Daily Inspiration: Meet Nikesha Gupton, MSN, FNP-BC, FNP-C

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikesha Gupton, MSN, FNP-BC, FNP-C.

Hi Nikesha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
With a background spanning over two decades in the healthcare industry, my journey began as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), evolving through roles as an EKG Tech, CNAII, Registered Nurse (RN), and venturing into my new role as a dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). This immersive experience has provided me with a profound understanding of the demands and nuances within the healthcare field. 

Despite my passion for fashion, my professional life consistently saw me wearing medical scrubs more frequently than everyday clothing. Interestingly, these scrubs became more than a uniform – they became an essential part of my identity and professional demeanor. Remarkably, the scrubs I chose would frequently attract compliments, sparking conversations about the style and practicality of healthcare attire. 

As my journey led me toward entrepreneurship, I realized the significance of comfort, quality, and style in medical scrubs. Drawing from my personal experiences of wearing them for countless hours, I recognized that healthcare professionals deserved more than mere functional attire; they deserved someone who understood firsthand every aspect of medical scrubs. 

These insights allowed me to create Klassy & Essential Medical Apparel. We are an authorized retailer for many brands. I’ve walked the path, and I’ve worn the scrubs. I’ve lived the challenges, and I’ve felt the need to serve other healthcare professionals by providing them with medical scrubs and accessories. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey has been far from smooth—quite the adventure, in fact (laughs). I’ve encountered a fair share of challenges along the way, but I’ll focus on the top three that have stood out. 

1. **Mindset Transformation:** Shifting one’s mindset is the cornerstone of progress. It’s the pivotal step that empowers you to evolve into the person you aspire to be. This realization was monumental for me, an essential component of my journey.

2. **Financial Literacy:** Understanding financial literacy is paramount. Just as in personal life, neglecting financial awareness in business can hinder growth. Budgeting and comprehending finances became a game-changer that allowed me to move forward.

3. **Boundaries that Breed Growth:** Setting boundaries was a vital transformation. Not only did I establish limits on my actions, but I also needed to define boundaries with those in my life. This was imperative for my own personal and professional growth.

In navigating these challenges, I’ve not only gained invaluable experience but also learned that confronting these obstacles head-on has been instrumental in my progress. Each of these areas—mindset, financial literacy, and setting boundaries—has developed a path of growth and success, demonstrating that embracing challenges is a key component of any transformation 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m currently working as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the emergency department while seeking employment as a Family Nurse Practitioner. With a nursing career spanning 14 years, the majority of my journey has been in the emergency department. However, my experiences have extended across various other areas, including roles in the Critical Care Transport Team, MRI, Interventional Radiology, Pre-op, home health, and even dentistry. 

I am known for my ability to encourage, care for, and uplift others; I find joy in being a source of positivity and support. I love every aspect of being a blessing to someone’s life without the need for public recognition or social media spotlight. 

Reflecting on my journey, my proudest achievement is the person I’ve become today. Raised by my grandmother, who only had a 6th-grade education. Our house didn’t have a bathroom or running hot water. She took damn good care of me with what she had. I lived there until I was 21 but found myself having to go back to those circumstances due to bad choices I made at the age of 25. My grandmother gained her angel wings not long after I moved back with her. Instead of falling into depression, I chose to allow my unwavering determination fuel my path to success. I was a single mother and with the help of God, and my 2 aunties Bonnie (RIP) and Eugenia helping with babysitting my daughter, I was able to pursue my nursing career. I earned my associate degree, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree—all with honors, while working full-time and over time, a testament to my resilience. 

What truly sets me apart is me treating everyone equally, and I don’t sugarcoat anything. Even close friends receive no special treatment. (laughs) My daughter’s perspective is no different—my approach wasn’t always easy for her to grasp during her younger years. However, I aimed to equip her with the strength and resilience necessary to navigate the real world. The lessons I imparted weren’t about painting a rosy picture but about fostering her independence and fortitude. And if you could hear some of her stories, you’d likely exclaim, “Did she really say that?” (laughter) 

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
God—God has opened and closed some doors for me. He reminds me that it’s his will, not mine. What’s for me will be for me! 

My grandmother (RIP)– (tears) She lived without things that we take for granted daily. If I ever lost everything, I would know how to survive because I didn’t have half of what I have now. She taught me RESILIENCE!!! 

Tina M Payne: She is my mentor/coach. She is AMAZING!! I won the scholarship for her Scrub Shop Academy and later invested in myself with her coaching program. 

Quasia (daughter): She has been very supportive when the rollercoaster of emotions from work and business arrives. She encourages me when I feel down and discouraged. She always tells me, “I’m a Superhero. (tears) 

Ricky (SO) has been a huge support through all of this. He believes in me and my vision. He is patient with my growth and development. I mean, I will have affirmations playing, audiobooks, lives from IG about business, and he will listen sometimes, or he will say, “I don’t want to disturb you; I’m going in the other room.” When I say I want to do Xyx, he says, “What do we have to do to get there?” 

Friends: OMG! They are always there supporting me. They believe in me when I don’t even believe in myself. They celebrate me!! I can’t thank them enough. 

Thank each of you for loving and supporting me! 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kemedapparel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kemedapparel/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kemedapparel?mibextid=2JQ9oc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/authwall?trk=bf&trkInfo=AQH05Oz5J2ExkAAAAYoUQVqwo948Enj0_RFneyyH4Z2Wc8n76UHMXVNfgjlfQjH2sYpSZzYq6DBP_ZCNKvGgcOUk456jdMkjD4aSLw40zh0xUNj0brf19ma0B_R3sHQbNUbEAQ4=&original_referer=&sessionRedirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fnikesha-gupton-msn-aprn-fnp-bc-fnp-c-94148a199

Image Credits
Op Productions