Modern Entrepreneur Profile - Mississauga's Thisanya Natkunanathan
/In conversation with Mississauga entrepreneur, Thisanya Natkunanathan, owner of Tea Time Therapy.
1. What does your company provide/do? At Tea Time Therapy, we provide compassionate, client-centered therapy for individuals facing challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. My approach is particularly focused on serving the South Asian community, creating a safe and nurturing space where clients feel heard, seen, and valued. We offer a judgment-free environment where clients can work through their struggles and achieve their goals for healing and growth.
2. What inspired you to start your company? The inspiration to start Tea Time Therapy came from a desire to break the stigma surrounding mental health, especially within the South Asian community. Growing up, mental health struggles were often kept hidden, and I wanted to create a space where people could speak openly and receive the support they needed. I recognized a gap in the mental health field and, drawing from my personal experiences, I saw an opportunity to provide that much-needed space for healing and transformation.
3. What's been the most impactful lesson you've learned being an entrepreneur? The most impactful lesson I’ve learned is the importance of self-care. As a therapist and business owner, it’s easy to get caught up in the demands of helping others, but I’ve realized that I can’t show up fully for my clients unless I take care of myself first. Prioritizing my mental well-being helps me stay grounded and be more present for those I serve.
4. How do you unwind? To unwind, I spend quality time with my dog, Lupo, whether it’s taking him for a walk or just grooming him. I also enjoy reading for pleasure, which helps me stay grounded and recharge. Both activities allow me to relax, clear my mind, and reconnect with myself outside of work.
5. What succinct advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs? My advice is to ask yourself: Is fear the only thing holding you back? If it is, acknowledge it, understand it, and give yourself permission to move forward anyway. Entrepreneurship is a journey, and while it can be daunting, it’s also incredibly rewarding when you step into your vision.
6. What are your goals for 2025? For 2025, my goal is to continue expanding Tea Time Therapy’s reach, helping more individuals—especially within the South Asian community—access the mental health support they deserve. I also aim to develop more resources, workshops, and partnerships to further break down mental health stigmas and promote healing.
7. How did the Mississauga Starter Company Plus program help you start or expand your business? The Mississauga Starter Company Plus program was instrumental in helping me build a solid foundation for Tea Time Therapy. It provided me with valuable resources, mentorship, and funding to help get the business off the ground. The guidance and support from the program helped me refine my business strategy, and I’m incredibly grateful for the connections I made during the process.
I’m also excited to share that the starter grant is helping me expand my business and enhance the services I provide. With this support, I can invest in advanced training opportunities that help me differentiate myself in a competitive market. The training is specifically focused on evidence-based techniques and interventions, which are enhancing my ability to support clients in navigating and healing from the trauma they’ve experienced. These new tools and insights improve my effectiveness as a therapist and empower me to offer even more tailored, compassionate care to those I work with.
