Today we’d like to introduce you to Keita “Kween” Langlois.
Hi Keita, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m just a little country gal born and raised in Natchez, Mississippi. A small town that sits southwest on the Mississippi River and Louisiana border. Growing up I’ve always thought dancing and music would be my career path. I grew up dancing in Natchez Ballet Academy as a ballerina and Natchez High School Band as head drum major. Oh did I love to “showboat”. As I grew older, I found a love for writing gospel songs to sing and lead the church choir. I had it honest, coming from a musical background family.
This was really all I knew, singing and dancing. I received a full band and academic scholarship to attend Alcorn State University to pursue my career in Music. Well I barely made it to my Freshman year of college, and became a young mother. Causing my scholarship to expire as I wasn’t able to “showboat” in the band anymore and being expelled from the church choir left me feeling hopeless and ashamed. I left college with the hope to return, but little did I know, God had other plans.
After becoming a new mother at the age of 19, I had no idea what I was going to do next. I knew I had to do something. I couldn’t stop here. I needed a job so that I would be able to take care of my new bundle of joy. I couldn’t just work anywhere, so I decided to get a trade so that I can get to work sooner than later. With a strong support system, my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and close friends, I was able to go back to school part time. I attended ULM, University of Louisiana at Monroe to become a certified lab tech. Bam at 20 years old I landed my first gig at the local hospital. I was excited and overjoyed. I came in as the youngest in my department so I knew I had to come with my head in the game. Each day I came prepared and ready to learn. Constantly going over and beyond to prove myself to my fellow colleagues, I soon became the most requested employee, then employee of the month, well you catch my drift. Everyone knew me, both employees and patients. Who would’ve thought, I was loving it here! One day during an active code blue, one of the seasoned nurses pulled me to the side after helping save a life and asked, “have you thought of pursuing a career in nursing?” I looked at her with hesitation and shugged shoulders, and replied “no, not really”. This question lingered in my mind for the rest of my shift.
After my shift ended, I went home and spoke with my mom about it. She agreed it would be great idea to start a career in nursing. I’ve always been caring, genuine and nurturing. As I looked at my mom and confessed, “I didn’t think I would be here working in healthcare”, as I was still seeking a path in dance and music. One of the seasoned nurses at the hospital told me about a program “across the river” that were accepting applications for their Licensed Practical Nurse program. I figured if I was to do nursing, I should pursue RN, but I thought what the heck it’s worth a try. Sure thing, I passed the placement test on the first try. I completed LPN school top of my class at Louisiana Tech. My instructor told me to continue my career path in nursing, to get my RN and continue up the ladder. I promised her that I would do just that. She believed in me. I should too. At this point I was just excited I get a better job to provide for my son and I. I didn’t really have time to think about “climbing up the ladder”
Well, it’s now been 17 years and I’m still a Lpn and love it. People ask me all the time why don’t you get your RN? I found over the years you have do what’s best for you and trust the path God has chosen for you. I was accepted for the bridge program from LPN to RN 3 times within 5 years. Each time, it was some freak accident or reason to withdraw and not complete the program. Eventually, I realized maybe God is telling me something and I’m not listening. I was too distracted by others opinions and bull (you know what). I had to realize everyone’s path is different. What matters is that you believe in you and your purpose. I paid my dues in full. Since January 2004 my career in healthcare started which led me here 17 years later. I’ve worked in every department you can think of, from ER, lab, med surg, mother and baby, pediatric, outpatient, geriatric, home health, hospice, plasma and blood centers, family medicine and school nursing and more. I am so grateful for these years of hard work, relationships and experiences. It only prepared me for this day, Kween and Owner of reFRESHed IV Hydration and Nutrition.
Over the years, healthcare has changed. I now have put my key focus in preventative care. I strongly believe wellness and wellbeing will prevent a lot of underlying illnesses and misdiagnoses. Must I mention it’s cheaper too! I have developed a love for wellness and nutrition and it comes effortless to educate others about it. Must I mention I get to sing too! My clients love when I sing a tune or two while serving them. Helping and healing others is my purpose.
So the question is, how did I get the name Kween? I am the oldest with 3 younger brothers. My brother under me is a 10 year difference with my parents. Then my second brother another 10 year difference, followed with another 5 year difference. Now, I have a beautiful family of my own with three handsome boys, Daivon, 19 Daylon 14, Ari 8, a dear husband Aristide and a bonus son Aristan, 14. I can’t help but be the Kween at this point. You see I have earned this title. I love it and wouldn’t trade it for anything!!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to Nurse Entrepreneurship have not been easy. Actually, quite far from easy. When I first thought of opening a nursing concierge and IV Hydration business, that’s all it was, just thoughts. Being I was a LPN, I didn’t think I could own my own nursing concierge business. I remember bringing the idea to my husband and his reply was, “I can see you doing that. Nursing is your love and passion. And just think, you can do it your way. The Kween’s way. ” I thought, “you’re right”. Needless to say I started my research immediately. After speaking with nursing board and healthcare lawyers, I soon found I can open my own nursing business. I need people in place to make it happen, but it could be done. That’s all I needed to hear, “ it can be done”.
With prayer, hard work and extra classes at Empire Medical Training, I managed to put one foot in front of the other and start my very own nursing concierge business specializing in IV Hydration. I continued to push through no’s and doors being closed in my face. I got tired of rejection and being told NO. It became overwhelming and questionable, can I do this? I soon realized I needed help, a resourceful team. I called up an old friend and Medical Doctor I used to work with years ago. She was a major help in “getting reFRESHed on the map”. I started building a team that would help mentor and guide me through. I now have a team of Medical professionals, doctors, nurse practitioners, physical therapy, personal trainers, athletes, nurses, healthcare lawyers and colleagues I can call on for guidance and mentorship. Everyday my prayer became more and more bold, for God to send people into my life that will help reFRESHed grow. Well, be careful what you ask for. You might just get it! I’m grateful for my mentors and my clients. None of this would be possible without any of you.
I was worried when I started the business in late 2019 because soon after the pandemic hit. I thought, how could I ever grow now? That’s when the idea of mobile came to the forefront. Many people could not leave their home or was too afraid to. Lucky for me, the pandemic was more of an awakening instead of a disaster. Many wanted to boost their immune system and decrease the chances of getting sick. IV Hydration was the go to for a “quick boost”. I started with 1 client who knew someone that knew someone and now I have more than 80 clients receiving IV or IM therapy and still growing.
As you know, we’re big fans of reFRESHed IV Hydration and Nutrition. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
reFRESHed IV Hydration and Nutrition focuses on delivering essential vitamins and nutrients straight to the bloodstream for immediate relief and results. IV Vitamin Therapy can restore, rejuvenate and refresh the body in just 45 minutes giving 100% absorption unlike oral vitamins. Whether your body is stressed from workouts, sports, surgery, injury or illness IVNT will replenish lost nutrients and essential vitamins. IV Hydration is a fast and efficient way to do so without breaking the bank with an expensive hospital bill. My focus is to relieve that stress using one method that’s proven to be effective starting way back in the early 1930s. Dr. John Myers pioneered this use of intravenous nutrient therapy in the 1960s. The Myers’ Cocktail is still well known today for it’s help with immunity boosting, preventative for cold and flu season, allergies, reduction of fatigue, sports performance enhancement and even a hangover remedy. After receiving treatments myself, I thought others need to know about this. It’s natural and very effective without the use of drugs or poisonous medicine. It’s like dream come true. I get to use the skills that started me on this journey almost 18 years ago. I am known for my gentle touch and 90% first stick rate. Small veins, no veins, rolling veins, you name it. My phlebotomy and lab experience are to thank for that, which led me to one of the best IV Infusion nurses in Metro Atlanta today. I plan to take reFRESHed on the road to educate others about IV Vitamins and Hydration, starting in my hometown.
reFRESHed nursing concierge services provide nurturing care to your loved ones and community. I come to your home to provide services within my scope of practice. When family members have turned caregivers unexpectedly, it can get hard and overwhelming sometimes. Years of working in home health and being down on my sick bed myself, brought a lot of awareness to support for the caregiver. My goal is to provide support for the caregiver and relieve their stress through support and education.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is witnessing the birth of my younger brother, Yungin. I will admit, being the princess for 10 years, I didn’t like the fact that I would have to share my parents with someone else. I remember my mother’s belly was big as two watermelons one day and the next I was holding this little bundle of joy in my arms. I immediately fell in love. At that moment, I was a princess crowned a Kween.
Contact Info:
- Email: dripnurse@refreshedivt.com
- Phone: 770-919-5591
- Website: www.refreshedivt.com
- Instagram: @thadripnurse
Image Credits
@randomcy
