We recently had the chance to connect with Lakesha Hairston and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lakesha, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
As a business owner and someone who recently completed a Family Nurse Practitioner program, I spent a long time rarely slowing down, there was always something pressing that needed my attention. At the present, while I continue to grow both Choezen Careers and Healthcare Training and Lakesh Allure Aesthetics and Wellness, I’ve learned to appreciate moments of complete silence, offering deep peace.
Taking time to simply sit in stillness brings me joy. It gives me the space to begin or end my workday with positive thoughts, clarity, and intention—something I didn’t realize I was missing until I finally allowed myself to pause.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Lakesha Hairston, and I am a Registered Nurse who recently completed the Family Nurse Practitioner program at Chamberlain University. I have successfully passed the ANCC board exam and am currently anticipating the finalization of my nurse practitioner license.
I am the sole owner of Choezen Careers and Healthcare Training (CCHT), a proprietary trade school established August 2020 in San Antonio, Texas, as well as the sole owner of Lakesh Allure Aesthetics and Wellness (LAAW) established August 2024. CCHT is especially meaningful to me because it was developed from a place of personal growth, resilience, and well over 30-years of healthcare experience. My goal is to empower students by providing quality education rooted in real-world practice and professional development. Which are a few of the tools needed for job-readiness.
Lakesh Allure Aesthetics and Wellness was born from my own journey and struggles with health and wellness. I never imagined I would one day own a wellness business, but now I’m grateful to have the opportunity to continue my journey while also helping other individuals transform their lives and adopt healthier lifestyles. Being able to blend my clinical background with my passion for wellness has been incredibly fulfilling.
Right now, my focus is the growth of both business, transcending into the best version of myself while developing meaningful affiliations.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling truly powerful was during my time in my associate degree nursing program. I was part of the very first cohort of RN students at Ivy Tech Community College, Fort Wayne, IN campus and admission into the program was extremely competitive. I worked hard to maintain a strong GPA, and I was the first African American to successfully complete the RN program at that campus.
That achievement alone made me feel powerful, but what strengthened that feeling even more was overcoming adversity. One of my nursing instructors told me I would not graduate, despite the fact that I had no attendance or academic issues. I later realized I was being unfairly judged as an African American working single mother. This instructor would intentionally approach me in the hallways between classes to speak negativity over my future.
When I crossed that graduation stage, I felt empowered in a way I had never felt before. Full circle, I later returned to the same community college, not as a student, but as an Adjunct Nursing Instructor in the ADN program. Seeing the facial expression of that instructor was an experience that reminded me that resilience, belief in yourself, and perseverance can truly change the trajectory of your life.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
As a timid young girl, I often felt the need to dim my intelligence just to fit in. I found myself just going with the crowd and, at times, allowing my voice to be overshadowed by stigma and expectations that were never truly mine to carry.
If I could speak to my younger self today, I would tell her this: regardless of what people may say or believe about you, you are the writer of your own story, so never give your pen away. Own your voice, your power, and your purpose. Your story deserves to be told exactly as you choose to write it.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. I am my authentic self no matter the setting. The people who truly know me would say the same, I don’t change who I am for different audiences or environments.
I’ve been told that people naturally gravitate toward me, and I don’t take that lightly. I do my best to aspire to inspire, lead with purpose, and show up in a way that encourages others to believe in themselves.
I believe in being genuinely authentic at all times. What you see is what you get, and that consistency is something I take pride in.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Oh goodness, absolutely! As I worked to become the best version of myself as a Registered Nurse, my professional growth naturally led me toward a goal of becoming an executive nurse leader. I achieved that position, believing it would be fulfilling and aligned with my purpose.
However, I quickly realized the role challenged my morals and values more than anything else in my nursing career. I was placed in situations where I was being asked to do things that could compromise patient safety and potentially risk not only my nursing license, but also the licenses of my team. That internal conflict became extremely heavy to carry.
Over time, I began to develop a distaste for a role I once worked so hard to attain. I’m not someone who typically gets sick, but I noticed my health beginning to change. I would literally feel ill at the thought of going into work. That’s when I knew, deep in my spirit, that it was time for a change.
Walking away wasn’t easy, but choosing alignment over titles brought me peace and clarity about what truly matters.
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Black Visionz Media
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