As part of the Morning Lazziness series highlighting empowering women who are making a remarkable impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Nikki Li.
Nikki Li, MA, LMFT, R-DMT (any/all), is a Chinese-born entrepreneur and the founder of Kitchen Table Psychotherapy, LLC, a holistic online therapy practice serving adults and couples across Massachusetts. Blending somatic healing, relational therapy, and mindfulness, Nikki supports Queer, BIPOC, Neurodivergent, and culturally diverse communities in moving from burnout and anxiety toward groundedness, clarity, and deeper connection. Rooted in lived experience, cultural humility, and a commitment to healing justice, Nikki’s work creates accessible, inclusive spaces for meaningful transformation and authentic relationships.
In this interview, she reveals the mindset shifts, bold moves, and lessons that helped her turn ideas into impactful online businesses.
What inspired your leap into entrepreneurship, and what personal experiences sparked the idea behind your current venture?
I never expected to run my own business. No matter how much encouragement and praise I received from past supervisors and clients, I didn’t believe I could do it. Over the past two years as I did a lot of self work to become brutally honest about my vision and dreams, however ambitious or crazy they may sound, it became clear to me that it was not impossible, but I had to create it myself. I had to take the risks, face the imposter syndrome, and say out loud: “I am a one-of-a-kind therapist and what I bring to my clients is so unique and empowering that it would be a disservice to them if I didn’t go all in.”
What core problem does your business solve, particularly for women or underserved communities—and how does your approach stand out in today’s competitive space?
In short, I help Queer, POC, and Neurodivergent adults and couples who feel worn out, anxious, and overwhelmed reclaim a sense of control, feel grounded and present, and build meaningful, connected relationships.
The longer answer is that Kitchen Table Psychotherapy, LLC is a holistic online therapy practice serving adults and couples across Massachusetts. My work blends somatic healing, relational therapy, and mindfulness to support Queer, BIPOC, Neurodivergent, and culturally diverse communities in their mental and emotional wellbeing.
Through individualized online care, I help clients move from burnout, anxiety, and disconnection toward groundedness, clarity, and more meaningful relationships. My practice is intentionally inclusive — informed by lived experience, cultural humility, and deep commitment to restorative justice.
What were some of the toughest obstacles you faced early in your journey as a woman entrepreneur, and how did you navigate through them?
There were a lot of internalized messages of “you can’t do it”. People weren’t saying it to my face, but when I shared that I want to be an entrepreneur, some people, including some mentors and supervisors, were less than enthusiastic.
As an expressive arts therapist, I turned to the creative processing tools I use with clients. I practiced Authentic Movement and embodied the transformation. I wrote down every reason why I shouldn’t start my therapy practice. “You are not experienced enough, not rich enough, not old enough”, or “it would be too difficult to go through the legal channels as an immigrant”, or “therapists shouldn’t be business owners”. Then under each statement, I wrote down why I should do it, why it is not only good but necessary for me to open a therapy practice where I can offer the highest quality of care my clients deserve, while taking care of myself so I can do it sustainability for years to come.
I also did vision boards and art therapy prompts to make the vision and feelings of being an entrepreneur concrete, even before I was one. I shared it with friends and found many who resonated and believed in me. It took a lot of self-trust and community support to navigate the challenges, but I am really glad I did it.
When the going gets tough, what keeps you grounded and motivated to keep pushing forward?
Knowing that the world needs the support that I provide! I am in it for the long run, so I am always adjusting, always looking to set up systems so things can run more smoothly. I have heard many tales of therapists and entrepreneurs burning out fast, so I am trying to grow slowly and intentionally, keeping in mind what really matters, and practicing minimalism everyday in my business.
What daily habits or non-negotiable routines help you stay focused, creatively energized, and balanced as a founder?
You know what they say, the only constant is change! Since starting my business I have changed my routines many times. The ones that stuck are: movement, community, and remembering what really matters.
I move every day and dance every week. It keeps me connected to my body and spirit, and brings joy into my life.
I show up for my community (family, friends, and much larger communities), even if it’s inconvenient for my business. These people and relationships are why I work hard.
My values are what anchor me in my business. There are a million directions to go, but my values provide a roadmap, a grounding guidance that shows me what I should prioritize.
What’s been the most effective growth lever for acquiring new clients or expanding your customer base?
Networking. I naturally want to connect people with the right resources. Over the years, I have built relationships with every provider I have worked with. They trust me and therefore their clients trust me. Word of mouth is my biggest referral source.
Another thing that helped was realizing that I am not the right therapist for everyone. I have worked hard to develop my specialties, taking a relational and somatic approach. I grew my expertise in working with queer, poc, and neurodivergent adults and couples and focus on serving the best fit clients. For example, in couples work, I only work with those who are still very much committed to their relationship and just want to make it better. Maybe they love each other very much but can’t stop fighting. Or they want to be better partners but their trauma and communication patterns are getting in the way. This work is distinctively different from a couple navigating divorce, so I refer divorcing couples to therapists who specialize in helping them. By doing that I can stay focused on helping the people I am best at helping.
What branding or marketing decision had the biggest impact in elevating your business and building trust with your audience?
Building my website and establishing an authentic online presence. I built both of my own websites, but I wouldn’t recommend that for everyone. I am someone who deeply enjoys creative work and tinkering with technology, but if you are not, I would recommend outsourcing it so you can have an online presence.
How do you personally define success—not just as a business owner, but as a woman living a purpose-driven life?
Success is doing meaningful work with minimal complexity and maximum freedom.
Can you share a mistake or misstep that taught you a lesson you still carry with you today?
As an immigrant I was really intimidated by the legal side of things. Turns out there are many professionals (lawyers, coaches) who can help you navigate that. I am very good at therapy and many other aspects of my practice, but I did not have to be good at everything. It’s ok to seek help.
What’s your best advice for women just starting out—especially first-time entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed or unsure of their next steps?
Find support and community. Talk to someone who has done it, and chances are they would be willing to share their journey with you, along with a few tips! Take all the executive functioning support you can get. Use task management tools, work with a coach. Starting a business is simply a series of tasks and you can do it by taking one step after another.
How do you approach risk and innovation, especially when breaking new ground in a male-dominated or fast-changing industry?
Develop risk tolerance, but don’t be overly cautious. Know your numbers and stick to your budget!
What are the top 5 mindset shifts or personal practices that helped you overcome self-doubt and grow your confidence as a woman entrepreneur?
I am not for everyone.
I do not need to take advice from people who haven’t been to where I want to go.
I am good enough.
I do not need to be good at every single thing to make this work.
I/my partner/my family/my client deserve care and compassion.
If you could spark a global movement through your work, what would it be—and why is that mission meaningful to you?
A world where every person—from every background, identity, and way of being—is deeply seen, understood, and supported to live in alignment with their true self, free from masking, shame, or the overwhelm of trying to ‘fit in.’
This matters deeply to me because I’ve witnessed how hiding, masking, and fear of disconnection erode health, joy, and relationships — and I believe that by helping one person reclaim their voice and wholeness, we begin to heal wider ripples of shame, isolation, and separation.
What’s a quote, philosophy, or guiding belief that shapes how you lead, create, and live every day?
There’s a huge difference between ‘all are welcome here’ and ‘this space was created with you in mind’. – Dr. Crystal Jones
Where can our audience connect with you, explore your work, or follow your entrepreneurial journey online?
They can find me at Kitchen Table Psychotherapy or on Instagram.
