Meet La Kia A. Gooch | HealthTech Startup Founder & Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with La Kia A. Gooch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi La Kia A., we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

I was born with Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and loss. I was not diagnosed until I was 28 years old, after years of struggling with various symptoms and misdiagnoses. There is currently no known treatment or cure for muscular dystrophy.

I refused to accept that fate. I decided to take charge of my health and wellness, and explore alternative therapies that could help me manage my symptoms and improve my quality of life. I discovered the science of cannabis, and how it could help me with pain relief, muscle spasms, nausea, appetite, and sleep. I also applied what as a child I learned about the medicinal benefits of herbs and spices, and how they could boost my immunity and wellness.

I realized that I was not alone in my journey. There were millions of patients like me, who faced challenges and barriers in accessing quality and affordable education. There were also millions of patients who were affected by the racial healthcare gap, which is the disparity in health outcomes and care for people of color. I saw the need for a platform that would connect patients with providers who specialize in cannabis and other alternative therapies, and who would understand and respect their needs and preferences.

I started my business because I felt the need to create the change I was unable to find in the world. I wanted to use my gifts & talents to create solutions that would improve the lives of others, especially those who are veterans, elderly, or mobility challenged. I wanted to change the way those who are most in need of resources gain access.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

My Business: STAND4Something Media Group, Ltd.
My business is STAND4Something Media Group, Ltd., a healthcare tech startup that aims to close the racial healthcare gap by connecting patients with providers who specialize in cannabis and other alternative therapies.

What Sets Me Apart
What sets me apart from others is my Squad, a passionate team of experts in their respective fields who are focused on changing the way patients access education and healthcare. I am also passionate about empowering patients with education and helping them learn about the benefits of plant medicine. I am also a patient myself, living with Muscular Dystrophy, and I have experienced the challenges and barriers that many patients face in accessing quality and affordable educational healthcare resources.

What I Am Most Proud Of
I am most proud of and excited about the launch of the Medical Militia Patient Portal App, which is the culmination of years of hard work, research, and collaboration. The app connects patients with providers who specialize in cannabis and other alternative therapies. The app allows patients to find, book, and consult with providers who match their needs and preferences. It also allows providers to manage their schedules, communicate with patients, and access resources and tools. The app is designed to be user-friendly, accessible, and secure, ensuring a seamless and satisfying experience for both parties.

How I Got Here
I got to where I am today business-wise by relentlessly following my passions and overcoming my challenges. It was not easy, but I am worth it! I faced many obstacles and setbacks, such as being diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at 28, being prescribed a bevy of opiates, narcotics, and benzodiazepine that had long-term health risks, and encountering resistance and stigma from the mainstream healthcare system. I overcame these challenges by educating myself, seeking alternative therapies, and being the change. I also leveraged my talents and skills in art and design, from oil, pastels, and charcoal on canvas to illustration, designing textiles and fashion, and publishing books.

The Lessons I’ve Learned
The lessons I’ve learned along the way are:
To be resilient and determined, and not let my condition define me or limit me.
To be curious and open-minded, and explore new possibilities and opportunities.
To be compassionate and empathetic, and try to leave every situation better than I found it.
To be authentic and transparent, and not afraid to share my story and vision with the world.
To be grateful and humble, and to absolutely appreciate the people and resources that have helped me along the way.
What I Want the World to Know
What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that education and advocacy are key to having the best possible repeatable outcomes in your health and wellness journey. Your attitude dictates your outcome, so lead with love and follow it with intention. I hope you will join me in my journey and support my endeavors. Thank you for reading.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Los Angeles: A Week-Long Adventure

Day 1: Literary Beginnings and LA Must haves

Morning: Dive into the world of books at The Last Bookstore, a haven for bibliophiles.
Lunch: Experience the iconic In-N-Out Burger for a classic California burger fix.
Evening: Savor the flavors of Ethiopia at Rahel Ethiopian Vegan Cuisine, a spot that’s both delicious and vegan-friendly.

Day 2: Musical Mornings and Starry Nights

Morning: Start with a Classic breakfast at Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles.
Afternoon: Music at the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts.
Evening: Explore the stars at The Griffith Observatory and enjoy breathtaking views of Los Angeles.

Day 3: Hollywood Glamour

All Day: Step back in time with a day of antiquing, a Funko Pop stop and strolling along the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Day 4: Hiking with a View

Daytime: Accessible views at Last House on Mulholland; take in the panoramic vistas.

Day 5: Home Cooking and Relaxation

At Home: Spend quality time at home, cooking favorite recipes together and reminiscing.

Days 6 & 7: Choose Your Own Adventure

Options:
Lounge at the serene beaches of Royal Palms or Leo Carrillo.

Discover the eclectic shops and art galleries in the Arts District.

Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of West Hollywood.

Visit the historic Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

Take a scenic drive along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

We are thrilled to welcome our new Squad Member to STAND4Something Media Group, Ltd.: “The Alpha Pride”.

– Danielle Timmons: President, BMI registered writer & Caregiver Provider
– Stephanie Thomas: Cannabis Real Estate & Compliance expert
– Damon Saunders: Chief of Operations & Co-Author of “Concoctions”
-Helene “Nurse Tina” Herbert: Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Experienced director of nursing veteran who ran operating rooms at America’s Best Hospitals.
– Mister Q. McTier: Endocannabinoid Scientist and Graduate of FAMU leads the charge for provider education.
– Richelle Brown: Case Manager and low vision expert serves as our Accessibility Officer.
– Tevin Cherry: National Association of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness & Movement Coach.
– Bobby D. Cooper: 25+ years of Computer Science and Technology experience including contracting with government agencies.
– Georgia Rout: An Experienced Executive Administrator and Accessibility Travel Specialist with decades of Advocacy, wisdom and experience supporting C-Suite teams.
– Lyneisha J. Watson: With a rich background as a journalist and media consultant, she is known for her transformative storytelling in the cannabis industry.

Website: https://www.stand4somethingmedia.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/stand4somethingmedia?igshid=NmZiMzY2Mjc=

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teamillz/

Twitter: https://x.com/s4smediagroup?s=21

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/STAND4SomethingMediaGroup/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCjA1YY6utzzWSdeRz5HzoSQ