Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Walker.
Hi Heather, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I started working in the dental field in 1992. It was a job I found through the office-ed program at my high school in Richardson (a suburb of Dallas). I was drawn to the program because they promised starting pay was 5.00$ an hour and minimum wage at the time was 4.25$. I filed charts, sterilized instruments, and poured up impressions in dental stone. I am a smart girl and caught on quickly. Dr. Rowan trained me on the job to be his dental assistant and I soaked it all up. Fast forward and I did go to assistant school to learn more. I worked as an assistant for most of my adult life until last December. I had become a very skilled lead assistant and had developed the skills needed to help make patients feel comfortable facing a dental appointment, not everyone is good at that. But after 30 clinical years, I wanted to do something different. I had an epiphany in the summer of 2021. I did a price comparison of teeth whitening costs, average is 400-600$ for in-office whitening. Also, I realized an in-office teeth whitening treatment should not cost that much. This service is not covered by dental insurance. I looked into offering teeth whitening in a private boutique-style setting but from a dental professional. And that is what I do. I offer this service at an affordable price as well. Most people who come see me have wanted to get their teeth professionally whitened but do not have 500$ to spend on that service. I offer my service at 175.00$, that is a fraction of the average cost. Also, my space is calming, my clients do not have to hear dental drills and weird suction noises associated with a dental office. My clients can also trust in my dental knowledge. This was such a great decision!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Sometimes in life, you just have to take that jump and I jumped. I truly do not know what or where I thought my clients were going to come from. I guess I just thought they would find me. And they are starting too. Networking is so important. Luckily, I am not shy and I am a people person. Networking would be a real chore if I weren’t that way. It also takes hustle. It has been smoothed for the most part but I am still new and growing, so we will see what’s around the corner.
As you know, we’re big fans of Brite Smiles by Heather. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
I specialize in teeth whitening. I give my clients a personal and professional touch. The #2 fear among humans is dentistry and I make people feel comfortable. What sets me apart is my years of experience and my shining personality!
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
There is risk in most decisions we make on a daily basis. Risk is part of life. Of course, there are levels to risk taking, and can very a lot. Just starting this business in January was a risk. I do not regret my decision. I am ready for my business to grow and that would allow for more risk-taking.
Pricing:
- 175.00$
Contact Info:
- Website: smilesbyheather.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britesmilesbyheather/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BSbyheather
Image Credits
Britney Nicole Photography
