La Grange’s Lesley Karonika

In this monthly series, local realtor Andrea Schutter Riebeling talks to local business leaders about what inspires them. This month’s spotlight is on Lesley Karonika, owner of La Granges Vitamins of Texas.

1.) What is your business?

First, and foremost, I am a nurse. I consider myself in the business of helping and serving others. My business here in La Grange is called Vitamins of Texas, PLLC. I co-own the business with my medical supervisor, Dr. Ben Carrera.

2.) How did you get started?

Oh….I could talk to you about this for hours. But I will make a long story short for this interview. I thought about this business for many years. I started a vitamin supplement when my twin boys were 3 years old. I was exhausted! It changed everything for me. I regained motivation and my energy back. As a nurse, I realize the importance of nutrition, health, and quality of life. I want people to be healthy and live their life to the fullest. When you feel good, you make good choices. So I combined my nurse skills and vitamins to come up with Vitamins of Texas.

3.) How long have you been in business?

We formed our PLLC in April of 2019.

4.) Is it a female-only-run business?

No. Dr. Carrera is absolutely essential to our business. We are growing our services at our shop location that now includes massage and esthetician services. Amber Hanson is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Madison Lambert is a Licensed esthetician.

5.) What kind of services do you do or perform?

I give vitamin and amino acid injections intramuscular and hydration by the intravenous route. I am also certified to administer FDA approved aesthetics injections that reduce skin wrinkles and improve signs of aging.

5.) Tell us something unique about your business?

It’s FUN and creative. As a business owner, you certainly want to always “think outside the box.” If injecting vitamins isn’t unique…I don’t know what is!

6.) What is your background?

I grew up in an exceedingly small town called Aspermont. I graduated from West Texas A&M with my RN, BSN. As an RN, I have worked critical care for 10 years and a flight nurse with Air-Evac for 13 years. I hold certifications that focus on critical care (CCRN) and transport flight nursing (CFRN). I also hold an emergency medical technician certificate (EMT-B). I am also a certified personal trainer (CPT). I am a certified American Heart Association instructor that enables me to teach CPR, ACLS, and PALS.

7.) What do you suggest to others who want to venture out and take a leap of action in the future of their career?

I love this question because I think life is grand when I can encourage, support, and motivate someone to excel and attempt something new. For anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit, find your passion, what the world needs, then combine it with your skill set. You must have a desire to dream. You must be willing to make sacrifices to get your dream job.

8.) Do you believe in college, trade school or any training? I will answer this in the same

I will answer this in the same way I tell both of my 10 year old boys. College may not be for everyone. There are plenty of options for successful careers where you don’t have a college degree. BUT you must to do something whether it’s a trade or certification.

9.) What do you love about La Grange?

It is HOME! The people, the culture, the connectedness. Our teachers, our public servants, our EMS, our churches. The Colorado River, beauty, festivals, antiques, shows, feasts…. It really is “The Best Little Town in Texas!” Oh, and of course, because I grew up listening to ZZ Top sing about La Grange.

10.) What makes you laugh?

I love feel good humor and stand-up comedy. I laugh a lot when I am with my friends and family. I laugh and enjoy when my sister-in-law sends me videos of my new baby niece babbling and laughing.