Alexa Anglin’s career began in health care, but her impact has grown far beyond the walls of a clinic. A 2011 graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, Anglin built a strong foundation in patient care before advancing her education at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where she earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in pediatrics from 2013 to 2015. Today, she is the founder of Roe Wellness, a clean, non-toxic skincare brand designed for babies, children, and mothers.
Anglin’s path to nursing started early. In high school, she knew she wanted a career centered on helping others. While she briefly considered becoming a physician, nursing offered a more direct path to patient connection. Her passion became personal when her younger sister was diagnosed with epilepsy at just two years old, an experience that ultimately led Anglin to pursue pediatrics.
Her time at the College of Nursing equipped her with essential knowledge, but it was hands-on clinical experience that truly shaped her confidence. Working directly with patients helped bridge the gap between theory and practice, preparing her to step into real-world health care with both skill and compassion.
After completing her education, Anglin worked as a pediatric nurse practitioner, where she discovered a preference for smaller, private practices over large hospital systems. In those settings, she found her love of watching her young patients grow, making personal connections, and building relationships with families visiting the practice.
While hospital work offered the opportunity to treat acute conditions, Anglin valued the continuity of care that came with pediatric practice. Whether providing medical treatment or simply being a supportive presence, she found meaning in making a lasting difference in patients’ lives.
As Anglin’s career progressed, so did her priorities. After a few years of practice, she began looking for ways to create more flexibility for her growing family. In 2017, she started exploring social media as a creative outlet. What began as a simple platform for sharing everyday life quickly evolved into something more.
Within months, her online presence gained momentum. She launched a blog and website, and as her audience grew, so did the opportunity to turn her platform into a source of income. By late 2018, Anglin made the difficult decision to step away from clinical practice and focus fully on building her brand and supporting her family.
The idea for Roe Wellness came during a deeply personal moment. After the birth of her second child, Anglin struggled to find skincare products that would work for his sensitive skin. The products she had previously trusted were no longer effective, and her search for better options revealed a larger problem.
Through conversations with her online community, she discovered that many parents were facing the same challenge, finding safe, gentle, and effective skincare products for their children. With her medical background and growing platform, Anglin recognized an opportunity to create something meaningful.
In 2019, she launched Roe Wellness.
Turning an idea into a product line required a new set of skills, but Anglin approached the challenge with the same dedication she had brought to nursing. Her nursing background proved invaluable, informing her approach to ingredient selection, safety standards, and overall product development.
Anglin’s journey from nurse practitioner to entrepreneur may seem like a departure from health care, but at its core, her mission remains the same: helping others. Her clinical experience developed here at the college continues to shape her work, allowing her to create products that families can trust.
Roe Wellness has grown steadily since its launch, fueled by a combination of personal experience, professional knowledge, and a strong connection with her community. Just earlier this month, Roe Wellness products hit the shelves of Target. What began as a solution for her own family has become a brand that supports countless others.
Anglin’s story is a reminder that a nursing degree can open doors far beyond traditional clinical roles. By blending health care expertise with creativity and entrepreneurship, she has built something entirely her own without losing sight of the values that first drew her to nursing.
Her journey reflects a broader shift in how health care professionals can apply their skills, demonstrating that care, innovation, and impact can take many different forms.
Contacts:
Kara Clark Cardwell ([email protected], 865-974-9498)
Lauren Bryant ([email protected], 865-974-8250)