At BCL of Texas, we know that behind every successful small business is a story of passion and purpose. For Kristen Felter, LCSW, that purpose is “helping little kids with BIG feelings.” After two decades of social work – from nonprofits to schools – Kristen founded Kind Therapy Austin eight years ago to provide intensive, specialized support for children and their families.

As her practice grew, Kristen reached a “now or never” milestone: the opportunity to expand into a group practice. She had talented clinicians ready to join her, but they were all “juggling schedules and sharing one tiny office.” Kristen knew she needed a dedicated space – one that could accommodate multiple therapists, parent workshops, and training sessions.

That’s where BCL comes in.

Transitioning from a clinician to a business owner is a daunting leap. As Kristen searched for funding to remodel a new office space, she encountered a common hurdle: predatory lenders and big banks that didn’t understand the nuances of a therapy practice.

“There were a lot of lenders online offering terrible deals,” Kristen shared. “I started panicking.” That’s when she found BCL of Texas. For Kristen, the difference was immediate. “It was such a huge relief to talk to people who also had a heart for helping others… and not in a predatory way. I felt very taken care of during the process.”

The funding from BCL of Texas allowed Kristen to transform a sterile, cubicle-filled office into a warm, welcoming sanctuary. Because Kind Therapy serves children as young as three – often in sensitive situations like custody disputes or foster care – the physical environment is part of the healing.

“We were able to put up walls and doors and make comfortable areas large enough for play,” Kristen explained. “I can adjust the lighting and temperature… our families have what they need, like a separate quiet space to wait.” The impact was instant. Even before their official marketing began, families were relaxing the moment they walked in. “Kids are like, ‘Oh, this is cool!’ It doesn’t feel like a stuffy therapy office. It feels safe.”

By securing affordable financing, Kristen can stay focused on her true mission: training new therapists and providing accessible care. She hopes to eventually offer more pro-bono services and workshops to fill community gaps that insurance often overlooks.

When asked what advice she has for other “heart-centered” entrepreneurs who are intimidated by the financial side of business, Kristen’s answer was simple: Connect with people who care. “Finding a lender in the nonprofit world was a huge game-changer for me,” she said. “It enables me to continue to do good work and to learn and grow. Our goal is to just keep serving kids and families and helping them know they aren’t alone.”

At BCL of Texas, we are honored to provide the financial foundation that allows healers like Kristen to stay “sane,” avoid burnout, and continue making Austin a kinder place for the next generation.

Are you building the next step and your business needs a loan? Contact Ligia Trevino, Director of Lending, at 512-912-9884.