Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Faraj Edher, Prosthodontist of Transcend Specialized Dentistry, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Transcend Dentistry is a specialized dental clinic in the heart of Vancouver, British Columbia, that creates smile makeovers and reconstructions for both local and global clientele. When it comes to our smile and, naturally, our confidence and quality of life, we believe in providing the highest care possible in a way that never compromises on quality. Those are the core tenants of Transcend. Going beyond what is seen as "acceptable" to achieve what is "exceptional."
As a specialty clinic, we focus on cosmetic, reconstructive, and implant dentistry, done in a way to ensure our patients' experience is uniquely tailored from the moment they call to book their appointment to when they leave our space smiling with a newfound sense of confidence. While my personal specialty lies in transforming smiles to make them more harmonious, aesthetically pleasing, and functionally healthy, we also offer an array of services from our various prosthodontic and periodontal specialists.
Transcend bridges the gap between art and science through its utilization of advanced digital dentistry technology, staying ahead of the curve, but what really sets Transcend apart is the attention to detail that you would want from someone crafting your smile transformation.
Tell us about yourself
Making a difference has always been my passion, and I'm incredibly lucky that I get to do that by creating beautiful smile makeovers and improving people's quality of life on a daily basis. It's really what drives my business and motivates my team and me every day.
I'm also passionate about innovation and technology, as well as teaching others. I've been fortunate to also get to teach others about new technologies available to us that can help improve the quality and efficacy of our work. So when I'm not treating patients in-clinic, you'll find me leading workshops locally and internationally or teaching at the Dental School at the University of British Columbia, where I get to teach some of the future talented dentists.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
At the start of the pandemic, I also felt the need in the dental community to have a space to collaborate and learn from one another remotely. That is why I founded the BC Dental Study Club, an exclusive and educational organization aimed at offering dentists across British Columbia a chance to meet and learn from one another both remotely online and in person at special events, where I also get to meet and work with some truly incredible people, and it's been more rewarding than I ever could have anticipated.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things as a business owner sometimes is taking a break. Making a difference is my driving force; it's what gets me out of bed every morning and keeps me grounded and focused on my vision every day. I really believe that with innovation, the sky is the limit. And so, taking a break or slowing down is usually something I'm not always the best at! But I truly believe as long as you are doing what you love, and surrounded by people who share that vision, then you're where you need to be.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The first piece of advice I'd give anyone out there looking to grow a new business today is to make sure you know why you're doing what you are doing. I truly believe the motivation and intention behind what we do make all the difference in how we do it and how successful we are. Creating a new business to fill a gap in society isn't enough; it needs to be a gap worth filling. Why is it significant to go down this path and provide people with this service or commodity? Asking yourself what difference you intend to make is a really important question in my books. It is all about providing value to our communities and our clients.
Next, I'd tell anyone out there working on something hard or new to remember why they are doing it. You aren't going to enjoy every part of what you do; no one does. What you need to enjoy and be passionate about is the bigger picture. So yes, there will be things you have to do that are tiring or difficult and may make you question why you're doing it, but remembering the bigger picture will always guide you.
Last, I'd just say to be you in the process. So many people are out there trying to be someone they aren't. There is only one you, and you have so many unique experiences that have brought you to where you are, and that is what will shine in your work and as you develop your business. The imposter syndrome will always be there to try to get the better of you, so be very clear about who you are and what you bring to the table from the start, and work with people you trust and who share in your vision to continue taking it to where it needs to go.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://transcenddentistry.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drfarajedher/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drfarajedher/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drfarajedher/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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