, I am a therapist first and a business owner second. I genuinely love working with my clients and witnessing their growth. When I’m in session, I am fully present, and I believe this deep connection fuels my creativity in running Paris Counseling. Outside of therapy, I shift my focus to managing the business—strategizing growth, supporting my team, and improving processes. Having a husband who is also an entrepreneur has been invaluable, as we often bounce ideas off each other. The key is intentionality—when I’m with clients, I’m fully engaged in their journey, and when I’m leading the business, I focus on building a practice that supports both our team and the people we serve.
What has been the most fulfilling part of seeing your practice grow beyond just you?
Without a doubt, the most fulfilling part has been the increasing number of clients we’ve been able to help each year. But beyond that, its seeing other therapists embrace work-life balance—something I didn’t initially put in my business plan but has since become one of its guiding principles. I built Paris Counseling to ensure I had a work-life balance, but it’s even more rewarding to see our team living by that same value. Watching them care for themselves while also supporting their clients’ growth has been one of the greatest joys of this journey.
What is the next big project or initiative you are excited to launch?
Giuliana recently shared that her dream is to do a podcast with me—where she gives advice to kids, and I offer guidance to parents. I love this idea! We’re in the early stages of planning, and she’s already named it “Giggle and Guidance with G and Mommy.” Stay tuned for updates! In addition to the podcast, we’re focusing on expanding our social media presence to provide valuable content that supports mental well-being. My goal is to continue creating accessible, impactful resources for families navigating life’s challenges.
If someone wants to start their own therapy practice or counseling center, what’s the first step they should take?
The very first step is asking yourself: “Why do I want to do this?” Your why is what will sustain you when things get tough. Running a therapy practice is rewarding, but it requires dedication and resilience. Once you have clarity on your why, define your core values and non-negotiables. These will guide your business decisions and ensure that your practice aligns with your vision. From there, surround yourself with mentors, keep learning, and trust that the work you’re doing is making a difference.
Find out more on;
Website: pariscounselingllc.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pariscounseling/
Facebook: facebook.com/ParisCounselingllc.org
Tik Tok: @pariscounseling
