The inspiration for Neighborhood Pharmacy came about because I did not see the standard of holistic care that I thought was vital in the pharmacy industry, specifically in the Virgin Islands. My goal was to improve and elevate patient care and the systems and quality of healthcare in St. Croix and to continue to make a positive social impact on the residents of my community
When you step into Neighborhood Pharmacy, you’re not just entering a store; you’re entering a community. Kisha Christian, the owner and operator, has built a haven for holistic care that breaks the mold of corporate chains and impersonal service. You’re greeted with warmth and compassion from the moment you walk in. Kisha and her team care about their customers beyond just filling prescriptions. They take the time to get to know you, understand your needs, and offer personalized solutions tailored to your lifestyle. This dedication to excellence in healthcare has made Neighborhood Pharmacy a shining example of what a community-focused business can achieve.
Kisha’s story is one of triumph over adversity, and her drive to make a positive impact will inspire others. Ever since she could remember, being a pharmacist has been her ultimate goal. As a child, she was her own Doc McStuffins. She loved playing house with Barbie Dolls, and whenever someone fell ill, they would go to her for a cure. She always had a remedy, and it felt like magic to see them feeling better. From playing doctor with Barbie dolls to briefly considering a career as an OBGYN, Kisha’s ultimate goal was always clear – to be part of a community-oriented pharmacy. However, when existing opportunities didn’t align with her vision, Kisha pivoted and turned her dream into a reality.
Filling a Void in Community Care
Driven to provide holistic care and improve healthcare systems in her hometown of St. Croix, Kisha leaped and opened Neighborhood Pharmacy. Her mission was to improve healthcare in St. Croix and positively impact the community. She had moderate success at pharmacies on the mainland but was passed for promotions due to her ideas not aligning with the business. Inspired by the lack of comprehensive care in the Virgin Islands, she wanted to elevate patient care and make a positive social impact. Kisha’s previous experiences at mainstream pharmacies and local establishments only fueled her determination to create a pharmacy that catered to the unique needs of her community.
Balancing the demands of running a business with providing healthcare and advice to her customers comes naturally to Kisha. Her unwavering dedication to her clients is evident in her motto, “make a client, not a sale.” While the scales may sometimes tip towards customer care, Kisha ensures that she has the right team in place to maintain a healthy balance and ensure the success of her pharmacy.
Additionally, I strive to educate my customers about their health concerns by offering classes and workshops on health and wellness topics. These classes often include information on managing chronic conditions, which can help reduce the risk of serious illnesses.
Going Beyond Medication
As the healthcare landscape evolves, Kisha ensures that Neighborhood Pharmacy remains at the forefront. Through continuous adaptation and expansion, the pharmacy offers new services yearly to meet the community’s changing needs. Whether implementing a drive-through service or introducing a Juice Bar to promote healthy lifestyles, Kisha’s commitment to innovation keeps her independent pharmacy competitive.
Kisha recognizes her community’s most common health concerns, including mental health and chronic conditions like Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, and Cholesterol. Neighborhood Pharmacy provides access to medication, medical advice, resources, and educational initiatives to address these issues. From health insurance information to disease prevention programs and workshops, Kisha is committed to empowering her customers with the knowledge to take control of their health.
Staying up-to-date with the latest developments in pharmaceuticals and healthcare is crucial to providing top-notch care. Kisha’s dedication to expanding her knowledge is evident in her participation in professional development, attending conferences, webinars, and seminars. She keeps a finger on the pulse of the industry by subscribing to industry magazines, networking with medical professionals, and actively engaging in healthcare conventions.
Cultivating Success
Kisha’s positive impact on the community is remarkable, but the start to get there was not without challenges. Finding investors took a lot of work due to high start-up costs and the risk involved. Legal and regulatory hurdles had to be overcome. Marketing on a limited budget was also a challenge. Seeking professional advice and relying on her network helped her navigate those obstacles.
Neighborhood Pharmacy has received overwhelming support and engagement from the community. Patients, businesses, and health centers have embraced Kisha’s dedication to quality solutions and services. The community’s trust and appreciation have been vital to the pharmacy’s success, allowing Kisha to continue serving her community with unwavering commitment.
A commitment that she is intentional about fulfilling. As a female entrepreneur, Kisha recognizes the importance of creating space and opportunity for others in the pharmaceutical industry. She mentors aspiring pharmacists, offers internship programs and has even started a scholarship fund, The Kisha Christian Scholarship Fund at the University of Georgia, to support young talent. By sharing her knowledge and leading by example, Kisha encourages women to pursue their dreams fearlessly, find their passion, and make a lasting impact.
As a female entrepreneur, one of the most important things for me is showing other women that they, too, can realize their dreams and success on their terms.
The Adventurous Side
As much as Kisha is dedicated to her community and profession, she also has an adventurous side that might surprise many. Kisha is a bit of a thrill-seeker and adrenaline junkie! She’s explored sky diving, come face-to-face with tigers in a cage, swam with sharks, braved icy cold waters, and even bathed with elephants! She’s an experienced diver but always looks for her next challenge – like learning how to fly a plane or cage diving with great whites in South Africa. Oh, and did we mention she’s a martial artist? And as much as she loves pushing herself to the limit, she’s also a massive fan of learning new things. Her zest for life is contagious and a testament to her fearless spirit.
Kisha’s journey from dream to reality inspires anyone passionate about making a difference. Through her dedication to community care, commitment to continuous learning, and fearlessness in facing challenges, Kisha has created a thriving independent pharmacy and become a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs. With Neighborhood Pharmacy, she has brought a holistic approach to healthcare, empowered her community, and transformed her dream into an extraordinary reality.
Dr. Kisha Christian is a pharmacist, and owner operator of Neighborhood Pharmacy from St. Croix, USVI.
Facebook: @NeighborhoodPharm
Website: https://www.npvi.com/
Keeping the Neighborhood Good