Meet Dr. Ijeoma Igwe | Restorative Dentist & Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Ijeoma Igwe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Ijeoma, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was an associate dentist for several years before starting my own business. Although I’m grateful for the experience, guidance, and lessons learned during that time, I came to realize I wanted more control over how I practiced. My desire was to be in an environment that prioritized delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, nurtured my ambition, and gave me the space and opportunity to master my craft. As my passion for both the art and science of dentistry blossomed, I recognized the only chance I had to truly actualize my vision was to have full autonomy in the workplace. I made the choice to bet on myself.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m the CEO of Find Your Smile Aesthetics–a premier luxury dental practice in Los Angeles’ Miracle Mile. Our mission is to redefine the dental experience through excellent service, craftsmanship, and compassionate care. We understand the intimate connection our oral hygiene has with our cardiovascular, mental and, emotional health. Each day, we strive to provide high quality comprehensive care while partnering with our clients to achieve healthy, natural, and beautiful smiles. I’m very proud of the culture and environment my team and I have created: a vibe-filled and friendly, gorgeous space where our clients feel safe, seen, heard, and cared for. I’ve been blessed with the most amazing, creative, and supportive clients and I’m excited for our continued growth and elevation.

As glamorous as owning a business may appear, it does not come without significant sacrifice. It can be very difficult (especially in the early stages) to pour into my business, while simultaneously showing up for family and friends, eating healthy, getting in my “10,000 steps a day,” and prioritizing personal relationships. I recently had a conversation with an acquaintance that really expanded my perspective on what it means to achieve “balance.”
What I believe now, is that the more important goal is to discern what my current season requires from me and unapologetically focus on that. Right now, my life isn’t balanced…and that’s okay, because there will be a season for that.

When challenges come, it’s crucial that I remember my “why.” Gratitude, prayer, self-care, therapy, and surrounding myself with positive, like-minded people have been the keys to keeping me focused, recharged, and grounded.

It’s an honor to service my community through dentistry. Every smile I’ve had the opportunity to improve the health of, or enhance cosmetically carries a piece of my artistic expression with it–that brings me great joy!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would definitely get a Jamaican patty and a smoothie from Simply Wholesome as we headed to my house from the airport because, why not?

I’m a foodie so our itinerary would primarily consist of restaurant reservations, but each day would start with a workout. We’d get a few tennis sessions in at Centinela Park with Doris of the 40 Love Foundation and I’d lock in a few private training sessions with Hollywood Hino or Osamoje. We’d also take a LaGree class or two and for sure go on a hike at Runyon Canyon. I’m a stickler for a post workout refuel, so we’d definitely swing by Hilltop Coffee or Erewhon.

You’d likely catch us hanging out at LOST-DTLA or Soho House. Dinners would happen at Somerville, Her Thai, Cento, Granville, and Cobi’s in
Santa Monica — all of which have some of the best food, people, and cocktails in the city.

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?
I truly thank God because it’s a blessing that I get to do this. Every day, my clients choose me to partner with them in improving both their oral health and quality of life. I don’t take that for granted. I also have to shoutout my extraordinary family, friends, and mentors. With out them, I would not be where I am today.

Instagram: @dr.ijeomaigwe

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drigwedds

Image Credits
Ser Baffo
Terrell Mullin