We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Abena Adegbola a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Abena, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Honestly, overcoming imposter syndrome is still a day to day task. There are days where I think I’ve got it down, and other days where I wonder is it holding me down. What I’ve learned to do is trust my experience, and I am constantly reminding myself why I started. As a family nurse practitioner and entrepreneur, I’ve put in the work, gained the knowledge, and continue to grow every day. I remind myself that confidence comes from actions, showing up, learning, and refining my skills. Surrounding myself with a supportive group and celebrating small wins also helps reinforce that I belong in the spaces I’ve worked hard to be in. Most importantly, I’ve learned to reframe self-doubt as a sign of growth rather than a limitation.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Abena Adegbola. I am a family nurse practitioner and co-owner of Ivy Renew Med Spa in Flushing, Queens. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, nursing wasn’t always my dream, but it became my calling once I stepped into the field. I earned my BSN from Fairfield University in Connecticut and spent over a decade as a labor and delivery nurse in an underserved community.
I began my Master’s program just before COVID and, upon completion, transitioned to a nonprofit primary care practice serving the homeless and underinsured. My work in underserved communities opened my eyes to the barriers many people face in accessing quality care. This realization fueled my decision to co-found Ivy Renew Med Spa with my sister-in-law, making IV hydration and aesthetic procedures more accessible.
Balancing my role as the Director of Nurse Practitioners at a nonprofit primary care practice, I lead a team of dedicated NPs while also running Ivy Renew Med Spa to emphasize the importance of self-care and wellness. At Ivy Renew, we cater to clients from the inside out—IV hydration helps manage stress, boosts energy, and enhances overall well-being, while our aesthetic procedures build confidence and promote self-care. Our spa is designed to provide a relaxing experience, and for added convenience, we offer concierge services, bringing treatments directly to our clients’ preferred spaces.
My mission has always been to bridge the gap between accessibility and quality care, ensuring that wellness is not a luxury but a priority for all.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three key qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, adaptability, and leadership.
Resilience – Nursing, entrepreneurship, and leadership all come with challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. Resilience has helped me push through difficult times, especially when starting my Med Spa and navigating the complexities of healthcare.
Adaptability – From shifting from bedside nursing to primary care, then stepping into entrepreneurship, adaptability has been key. Healthcare and business are constantly evolving, and being open to change has allowed me to grow in both fields.
Leadership – Whether leading a team of nurse practitioners or running a Med Spa, leadership is about inspiring, guiding, and making tough decisions. Strong leadership has allowed me to create meaningful impact in both my clinical and business roles.
For those early in their journey, I’d say: invest in continuous learning, stay adaptable, and never underestimate the power of perseverance. Your path may not be linear, but every experience—good or bad—will shape you into the professional and leader you aspire to be.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been mastering time management and learning the balance between productivity and rest. Juggling multiple roles—running Ivy Renew Med Spa, leading a team of nurse practitioners, and maintaining my own well-being—taught me that efficiency isn’t just about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most.
I’ve learned to prioritize and delegate—focusing on high-impact tasks while trusting my team to handle others. Setting clear boundaries has also been crucial; I now schedule time for rest and self-care just as intentionally as I schedule meetings or client appointments.
The biggest lesson? Rest is productive, too. Taking a step back allows me to show up stronger, more focused, and more present in all areas of my life. For anyone struggling with balance, I’d say: Listen to your body, plan with purpose, and remember that success isn’t just about working hard—it’s about working smart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Ivyrenew.com
- Instagram: a_ben_a
- Facebook: Ivy Renew Med Spa
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
