Erika Sorbello

“I realized to be happy within myself, I needed to be true to and about myself. I took a long hard look at my business and slowly started setting non-negotiables there. I started having open conversations with my staff about how they felt and what was going on in their personal lives. The ones that wanted to be in an environment where they could share their feelings and be vulnerable stayed and are thriving. I have the strongest staff I’ve ever had right now.”

NAMI: Have you ever had any mental health struggles?

ES: Short answer is, absolutely yes. I've struggled with mental health literally my entire life. I can remember being "different" as a 3rd grader, with "big feelings". Through the years I have struggled, depending on what my world looked like at that time.

NAMI: How have you healed and grown from your experiences?

ES: I'm growing and working on healing every day. Healing takes time and a lot of hard work.  I've was fortunate enough to have found an amazing therapist (after many that weren't a match for me). She literally became a staple in my life for quite some time, especially during some of my darkest days. I am a huge believer in finding the right therapist for you! Not all are created equal, and they all have different backgrounds and outlooks. It may take a while, but it could potentially be one of the most important relationships in your life. It's worth the search. 

NAMI: How do you protect your mental health? What forms of self-care do you practice? What keeps you balanced?

ES: One of my favorite mantras these days is "I will not allow anyone to steal my peace". I try to give myself grace, knowing that some days are better than others. I may not be 100% every day and that's ok. Self-care for me is spending time with my kiddo and partner, going thrifting alone, or creating something with my hands. Talking with people about their life challenges are extremely cathartic for me as well. Helping others makes me smile and makes my heart happy. 

NAMI: You are the owner of Gallery Salon! How do you incorporate mental health into the salon for your clients and staff?

ES: When I opened Gallery in 2005, I was 25 and really didn't know the first thing about running a business (at least not the correct way). All I wanted was to make people feel good, create a happy space, have fun at work and make money doing it. To my surprise, owning a business added to my mental health struggles. Those of you reading this that are business owners are probably like, "duh... of course it did!" After more than 17 years of ownership, I've learned a ton. I really think the most important thing I've learned is to listen to my own intuition. If it doesn't feel right, it most likely isn't right for me. That goes for all aspects of life. In the past I allowed other people to push me into a direction and into decisions that weren't the best ones for me. I made plenty of mistakes in my lifetime and I'm here and stronger because of the path I took.

ES: My work relationships have changed exponentially over the last 5 to 6 years. I realized to be happy within myself, I needed to be true to and about myself. I took a long hard look at my business and slowly started setting non-negotiables there. I started having open conversations with my staff about how they felt and what was going on in their personal lives. The ones that wanted to be in an environment where they could share their feelings and be vulnerable stayed and are thriving. I have the strongest staff I’ve ever had right now.  

ES: We have worked with NAMI to make sure we are up to date with resource guides and talk with our clients about the Safe Space we have created for them. All are welcome within our walls and we celebrate love and kindness as well as internal and external beauty.

NAMI: As a community leader, what are your hopes for the Mental Health Revolution in Rochester?

ES: When I am referred to as a “community leader” it makes me feel some sort of way. I don’t really think of myself that way… I do however feel lucky to work with like-minded people and in a space that I have created at Gallery. I have vowed to myself that I will always do my best to spread joy and love to others and help those that I can. I am grateful for NAMI coming into my life and helping me normalize the Mental Health Revolution one person at a time.