Rising Stars: Meet Faye Bledsoe of Nashville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Faye Bledsoe

Hi Faye, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Born and raised in Alabama, I am the youngest of four children. Even as a child, I had a knack for giving helpful advice and supporting others, earning a reputation as the strong friend—the one people turn to for support, insight, and a listening ear. My passion for helping people has always been evident, but I was unaware of therapy as a career option. Initially, I pursued becoming a doctor and attended Alabama A&M University, majoring in Biology Pre-Med.

However, as I listened to my classmates’ passions and plans, I realized this was not the path for me. Despite this realization, I needed to graduate due to my softball scholarship ending. After graduation, I took a year off to reflect on my strengths and consider my next steps. During this time, I was encouraged to consider teaching, so I applied for Teach For America (TFA) and moved to Oklahoma to teach math at Rogers Middle School in Spencer.

While I loved the connections I made with students, I was more interested in their social-emotional well-being than in teaching math. Recognizing that teaching was not my true calling, a friend invited me to an open house at a divinity school, where I discovered Christian counseling. This revelation made me realize that I could get paid to do what I loved most—listening to people’s stories and helping them solve problems.

Although I did not pursue Christian counseling specifically, it exposed me to the field of therapy, which felt like a perfect fit. In 2017, I moved to Nashville to get married and taught for one more year while planning my career change. I discovered Lipscomb University’s Marriage and Family Therapy program, attended a lunch and learn, and applied for their Master’s program. Graduating in 2020, I am now a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and co-owner of Soulful Bloom Therapy in Nashville, TN.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life is never a smooth road, but its challenges make the journey fun and full of adventure. After graduating from undergrad, I found myself without a job and had to move back home, taking a gap year and working in retail as I figured out my next career move. This journey involved moving to Oklahoma City, 10 hours away from family and friends, to start a new career in teaching, which seemed like my only option at the time. While I was away, I lost my oldest brother and had to grieve from afar while fulfilling my commitment to the program I was in.

After moving to Nashville and deciding to pursue a degree in therapy, I had my first son at the start of the program. The high cost of living and daycare meant I couldn’t work, so I managed being a new stay-at-home mom while earning my master’s degree. This period was marked by financial struggles and debt incurred to obtain the degree, and I had to work my way out of this situation to pursue my career and live.

Additionally, being a Black woman in a predominantly white field presented its own set of challenges, including microaggressions and racism. Navigating these obstacles has been part of my journey as I grow and establish myself in this field.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a co-owner and therapist at Soulful Bloom Therapy, a Black woman-owned and led therapy and consulting practice in Nashville. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), I am passionate about helping others heal and develop healthy relationships. I work with couples, families, and individuals aged 18 and older. Being a former athlete, I enjoy working with individuals in the sports world, as well as those navigating life transitions and couples experiencing conflict.

I am known for being an empathetic yet direct therapist who cares deeply about her clients. What sets me apart is my relatability and my love of bringing unique experiences into the therapy room through play and other activities that allow clients to do their work authentically. Additionally, I am a supervisor in the therapy field and an adjunct professor for undergraduates. I believe that nothing in our lives is wasted, and incorporating teaching into my current work has been a fun and interesting experience. I love helping other therapists and those interested in the field grow in their abilities and face challenges along the way.

I am most proud of starting a Black woman-owned and led practice. It’s rare to see three women owning a company together equally, with no one taking the lead; instead, we work as a cohesive team. Starting a business has its challenges, but the rewards of collaborating with my colleagues and friends, Rece and Katia, make it all worth it.
What sets me apart is my drive and heart to see others thrive. My relatability and the importance I place on comfort in the therapy space also distinguish me. I want others to know that therapy doesn’t have to be a rigid, impersonal experience. Instead, it can be a space of accountability, comfort, and safety as you navigate your personal journey.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice is that nothing will be perfect; you have to just do it scared and fumble your way through. There is grace in the process, and you won’t have all the answers. You will make mistakes, and that’s okay because you will definitely learn from them. If you can, don’t do it alone. Have your support system in place to encourage you and hold you accountable. Seek out people who have done it or something similar.

Write the vision, make it plain, and execute it accordingly. You are allowed to change your mind along the way—be firm yet flexible with your goals. Have fun and enjoy the ride. Don’t miss the small blessings along the way; they are beautiful reflections and reminders. Remember your why; it helps when the days get hard! Don’t give up. Make pivots if needed, but remember, we only fail when we stop trying.

Pricing:

• Individuals: $200
• Couples/Families $250
• Public Speaking -starting at $300
• workshops-starting at $500

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.soulfulbloomtherapy.com/faye
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_fayebledsoe?igsh=a2NqaDJkZ2p1cHdy&utm_source=qr