Hidden Gems: Meet Angilean Fleming of Complete Healing LLC and AV Fleming LLC,

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angilean Fleming.

Hi Angilean, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began my career as a cosmetologist and salon owner, where I discovered my passion for helping others feel confident and empowered. This led me to become a cosmetology instructor, where I enjoyed teaching and mentoring future professionals. During that time, I discovered a significant pay disparity between African American instructors and our Caucasian counterparts. When I brought this concern to the school’s owner, I was told I should feel “lucky to have a job” despite being the face of the business for two years. Shortly after, I was laid off.

That experience became a turning point in my life. Around the same time, my son’s school was struggling to find a 5th-grade teacher. I had been advocating for better support and resources, and in response, the principal offered me the opportunity to step in as a teacher. While working there, I met a social worker who noticed my approach to education and the programs I created to support my students’ well-being. He told me, “You’re really a social worker — you just don’t have the degree yet.”

Intrigued, I began exploring the field of social work and reached out to a dear friend who was already established in the profession. After learning about the education and values behind the work, she encouraged me to attend Walden University. I took her advice — and the rest is history. That decision has allowed me to combine my passion for advocacy, education, and empowerment in a way that continues to bring purpose and fulfillment to my life.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey toward achieving my degree was not without significant challenges. I was enrolled in school during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that presented unprecedented obstacles for students across the nation. During my final residency, I contracted COVID-19 and was hospitalized for seven days. Shortly after recovering, I required spinal fusion surgery to repair my C5 and C6 vertebrae. These unforeseen medical challenges extended my graduation timeline by six months. Despite these setbacks, I remained steadfast in my commitment to completing my education and pursuing my professional goals.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Complete Healing is a small mental health practice that services people from all walks of life who are experiencing mild to severe mental health concerns.

AV Fleming LLC is an organization that offers support to women through hosting Women’s Mental Health sessions called “Talk and Tea.” Talk and Tea sessions are for all women of all demographics. Talk and Tea fosters a healing space every Sunday morning from 9:00-10:30 am called Sunday Morning Tea, and yearly mental health retreats every August called Talk and Tea on the Sea.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://avfleming.com/about
• Other: https://completehealingllc.com