Standing as a testament to restoration and a revitalized purpose, a grain silo in the middle of Claude, Texas, is now home to True Blue Counseling Center. The new business is owned by Licensed Professional Counselor, Chelsea Clawson, who specializes in helping people deal with grief, trauma, and depression.

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Chelsea’s choice to start her business in Claude addresses a shortage of mental health resources available to people who live 30+ minutes outside more populated areas like Amarillo. She also hopes her business will help people in rural communities overcome the stigma associated with needing and seeking help.

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“There are many reasons I wanted to start a business of my own,” Chelsea said. “Most importantly, I felt called.  I truly believe God brought my husband and me to Claude for a reason.” 

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She said her conviction to serve the area was reinforced when rural communities in the Texas Panhandle faced unique mental health challenges brought on by the wildfires and tornadoes that devastated homes and businesses in neighboring towns. Chelsea said that when a family suffers a loss in a small town, it often affects the entire community.

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“I'm hoping my presence and service in Claude will help to convince others that mental health is health care and a vital part of overall wellness,” Chelsea said. She intends to focus her outreach on building community, with a healing “lock-in” library and in the future, a memorial garden.

Gina Woodward at America’s SBDC at West Texas A& M University assisted Chelsea with a business plan and projections to acquire additional funding for the start-up. Chelsea was able to start on September 9th, which was significant to her because it was her father’s birthday. He had been a great inspiration to her career, and the blue jays represented in her business logo and artwork throughout the silo remind her of him.

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Chelsea wants her business to be a “true blue” beacon of hope for the area, offering unique counseling services rooted in her experience as a Certified Integrative Mental Health Provider and in Meaning-Centered Grief Therapy. She invites anyone in search of a healing place to visit her silo. To learn more about True Blue Counseling Center’s services and how to schedule an appointment, call (806) 336-9454 or visit their Facebook page.

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Get to know Chelsea and hear her advice for other small business owners in her Q&A!

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1. When did you start your business? I started True Blue Counseling Center on September 9th, 2024. That is a significant date, as it was my father's birthday. It was on a Monday this year, and it just seemed right to pick that day to kick off the business that's inspired by him.
    

2. Why did you decide to start your business? There are many reasons I wanted to start a business of my own. Most importantly, I felt called. I truly believe God brought my husband and I to Claude, TX for a reason.  In the 6.5 years that we have been here, I have felt a specific conviction to serve this community. There have been many tragedies that have impacted the entire community, and I quickly realized the impact of such tragedies on small towns, and, also realized there isn't much in the way of resources for mental health after something like that happens in rural communities.
    

3. What is your favorite memory in the business? I miss seeing the daily progress of the building being completed and people's reactions to it. I still get to enjoy people's reactions when they come in for the first time. The ribbon cutting was special, as I held an open house after. I was genuinely touched by the love and support that was shared during those events.
    

4. What is the most rewarding part of running a small business? The freedom to make my own decisions. I also really love being able to serve my community.
    

5. What is the hardest part of running a small business? Having confidence. I find myself constantly questioning if I'm doing things right. I feel my weaknesses keep me from marketing myself well.
    

6. How does the business get to positively impact your community? I feel like True Blue Counseling Center has already positively impacted my community and I'm hopeful it will continue to. I've already received several new clients from Claude and the surrounding communities and heard some really positive word-of-mouth referrals. I've also been pleased at how well the community has participated in the coat drive I'm currently doing and am super excited to deliver the coats, and some Claude community love, to the recipients.
    

7. Biggest challenge in the business? The stigma surrounding mental health care. I'm hoping my presence and service here, in Claude, will help to convince others that mental health is health care and a vital part of overall wellness.
    

8. What makes your business different from your competition? True Blue Counseling Center is is deeply rooted in its focus on community. I plan to have a library and memorial garden that is accessible to the community for healing and psychoeducation.  My experience in counseling is unique; I am a Certified Integrative Mental Health Provider and also certified in Meaning Centered Grief Therapy.
    

9. Best tips for others in business? The best tip I could offer to others in business is pray and trust God.
    

10. What’s something you wish someone had told you or that you wish you had learned earlier? I wish someone had told me that there would be plenty of support when I started this adventure of opening my own business. I was afraid to take the first steps because it felt like I had to do it all on my own. I've been truly blessed by the support and guidance I've received and continue to receive through this journey!
     

11. Why are there sloths in every room of your business? My mom’s love language is gift-giving. She gave me my first sloth, and I loved it, so it just became a thing. Plus, they’re cute and lovable. Everyone seems to enjoy them.