How We Got Here
Our Story
A Space Where Science Meets Art & Wellness
At R&N Wellness Lounge, we believe beauty is more than skin deep—it’s a harmonious blend of medical knowledge, artistic expression, and compassionate care. Founded by Nicole LaRochelle, a former emergency nurse with over a decade of clinical experience, our lounge in Bangor, Maine, was born from a desire to create a space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and celebrated.
Nicole’s approach to aesthetics is rooted in a balance of science and artistry. With years of experience in critical care and a natural eye for detail, she combines medical expertise with creative expression to enhance your natural beauty with precision and grace.
Nicole | Founder, CEO, Owner
Her career in emergency medicine built the foundation for Nicole’s deep understanding of anatomy, patient care, and aesthetics. She now dedicates herself to helping others feel beautiful and confident, using her signature blend of medical skill and artistic touch.
Tammy Hey, FNP-C | Medical Director
Tammy Hey, FNP-C, the RN Wellness Medical Director, brings a passion for skincare and a sharp focus on outcomes informed by her decades of medical expertise. She has worked in the Medical Field in various roles since 1994. After years as a Nurse Practitioner, she followed her calling to specialize in skin health and advanced aesthetic treatments. Tammy is certified in medical aesthetic injectables, with her initial training done in Hollywood through AAAMS in 2019. A passionate lifelong learner, she has undergone more advanced training since with Empire Medical and RajaniMD Aesthetic Training Center to bring cutting-edge results to Maine.
The Art
Nicole’s journey through art is a testament to the power of creativity as a form of solace and expression. Though life initially diverted her path away from her artistic inclinations, the diagnosis of her daughter with Type 1 diabetes became a catalyst for Nicole to rediscover her passion for painting.
In the midst of navigating the challenges of her daughter’s condition, Nicole found refuge in her brushes and canvas. Through acrylics, she found a medium to channel her emotions, offering her a sanctuary where worries could dissipate amidst strokes of color and form.
Central to Nicole’s artistic revival was her dear friend Teddi-Jann, whose unwavering support and shared love for art nurtured Nicole’s burgeoning talent. Together, they embarked on art outings and attended events, fostering an environment where Nicole’s creativity could flourish.
Today, Nicole’s artwork adorns the lounge, each piece a reflection of her journey, from the tumultuous times of coping with her daughter’s illness to the moments of serenity and beauty she discovered through her craft.
Through her cloudscape creations, she invites others to share in the tranquility she finds above the turmoil of life, offering a glimpse of hope and beauty in the midst of adversity.
How she started the Business:
Nicole’s journey in Emergency Medicine is a testament to her unwavering dedication to her patients and her profession. With a passion for the fast-paced environment and the challenge it posed, Nicole dedicated two decades of her life to serving others in the emergency room.
Throughout her career, Nicole embodied the essence of nursing – bringing hope and a smile to patients even on their darkest days. However, the unprecedented challenges brought forth by the pandemic reshaped the landscape of healthcare and the politics surrounding it.
As the pandemic took its toll on both patients and healthcare workers alike, Nicole found herself grappling with an emptiness that words could scarcely describe. The weight of the years of relentless dedication coupled with the strain of navigating through the pandemic left her feeling depleted, as if the term “broken” fell short in capturing the depth of her emotions.
After twenty years of tireless service, Nicole made the difficult decision to retire from Emergency Medicine in the spring of 2022. It was a decision borne out of a need for self-care and reflection, recognizing the toll that the profession had taken on her both physically and emotionally.
Though she may have hung up her stethoscope, Nicole’s legacy in Emergency Medicine continues to resonate through the countless lives she touched and the compassion she brought to her work. While her journey in the emergency room may have come to a close, her spirit of dedication and service will undoubtedly endure, inspiring others in the field for years to come. Her decision to hang up her stethoscope serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of self-care and resilience in the face of relentless challenges.
The path to the founding of R&N
Nicole’s journey took an unexpected turn as she embarked on a new chapter outside the confines of the emergency room. What was meant to be a summer of healing turned into a profound experience of compassion and companionship.
Responding to the desperate call of a client in need of in-home nursing care, Nicole found herself drawn to a new role as a steadfast advocate and caregiver. With unwavering dedication, she committed herself to providing comfort and support to her client, who was facing a terminal illness.
Over the course of nearly two years, Nicole formed a deep bond with her client and their family, transcending the traditional boundaries of nurse and patient. Their relationship evolved beyond the confines of medical care, blossoming into a profound friendship built on trust, empathy, and shared experiences.
In February 2024, faced with the difficult decision of continuing in the role of private duty nursing, Nicole made a choice that reflected the depth of their connection. Recognizing the importance of their friendship, she chose to step back from her nursing duties, prioritizing their emotional well-being over the clinical aspects of care.
Nicole’s decision spoke volumes about her character and values, encapsulating the essence of true compassion and human connection. In her own words, she articulated the profound truth that sometimes, the need for a friend outweighs the need for a nurse.
As Nicole and her client embarked on this new phase of their relationship, their bond served as a testament to the transformative power of empathy, kindness, and genuine companionship in the face of adversity. Through their journey together, Nicole continued to exemplify the essence of nursing – not merely as a profession, but as a deeply human experience rooted in compassion.
Tammy earned her Angel Wings July 30, 2024
Nicole’s journey into entrepreneurship was not a solitary one. As she laid the foundation for R&N Wellness Lounge, she found unwavering support from an unexpected source-her loyal client turned friend.
Throughout the process of building her business, Nicole’s patient offered encouragement, bouncing off ideas, and lending a compassionate ear to the challenges of entrepreneurship. Their bond deepened as they navigated the intricacies of launching a new venture together.
In a gesture of generosity and solidarity, Nicole’s client went above and beyond, using her skills and only her eyes through a communication device to develop the first website for R&N Wellness Lounge and providing the initial merchandise through her Etsy shop. It was a demonstration of friendship and support.
RIP Tammy
May I continue to grow my wings and become a strong butterfly. I will alway respect, cherish and love you for all of your support and love through this journey. I hope you will smile down on me and check in often ( maybe even throw in a good word for the business)
Forever Remembered , You are Unique, Rare & Beautiful like a Pearl
