Empowering Communities: The inspiring Story of Imanii Uwakwe Therapist and Entrepreneur
All image by B Meshone
Imanii Uwakwe is no stranger to the city of Chicago, having been born on the North Side and moved to the South Side at three years old. Raised in a two-parent household that encouraged her to find her sense of self and explore her core identity, she was fortunate to experience two distinct yet complementary backgrounds: her father is Nigerian and her mother Belizean, both fostering her eagerness to learn and shaping her understanding of creativity. Imanii attended Kenwood Academy High School from 7th to 12th grade, where her enrollment in an AP Psychology course under Ms. Clark's guidance solidified her aspiration to become a therapist. "I've always been intrigued by the mind, people's motives, attachment, and, most importantly, the art of listening and understanding others," she reflects. At Loyola University Chicago, she initially pursued a major in psychology before transitioning to social work (micro level) with a minor in psychology, driven by her desire to work closely with individuals and families to address specific needs, challenges, and goals.
"I was captivated by the opportunity to connect one-on-one with families and individuals, listening to their stories and helping them redefine their aspirations," she explains. "My aim is to empower them, strengthen their capabilities, and guide them towards greater stability and resilience, all grounded in a healthy client foundation"I am currently a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois and work as a LSW/Therapist at two private practices in the city," she shares. "One of these practices offered me a therapist position after I completed my graduate program, and I am now accruing clinical hours toward becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. In my two years as a therapist, I've not only refined my client approach but also deepened my self-understanding. Authenticity is paramount to my practice, and I incorporate creative elements like music, art, color analogies, poetry, journaling, and body movement to enrich my therapeutic approach."
Imanii launched her Instagram (@imaniithetherapist) to provide insights into therapy, share mental health tips, raise awareness about mental health issues, and inspire authenticity. Her content reflects her passion for creativity, art, music, spirituality, and their impact on well-being. "I find comfort in these topics and aim to spread awareness and passion," she notes. Inspired by artist Jean-Michael Basquiat, she integrates his influence into her brand, symbolized by a crown representing self-identity, empowerment, dignity, and strength.
As the founder of Quench Qosmetix, a cosmetics company, Imanii continues her commitment to service, echoing her father's dedication to community upliftment. Sales from Quench Qosmetix funded a four-year scholarship for a young man in Rwanda, fulfilling his dream of becoming a teacher and building a school. The brand promotes self-esteem, confidence, and authenticity, aligned with Imanii's therapeutic mission.
"As a Black woman, I understand the complexities of systemic racism, intergenerational trauma, and unconscious biases that impact our community's well-being," she shares. "Therapy is often stigmatized in our community, driven by distrust, cultural norms, and fear of judgment. I approach therapy with cultural competence and humility, advocating for its benefits and debunking myths." Through her personal therapy journey and continuous self-reflection, Imanii champions therapy as a path to healing and personal growth, emphasizing its individualized approach to physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Imanii aims to follow in her father's footsteps, creating meaningful change as a therapist and entrepreneur, provoking thought, evoking emotions, and inspiring social change within diverse communities. Her dream is to increase community connections among therapists, entrepreneurs, and creatives who share her aspirations and values. "With a small percentage of African American therapists, I aspire to become a respected figure enlightening others about mental health and advocating for social change," she concludes, guided by her father's wisdom: "Like a beautiful lotus grows on murky water, something beautiful can come from anything."
“Like a beautiful lotus grows on murky water, something beautiful can come from anything.
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