Today we’d like to introduce you to Kera Collier.
Kera, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Let’s see… I’m a proud product of Oak Cliff, here in Southern Dallas. I was that kid who was an overachiever – I set my sites on being a doctor of some kind early on. In high school, I decided I wanted to go into healthcare. At the urging of my dad, I spent some time with my dentist growing up, who is now my mentor – Dr. Donna Barefield. After shadowing her, I decided to pursue dentistry as a career. I received my undergraduate degree from Florida A&M and then my Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) from Baylor College of Dentistry (now Texas A&M College of Dentistry) in 2009.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Up until dental school, I’d say my journey was relatively smooth. Oh, but once I started at Baylor, whew! Every year presented some sort of challenge for me. The school has an awesome program, but it’s tough. You have to really, really love teeth in order to get through it. Lol! I participated in the graduation ceremony but did not actually receive my degree until later that summer because I had to go back and finish up requirements. Thankfully, I had professors there who were incredibly helpful, and my family/friends were so supportive.
After practicing as an associate for nearly 11 years in underserved areas, I finally opened the doors of my own office in February of this year! The evening before our grand opening, we had a Prayer Dedication of the office to God because I wanted every person who walks through those doors to feel His presence. It also gave me comfort in knowing that know matter the season. God will sustain this practice because it is His in the first place, and God never fails.
When COVID-19 hit a month after opening, and we had to shut down for two months, it definitely was a “blow.” Honestly, I questioned God about the timing of my opening. I couldn’t get much financial support because my business was so new. But God knew what was coming. Shortly after we re-opened, the “Support Black Businesses” movement really surged and with the support of Pastor Bryan Carter and my Concord Church family, along with my own family and friends, I am so thankful that our community has really shown up and supported not only my practice but so many other small businesses. I mean, it has been overwhelming, to say the least!
We’d love to hear more about your practice.
As a general dental practice, we do a little bit of everything here from cleanings, fillings, and dentures to more cosmetic treatments like Invisalign, crowns/bridges, and whitening.
The color “Indigo” means “service to humanity, conveying deep sincerity and integrity.” I am so proud that myself and my team make it our daily goal to live up to the meaning of “Indigo” every day that we step through the doors of the office. We understand that the dental office is not exactly many people’s favorite place to visit, so we go above and beyond to gain each of our patient’s trust. It just makes it easier for all of us to help them achieve not only their own dental goals but, more importantly, great oral health.
I am truly living my dream now. When I decided to become a dentist, I wanted to practice as close to home (Oak Cliff) as possible. I not only wanted to provide quality dental care to my community, but I also wanted to be for young people, what Dr. Barefield was for me – a model that you can be whatever you want to be, no matter your background. I know it sounds cliche’, but it’s so true.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Hmm… I can tell you that I would not change the date that we opened because I now know that the COVID-19 shutdown was supposed to be a part of the story of “Indigo,” and I hope that it inspires those with dreams to know that if their journey does not exactly go as planned, it doesn’t mean that those dreams cannot be realized. Take any setback as just that – a comma, not a period, and keep going.
But if I could start over, I would have taken a bit more time to learn more from my colleagues about the business side of owning an office. It’s a lot! Also, I would have taken more time to search out other avenues of financial assistance, like grants.
Pricing:
- $59 New Patient Special, which includes an Exam, X-rays, and Cleaning in not diagnosed with gum disease
- Free Take-Home Whitening Kit after Exam, X-Rays, and Cleaning for those with PPO insurance plans (while supplies last)
Contact Info:
- Address: Legacy Crossing
918 E Pleasant Run Rd, Ste 120
Cedar Hill, 75104 - Website: www.indigoDDS.com
- Phone: 9727790300
- Email: frontdesk@indigodds.com
- Instagram: @indigodds
- Facebook: @indigodds
- Other: youtube.com/channel/UCLHuiCJie322_Ed9aW22-kg
Image Credit:
Myself with Pastor Carter: Benjamin Bullock, IG @benbulljive
Myself in blue scrubs (arms crossed): Jasmyn Renee’ Photography, IG @jasmyn_renee
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