Imagine being the parent of a child with a small speech delay but not having access to local services for assistance. This was the problem that LaTeasha’s parents faced when she was young.
Born and raised in West Memphis, LaTeasha Gaither-Davis is the founder and owner of Therapeutic Focus, LLC. LaTeasha had no plans of returning to the area until one day she realized that the same lack of access to therapy that her parents faced was still an ongoing issue in her hometown.
(Photo courtesy of Therapeutic Focus)
Gaither-Davis returned to West Memphis to start her practice in 2011. She had years of experience as an occupational therapist but no prior business experience.
In 2020, with plans to build a new clinic and a need to boost her marketing during the coronavirus pandemic, LaTeasha reached out to the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center.
She participated in the Smart Growth Accelerator program through the Arkansas State University ASBTDC, where she developed a three-year strategic growth plan for Therapeutic Focus.
She also utilized ASBTDC’s Specialty Services to create a digital marketing strategy. Therapeutic Focus now has an active Facebook page and is also on Instagram.
ASBTDC Specialty Services also assisted Gaither-Davis with human resources functions to help her efficiently expand her workforce. Therapeutic Focus hired its first paid intern this summer.
LaTeasha’s vision for Therapeutic Focus is to be a culturally inclusive workplace that is fun and represents people of all walks of life. She understands the importance of proper business planning and intentionality.
ASBTDC business specialists and the new ASBTDC regional office at ASU Mid-South continue to assist Gaither-Davis.
When asked what she would tell other business owners about the ASBTDC, LaTeasha encourages them to check out the center’s services, because “There’s always room for improvement,” she said.
With support from the ASBTDC, LaTeasha has already seen an improvement in Therapeutic Focus’s online presence and is poised to grow her therapy practice.
In July 2021, the clinic broke ground for a new location. The custom-built facility will have a state-of-the-art sensory room and space for additional staff.
Find the Therapeutic Focus website at therapeuticfocus.com.