Backed by more than two decades of experience in health care, Dawn “Dee” Laster, RN, has combined her industry knowledge with her entrepreneurial spirit to forge an exceptional career. To prepare for her career, she earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in 2006. She also holds key industry credentials, including a licensed practical nurse certification, which she earned at East Central Technical College in 2000. Furthermore, she is a licensed master cosmetologist and has completed coursework at Albany State University and the Albany Beauty Academy.
Inspired to combine the beauty and health aspects of her profession as a nurse and skin care specialist, Ms. Laster officially spearheaded iCanDee Body Spa in Albany, Georgia, in 2018. As a registered nurse and the chief executive officer of the spa, she has become known as Albany’s premier body contouring and body waxing nurse, offering non-surgical and non-invasive alternatives to plastic surgery. Ms. Laster’s business operates with a comprehensive team of professionals, including management personnel, to provide clients with various services like wellness coaching, skin care protocols, massage and waxing.
Alongside her business endeavors, Ms. Laster has served as the director of health services at PruittHealth since 2017 and has been a travel nurse with Accountable Healthcare Staffing since 2003. Past appointments to her credit include serving as assistant director of nursing for PruittHealth in 2017 and as the clinical nurse manager at CareHere LLC from 2013 to 2015. Ms. Laster has also worked as the director of nursing at Statewide Healthcare Inc. from 2009 to 2013 and functioned as a critical care nurse at Palmyra Medical Centers from 2002 until 2013.
To remain abreast of her field, Ms. Laster maintains affiliation with Spa Boss Pride, Black Nurses Rock and Black Girls Rock. She is also involved with the Meeting in the Ladies Room Forum, which concentrates on women’s health, intimacy, AIDS and HIV prevention. Ms. Laster recognizes the influence of her grandparents, who were also entrepreneurs, and of her mother, who was a nurse, for instilling a strong work ethic in her. Additionally, her motivation has been driven by her desire to leave behind a legacy for her children. Proud that her small business has managed to thrive even during the pandemic, Ms. Laster hopes for the continued growth and success of iCanDee Body Spa for many years to come.
In five years’ time, Ms. Laster hopes to be involved in business and success coaching with like-minded individuals, particularly nurses, eager to start their own businesses. Furthermore, she hopes to change the narrative of the nursing profession by letting others know that they can expand their interest in a new direction towards entrepreneurship.
