We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Altamisha Matthew BSN, RN a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Altamisha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

Leaving cooperate nursing was one of the hardest decisions I had to make. After Covid I saw the disparities of the world and I knew healthcare would never be the same. My calling to nursing was to heal and advocate for those that did not have a voice and I felt I could no longer do that in corporate nursing. The nursing field faces many challenges, and I personally felt my knowledge would better serve others in the private sector. A corporate nurse is limited in the care preventative care the can deliver to patients. I took a leap of faith and answered the call from my creator to start Altamash Health & Wellness. With my own practice I provide care that is individualized for my client and improves patient outcomes. I and my team are dedicated to bridging the gap between the patient and the hospital. I faced challenges in learning Business. I was trained to be a soldier in the Army and taught to be a Registered Nurse. In the beginning of starting my own business, I was self-taught and my own team initially. Creating a business and a logo was the simplest part of my journey. Creating a brand and formula that people believe in and want to support was imperative to the process. Researching economics, brand awareness, and finding capital were some of the woes I faced. I encourage anyone seeking to start a business to research their niche and define what separates your brand from the others. Surrounding myself with like-minded professional was the catalyst to growing Altamash. I encourage novice business owners to become a member of local Business Associations, collaborate with other professionals, and to volunteer your services. Networking is essential; and this will showcase your company’s ability, value to the community, and help grow your business. I am fortunate to now have a team. Abandoning fear and putting myself out there allowed my community to find me and my cliental grew.

Altamisha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was born and raised in Meridian, MS. I hails from a small town with big dreams. After departing from Mississippi, I embarked on a journey of service by enlisting in the U.S. Army, where she rose to the rank of Noncommissioned Officer. My military career took me to various duty stations, including overseas assignments in Korea and Germany. Following an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, I followed my passion and transitioned into the field of healthcare, obtaining licensure as a Registered Nurse. My professional journey has been diverse, encompassing roles in the Emergency Department, Recreation Treatment Facility, Behavioral Health, Substance Abuse, and Home Health. My contributions extend beyond clinical practice. My research conducted at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in OKC and Tampa led to policy changes that positively impacted the health outcomes of veterans. I now am the CEO of Altamash Health were I am able to provide disease management, coordinate care, provide education, public speaking and advocating for various causes. I am dedicated to making a difference in the underserved populations. My team shares my passion for the mission of Altamash, taking immense pride in the positive outcomes we deliver to their clients. My mission is clear: to bridge the gap between the hospital and community, with a focus on highlighting disparities among Veterans, BIPOC, and LGBTQ communities worldwide. Through education, philanthropy, and advocacy, we aims to guide individuals in optimizing their health and living life authentically. Altamash has various programs to start your journey to optimum health such as diet, exercise, meditation, wellness reset, and care coordination. Altamash is a company people trust and feel safe with their health care needs. I am also preparing to launch ” Mastering Matrescence” a journal that guides mothers while reparenting themselves .

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Starting your own business will require a level of discipline that will challenge you as a person and an entrepreneur. I became more disciplined in my mental, spiritual, and physical health in order to become the best version of myself. This process was not overnight. I could be easily distracted, which would ultimately make me feel underproductive and overwhelmed. Focusing on my day to day task, finding a productive space, creating a work flow plan, and being consistent was needed. I started by turning off notification and setting firm boundaries about my time with family and friends. I learned how to set realistic goals and to be patient with myself when things didn’t go as planned. Every “mistake” I made was a learning opportunity. You will evolve as you grow your business, because the business is a direct reflection of your self care and work ethic.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I learned to not take favors, discounts, and to be very clear about contracts when doing business. Work you pay for such as pictures, headshots, logos, intellectual property or graphic designs belong to the creator. When outsourcing understand who has rights (creative control) to the work and what you can use it for; especially if you plan to sale products. In the past I purchased work from freelance creatives and photographers that did not give me full rights to use the materials I paid them for. This caused a temporary delay in production. It is difficult and sometimes impossible to renegotiate terms in business. When a person feels like they did you a favor or gave you a discount it will show in their customer service and attention to detail. I was able to obtain full rights to use “the work” to market my brand and sale my product. A copyright release is sufficient in most cause but it depends on the type of work you are doing. Professional etiquette and understanding contracts will save you time and money. I also hired a business manager to help navigate contracts and business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.altamashhealth.com/
• Instagram: @altamashhealth
• Facebook: Altamash health & Wellness LLC

Image Credits
Earl Tubbs Yokie Empire