Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ariel Lee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ariel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.
I knew from the moment that I started nursing school at- South Dakota State University- back in 2005, that I would one day have a successful business. A business rooted and grounded in healthcare services to patients in a way that was unique and special. Serving one’s mind, body, soul and spirit! The only thing was….I didn’t know how I would get there.
It wasn’t until 2015- while working as a Primary Healthcare Provider and Instructor- at a Baylor College of Medicine Community Health Clinic, that I realized that I wanted to serve in greater capacity through starting my own business. At that point, I humbly served clients from all walks of life- from all socioeconomic backgrounds, races, and religions. The world needed more. I wanted to share healthcare as well as sound spiritual disciplines that linked us all together. Thus in doing so, preventing and managing major health conditions and the disabilities that are interconnected.
The main steps that I took early on in started my business in 2016- Optimize Health LLC- was to locate business mentors and coaches. I attended virtual and onsite programs to assist me with gaining the knowledge and skills that were needed to launch and thrive in business. There were challenges along the way. I was a young wife and mother. I initially started Optimize Health LLC while still working full time as a healthcare provider in corporate America. I was determined to serve clients through my business. I would utilize early mornings, evenings, and weekends to educate myself on business. During this time, I developed business plan, read ALOT of books, met with business coaches, and attended seminars. I also took advantage of this time to have my business certified through the state of Texas, credentialed and licensed with Medicare/Medicaid, and most major insurance companies. Attending and participating in monthly business meetings were great with establishing partnerships with fellow entrepreneurs.
I eventually left the full time job and took a LEAP of FAITH with growing Optimize Health LLC in 2018 full time.
The question that I would ask any young professional who may be considering entrepreneurship is ….WHY? Why do you want your own business and HOW does it serve others?
If they can answer this, there is hope for success!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
As a young girl, I discovered my love for healthcare by caring for my grandmother who suffered from hypertension and diabetes that led to repeated hospital and doctor visits. With each visit came an even greater financial burden, stemming from extensive medical bills for treatment and care. Through this challenge, God’s strength empowered me to assist my dear grandmother with organizing her medications, preparing healthy meals, and accompanying her to doctor’s visits. This later led to my decision to select Nursing as a profession while, hence, developing my compassion and heart for healthcare of individuals.
Ariel is the owner of Optimize Health LLC whose mission is to promote health and wellness in the community through a holistic approach encompassing mental, physical, and spiritual wholeness since
2017. What makes Optimize Health unique? We provide mobile and telehealth care services to our clients. The services include school sports physicals for athletes, physical examinations and labs for employees, healthcare consulting and medication/safety training for staff of businesses and elderly clients in the community. We specialize in chronic disease management and health promotion- that includes- hypertension, diabetes, and cardiac conditions.
She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from South Dakota State University in 2008. Soon after, she started her professional career at Methodist Hospital of Houston’s Medical Center, in which she worked in medical surgical department. In 2014 she received her Master of Science in Nursing- Family Nurse Practitioner degree and graduated summa cum laude from Prairie View A&M University. There, she served as a leader to her peers and faculty and was elected class Chaplain. She was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing. In 2015, she was appointed faculty staff member and primary care provider at Baylor College of Medicine and worked in Houston’s under-served community clinic until 2019. She also serves as a certified medical examiner and performs physicals for the Department of Transportation.
Ariel is an author of 3 eBooks, on Diabetes, Hypertension, Congestive Heart Failure. Optimize Health is certified as by the City of Houston- Women Business Enterprise, Minority Business Enterprise, Texas Historically Underutilized Business, and Hire Houston First. Ariel was privileged to be a Finalist for the Greater Houston Black Chamber Pinnacle Upstart Award 2020 and 2021 Pinnacle Award nominee. She is an active member of Windsor Village United Methodist Church- for over 10 years – in which she serves as a volunteer with the youth ministry. Optimize Health/Lee Family provides annual financial scholarships to underserved high school students in Louisiana.
Ariel is a member of the illustrious Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and has served on the Health and Wellness Committee as a volunteer and healthcare expert speaker panelist a 2022 SuperWoman Syndrome Webinar.
Of all accomplishments, her greatest is being a devoted Christian, wife of over 18 years, and mother of 2 beautiful fun-loving children! Ariel’s primary joy and purpose in life is to serve others through her gift of compassion, faith, and encouragement.
Can you open up about how you managed the initial funding?
My husband and I initially utilized our personal funds to start Optimize Health LLC. This funds helped with state certifications, business licenses, seminars, and coaches. We were very fortunate to receive financial contributions from private donors- family member for initial business/marketing coaching consultation. After approximately 2 years of actively being in business, were were awarded a business grant by Fort Bend County Texas Chamber of Commerce. These funds were instrumental during the COVID pandemic. The funds assisted with purchasing updated computer systems, software, medical supplies, and PPE gear to safely provide services to clients.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I grew up on “the wrong side of the tracks.” That didn’t stop me. I wanted and continue to strive for excellence in my personal and professional life. I have a loving husband, children, close family and friends who are mutually supportive. I think about the legacy that I’ll leave behind and would like it to be one of value. Serving others with PURPOSE.
My Top Keys to Life:
1. Have Faith
2. Do Good to Others
3. Pursue your Purpose
4. Work Hard
Contact Info:
- Website: www.optimiz-health.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimize_health2019/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OptimizeHealth.org/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-lee-msn-rn-aprn-fnp-bc-09b17b47/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/OptimizeHealth2