Meet Lara Hakamaki | Director of Corporate Development

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lara Hakamaki and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lara, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Refresh IV Bar is deeply committed to contributing positively to the community in several ways:

Promoting Wellness: Our IV therapy options are not just about personal rejuvenation but also promoting overall wellness within the community. By offering a range of treatments that boost energy, support hydration, and deliver essential nutrients, we aid individuals in maintaining their health and vitality.

Supporting Health Initiatives: We work alongside healthcare professionals and community organizations to support health initiatives. By providing services that complement traditional healthcare, we strive to be a valuable addition to the local health ecosystem.

Educational events: We attend local events or seminars that inform the community about the benefits of hydration, nutrient supplementation, and overall wellness. These workshops aim to empower individuals with knowledge about health and self-care.

Community Engagement: We actively participate in community events, health fairs, and local gatherings to engage with the community. This interaction allows us to educate, address questions, and create awareness about the importance of maintaining optimal health.

Job Creation and Economic Contribution: By providing employment opportunities and contributing to the local economy, we play a role in the community’s financial health.

We believe that a healthy community leads to a happier and more prosperous society. Our dedication to offering services that promote well-being and our commitment to community engagement are all part of our vision to be an active, supportive member of the community.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As the Director of Corporate Development for Refresh IV Bar, I have been blessed with the opportunity to provide our community with essential services. Think back on all the times you have been sick. I bet people have told you to “drink lots of water”. This is exactly why we are here. We provide that hydration while you are sick but also before sickness to prevent any symptoms. On top of the hydration, we are able to provide the highest quality vitamins and minerals to aid in your recovery or health goals. I believe that what sets us apart is the environment. You no longer have to wait hours in a germ filled, chaotic, loud waiting room to see a nurse and get an IV. At Refresh, you are seated immediately in one of our heated, reclining, massage chairs, offered a drink and snack, warmed blanket, and have a large tv to watch right in front of you. I am proud to say that we are a pioneer of IV hydration in the Lansing/East Lansing/Haslett area. Now, how did we/I get here and was it easy? I graduated from Albion college with a major of economics and management while dual minoring in cell and molecular biology and psychological sciences. Additionally, I have certificates in Spanish and Osteoarcheology. This has helped me in my career path at Refresh IV Bar to market and announce who we are and what we do, but also understanding the nitty gritty of what our services can do for YOU.

How did Refresh get here? The owner decided that our community needed these services to support our health and wellness, so we did it! We worked with a medical director to create plans for our community that would best aid in their health goals. It has not always been easy. Refresh had to close our doors less than a month into being open because the nasty COVID bug hit one of our staff members. The amount of research and dedication that goes into providing such a high-quality service is quite intense, however, we would do it again in a heartbeat.

We have learned that collaboration is key to success. Working with our local physicians, med spas, and clients is what takes our company from good to great. For this reason, we want the community to know that we are here for YOU. We want to assist YOU in YOUR journey. Given the opportunity to learn your health history and aid in your journey to wellness is our passion and what drives our company to provide more and better services.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this question.

We would start with a stop at Refresh IV Bar for an infusion to boost our energy so that we could enjoy the week to the fullest. After Refresh, we would likely stop for some food at Panera in the Frandor mall area as it is only a couple minutes from Refresh IV Bar. Then we would hit the shops around the plaza. Following that, we would head home to drop off our goodies and make our way over to the Uncle Johns Cider Mill. We would head back home after a few hours of fun for some face masks, snacks, and movies. Through the week we would do several fun activities and hit several restaurants including ax throwing, mini cart races, mini golfing, walks in the park, the Pho restaurant in Okemos, and much more. As the week comes to an end, we would head back over to Refresh IV bar and get a recovery IV so that they are ready to go and feeling great after a long week of fun!

Refresh IV bar is a must when it comes to a week of fun.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are many people involved in the success of Refresh IV Bar. I’d like to start with the owner and Medical Director. These two brilliant people have allowed for our community to have access to hydration with added vitamins and minerals at the drop of a hat. They have focused their lives on helping those in need. Next, we would like to thank our nurses at Refresh IV Bar. Without their skills, bedside manner, and diligence, Refresh would not be where we are today. My parents have supported me through all new endeavors. My father is a marketing/business master, and my mother is a pharmacy wizard… helpful, right? Lastly, we’d like to thank our AMAZING clients. Without you coming in, referring your loved ones, and continuing to support our small local business, we truly could not keep the doors open. Thank you to everyone involved in Refresh IV Bar.

Website: www.refreshiv.bar

Instagram: refreshivbar_haslett

Facebook: Refresh IV Bar