Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura.
Hi Laura, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a women’s health nurse practitioner, and a woman who went through menopause herself, I knew women needed a real resource, to get real answers to demystify menopause, while understanding fact from fiction. They needed accurate information, current and relevant treatment options, and to understand what their bodies were going through and what the research really said about safety and efficacy of Menopause Hormone Therapy and alternative options as they entered perimenopause and menopause.
Throughout the yearsI would hear from women (and sometimes men), “I saw my doctor about my moods, anxiety, hot flashes, low libido, etc…but they they say you’ll get through it, tough it out/suck it up, or sorry I don’t do hormones”. That coupled with my own bad GYN experience at age 16, left me feeling badly. And I thought, no women should feel that way (judged, dismissed, misunderstood, etc).
At 17, I became a medical assistant and worked for one of the best gynecologists in Burbank, CA for over 15 years. He was also a great mentor to me and allowed me to make my way through college to became a registered nurse, and eventually a Nurse Practitioner. After nursing school, I first went into Oncology, but Women’s Health just kept calling back! So, I went to the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Program at Harbor-UCLA and received my Nurse Practitioner Certificate, followed by my Master’s in Nursing from California State University, Long Beach. I was fortunate, because at the time Harbor UCLA had some of the best physicians’s and nurse practitioners that were leaders in the field of women’s health at the time as instructors, so I really learned from the best! I didn’t know it then, but 30+ years later that set up a strong foundation in women’s health, including menopause and hormone health. Over the years I practiced at Federally funded clinics like Planned Parenthood, large institutions, private offices and County Health. It gave me a rich, broad and diverse background. Then I went into the pharmaceutical and medical device industry for various Women’s Healthcare & Aesthetic companies. This gave me gave me a strong base around research, scientific evidence, clinical studies and the pathways for drug and device development.
Fast forward to now, Coastal Well Woman has been a culmination of all these experiences, the incredible people and mentors in my life, my career path, and my personal experiences – both bad and good – that helped launch Coastal Well Woman. I couldn’t listen to another woman get misinformation, misdiagnosed, mistreated, or dismissed altogether, I wanted to create a space, where women could learn about their bodies, get educated on the latest and greatest treatment options for both their short and long term health. I knew women deserved better, and I wanted to fill that gap with something special. To be seen, heard, understood and certainly not judged! Perimenopause and Menopause have many short term symptoms, as well as long term health consequences, and a lack of trained providers makes it really challenging for women to find real answers regarding safe and effective solutions. On top of finding a reputable provider, women now also have to sift through a sea of information that is riddled with false claims, lack of data, or just what I like to call hokey medicine, as some prey on women’s desperation to find solutions and feel better..
Coastal well Woman offers women a space to see a:
-Menopause Society Provider, who really understands perimenopause and menopause.
-A provider who is licensed with over 30 years of women’s healthcare experience.
-Functional medicine Foundation to focus on staying healthy instead of waiting for patients to get sick, then manage their illness.
-Patient-centered decision making.
-Removed Insurance and Administrative red tape or restrictions, allowing me to offer women main stream FDA-approved solutions as well as alternative therapies without any time constraints.
Lastly I would like to close with the sentiment of being a first generation immigrant and first to graduate college, was one of the reasons my parents came to America…for a better life and opportunities. So, becoming a nurse, getting educated, and finding my passion has allowed me to be where I am today…business owner, nurse practitioner, entrepreneur, industry leader, daughter, friend and mother, I have fulfilled their dream and many of my own. Being educated as a women, allowed me to safely and successfully raise my twin sons as s divorced single mother, and have rich multi-faceted career as a women of color. All of this helps me be the best provider to other women today, and I can truly say I love what I do, and I love it when I hear…I feel so much better, you’ve changed my life, or simply… thank you!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Challenges for me were mainly around funding. Getting loans as a small business owner was truly difficult, even when everyone thought my idea was brilliant, and much needed filling a huge GAP in women’s care.
Some of the other challenges I faced were, I am good at seeing patients, but running all the admin work and legal requirements was quite a learning curve. After two years of being open, I am still learning every day. The ability to be flexible, pivot, and learn is non-stop…you have to be ready for this, and be ok with it. Grit, resilience, patience is also needed. I still learn something everyday. I think also realizing you will spend more time that you think working on and in your business the first couple of years is inevitable. Which also leads to stress on relationships…especially if those relationships are not strong and supportive.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a nurse practitioner by training and profession. I love it. I think what sets me apart from other providers is my ability to connect with people on a deeper level. I believe all people want to be see and heard, and providing them a safe space to share who they are what they need, goes way farther than anything else I can think of. I believe in giving forward (and giving back).
But my creative and social side needs other stimulation…and I love music. It brings joy, happiness, energy, memories…and we move! And while I have no musical talent I fill that void by volunteering for organizations where I can help set up musical events, work with bands, and live music venues in Santa Barbara.
While my passion is caring for women with respect, dignity and all the latest and greatest, I also love nature, music and events that bring people together in community to share something special…which is live music.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Originally I wanted to own a cool, coffee house where the locals would love to come visit and gather. It would have local art, games, open mic night, and provide a fun space for community. Then Starbucks opened, and that dream went away.
I had twins at age 40, and opened my business/practice at age 59. I opened the business on my own, will a sole small business loan from Women’s Economic Venture (WEV), but otherwise with personal funding. Since most women don’t like to talk about age…I think most people wouldn’t know the details of my career and personal path. Like they say, you’re never too old. And I do believe how you feel, how you lead, and act in your mind, body and elsewhere…with positive energy, is how you age. I like to think I am still a mere 17! Just a much smarter, more confident and healthy 17 (not 61).
Pricing:
- Initial Perimenopause/Menopause Consult (50 min) $225-245
- All Follow Up Visits (30 min) $95
- Weight Management Consults (50 min) $225-245
- Sexual Health Consult (50 min) $225-245
- No Insurance. SuperBill provided upon request. In Person and Telehealth Options available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://coastalwellwoman.com
- Instagram: @coastalwellwoman
- Facebook: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpractice.kareo.com%2Fcoastal-well-woman%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExWkxNZzA4WmtyOFFqcjJaSnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5UVa2VAUhaLNa_haVIGjxxDSqR4doQhHbfTwhtKHw0K9N4LHiJU2PBaTqC2g_aem_OqAud9O931hogZtjD15cGg&h=AT4zcsUfUNPhwdoxzf5a578IwniQ7gbZ_RoWoachrYUe5tTHCCNg7xxF5pRwg3xtUAJcIHrf3d6D7irIMOP82H33zk4MMUw15K1tRxfGJdcVuN6eC3rxHsJHWvUQJjIu9MsVss5yXwpn7QF5ox9or0BO4t0
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-abrignani-rn-np-msn-mscp-b015264/
