Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaniqua Lesesne.
Hi Shaniqua, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into this work didn’t begin as a business idea. It began as a calling.
From early on, I found myself drawn to people’s stories, their pain, their resilience, and their desire for something more. That natural pull led me into the mental health field, where I spent over a decade working closely with individuals and families navigating life’s most difficult seasons. Along the way, I saw a pattern: so many people were functioning on the outside but silently struggling within, held back by self-doubt, unhealed emotional wounds, and limiting narratives about who they could be.
I knew I wanted to create something that went beyond traditional support. That vision became Renewed Image Youth & Family Services, LLC, a space rooted in transformation, not just survival. What started as a passion to help people get through evolved into a mission to help them truly renew mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
As I grew in my clinical work, I also stepped into my role as a mindset life coach, expanding how I serve women and young girls in particular. I created coaching programs and mentoring experiences designed to help them break cycles, rediscover their identity, and step boldly into their purpose. Whether through therapy, coaching, or my R.E.N.E.W. Girls Mentoring Program, the goal has always been the same: to help individuals release what no longer serves them and embrace who they were created to be.
Today, my work is deeply anchored in both professional expertise and personal conviction. I am not just building a business. I am cultivating a movement centered on healing, empowerment, and intentional living. Every step of my journey has reinforced my why: to inspire others to live free from fear, aligned with purpose, and fully confident in who they are.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, and I think that’s an important part of the story.
Like many entrepreneurs, I started with passion and vision, but not always with a clear roadmap. Building a business in the mental health space comes with unique challenges, from navigating systems like insurance and credentialing to managing the emotional weight that comes with serving others at a deep level. There were seasons where growth felt slow, uncertain, and at times overwhelming.
One of the biggest challenges was learning how to transition from being a clinician to becoming a business owner. Those are two very different roles, and I had to develop new skills in leadership, structure, and sustainability while still showing up fully for my clients. There were also moments of self-doubt, questioning whether I was doing enough, reaching enough people, or making the impact I truly desired.
Another layer has been balancing purpose with practicality. When your work is heart-centered, it can be easy to overextend yourself, pour from an empty cup, or struggle with setting boundaries. I had to learn, sometimes the hard way, that taking care of myself and building systems that support longevity is just as important as the work itself.
Despite those challenges, every obstacle has refined me. It strengthened my faith, deepened my resilience, and clarified my mission. The road hasn’t been easy, but it has been purposeful, and every step has shaped the woman, leader, and visionary I am today.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Renewed Image Youth & Family Services, LLC, is a space dedicated to healing, growth, and transformation for individuals and families. We offer individual therapy, mindset life coaching, and youth mentoring, with a strong focus on supporting women and young girls in building confidence, emotional wellness, and clarity in their lives.
What sets us apart is our commitment to going beyond surface-level support. We focus on helping clients address the root of their challenges, release what no longer serves them, and create lasting, meaningful change. Through personalized, purpose-driven services, including our R.E.N.E.W. Girls Mentoring Program, we empower clients to break cycles and step fully into who they are called to be.
At its core, our brand is built on authenticity, trust, and transformation. This is not just about helping people cope, it is about helping them truly renew, rediscover their identity, and move forward with confidence and purpose.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, I am focused on expanding Renewed Image Youth & Family Services, LLC, to reach more individuals and families while maintaining the quality and care we are known for. This includes bringing on additional clinicians and growing our programs.
I am especially excited about continuing to develop the R.E.N.E.W. Girls Mentoring Program and creating more opportunities to support young girls in building confidence and emotional wellness early on.
I also look forward to more speaking and teaching opportunities, sharing insights on self-compassion, inner work, and intentional living. Overall, my goal is to grow this work into a movement that creates lasting, generational impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.renewedimageyfs.com
Image Credits
Curtis McFadden – LeeM Studios
