Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Latoya Lane-Milo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Latoya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I became a nurse in 2016. I knew then I wanted to start a business. The thought of an urgent care did not cross my mind. I wanted to open an adult daycare. It was after I became a nurse practitioner, I saw the need for affordable healthcare in my area. I also saw the need for individuals to have a provider they can trust to care for them like their own family. I worked in the emergency department, and I realized this is how I could reach more people instead of a certain demographic. I started researching how to open an urgent care. I took several classes and did research for over a year. I researched a name and made sure it was available. It was approximately 1 year after the idea; I saw my first patient. I started doing housecalls to keep my overhead down. I then moved into a small facility. I had the help and support of my husband who made it possible for me to pursue my dreams. I quit my job once I opened the doors to my facility.

I had to overcome fear. It was and is very scary. I move on faith alone. I move on what I have been called to do.

Latoya, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Latoya Lane-Milo and I am a family nurse practitioner. I started my career as a welder. I was a single mother of 2 boys and I knew I needed more. I decided to go back to nursing school in 2011 after having my second son. I started taking 1-2 classes at a time. I decided to pace myself to make sure I would not fail. I obtained my associate degree in 2016 and went to received my bachelor and masters from Francis Marion University in 2019. I always had a passion for others but I merely needed to provide for my children. Nursing seemed like a career that I could give my boys an okay life. Once in nursing school I faced many adversities. I realized there was much more for me to do in this career. I started my business Gold Star Urgent Care in 2021. We are a facility that serves patients age 6 months and older. We make a huge impact in the community by serving any way that we can. We have conducted health fairs and also networking events. We perform minor procedures, wellness services, IV hydration, and B12 injections. We also perform occupational health services such as drug screens and physicals.

We serve as healthcare advocates for others who do not have a voice. The connection we have with our clients set us aside. We have a small town feel when you walk through the door. Most of our clients know us by name. I am most proud of the impact we make on the community. When youth come in, they see representation they aren’t able to get a lot of other places.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I started my urgent care is August of 2021. Since then I have lost someone close to me like a sister suddenly. I have had 3 miscarriages and had my mom be diagnosed with a severe illness. I went through a season where I resented the business. i resented it because even in those bad days I had to show up. I had to show up for my patients and my staff. I felt like I gave so much and got back so little at times. I realized this journey is bigger than me. I have children who are uncomfortable talking to their provider, confide in me. I have grown people looking up to me as motivation to do things they thought they couldn’t.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn being independent. I realized this hurts you in business. I learn how to do everything in the business. However, I have learned my team is where my strengths lie. I have also learned, I can grow larger with the right time. I have been able to host events and not even be there or just show up the day of the event. I always learned to do things for myself, but I had to learn to let others do things for me and my business. I also am still learning to trust people to do things for my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.goldstarurgentcare.com
• Instagram: @goldstarurgentcare
• Facebook: Gold Star Urgent Care
• Linkedin: Latoya Lane-Milo
• Youtube: Latoya Lane-Milo

Image Credits
Personal Touch Photography