Today we’d like to introduce you to Gloria Helena Giraldo.
Hi Gloria Helena, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2008, I successfully completed my dental education and proudly graduated from the esteemed University of Illinois at Chicago. Afterwards, I moved to Houston, Texas, and I am truly honored to call it home. I was born in Bogata, Colombia, and after participating in countless provocative conversations, I made the bold choice to pursue admission to dental school in the United States. With great enthusiasm, my spouse and I embarked on our immigration journey upon receiving acceptance. I knew that studying abroad would be a demanding and time-consuming endeavor, but I was determined to seek a deeper sense of fulfillment and provide for my future family.
I founded Smile Sonrisa Dental almost fifteen years ago alongside my husband, starting with just three employees, the perfect number to assist one doctor. Today, I am grateful to be the owner of a flourishing company, leading a dedicated team of forty-five professionals, including ten highly skilled doctors. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our impressive collection of over 1,770 positive reviews on Google. Our state-of-the-art facility offers a modern experience with 8000 square feet, 19 opporatories, four lobby areas, and the latest technology. Our enterprise has experienced tremendous growth over the last 15 years, thanks to the vast space and our tremendous team. Our providers are deeply committed to providing exceptional care for our patients and take great pride in the way their professionalism is recognized.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I feel incredibly fortunate to have built a thriving business and, in the process, have been able to support and invest in other organizations. But it’s important to acknowledge that these achievements have required significant sacrifices along the way. For many years, I operated on only four hours of sleep. It was a routine that I believed was essential for me to juggle my studies and work responsibilities while keeping up with my financial obligations. At one point, I wholeheartedly supported both my husband and myself while he was in grad school. Even though I was proficient in reading and speaking English, a significant portion of my study time was consumed by the arduous task of translation. Being a female immigrant was the most challenging but being a wife was just as much as an obstacle with trying to manage domestic responsibilities. Experience the transformative power of embracing struggles. Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade a single moment of my journey. It is through these trials that I have blossomed into the strong, confident woman, devoted wife, and nurturing mother that I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
As a female immigrant proprietor, my focus was on building strong connections with patients and inspiring others. By dedicating myself to serving the community, I experienced a deep sense of fulfillment. I strived to constantly expand my knowledge and skills, with the goal of enhancing the overall quality of life through proactive measures and educational initiatives. I was driven by a strong desire to revolutionize society by offering comprehensive dental care services in a single location. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in the dental field, I have honed my expertise as Chief Clinical Director. My focus lies in pediatric education, prevention, laser therapy, and orthotics. We are incredibly grateful for the support and loyalty of the Spring branch community over the past fifteen years. Their unwavering dedication has allowed our office to flourish and offer an expanded range of services. We are dedicated to serving our patients and the community by delivering exceptional care and staying at the forefront of technological advancements. We unite when someone is in a time of need and consistently collaborate for the betterment of all. We have proudly sponsored numerous schools in the spring branch area, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to our community. In our 15 years of business, we have had the privilege of serving over 40,000 patients.
When you visit Smile Sonrisa Dental & Orthodontics, you can expect nothing less than the finest dental treatment in Houston. Everyone from our orthodontists to our dentists is a member of prestigious organizations: the American Dental Association, the Hispanic Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Texas Dental Association. Joining the Better Business Bureau in 2015 was a huge step in the right direction; since then, we’ve worked hard to earn and keep the Award of Excellence. Our company has also just become a member of the West Houston Business Association.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Unlock the full potential of your intellectual capacity by harnessing the power of passion, dedication, and love. These essential ingredients will pave the way for success in every step of your journey, every single day of your life. Get ready to embrace the inevitable highs and lows that life throws your way. Remember, it’s not about avoiding them, but rather how you choose to navigate and evolve from each experience that truly matters.
Pricing:
- Smile Sonrisa Discount Plan – $160 for adults & $145 for children
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.smilesonrisa.com/
- Instagram: @smilesonrisadental
- Facebook: Smile Sonrisa Dental & Orthodontics
Image Credits
Henry Paul Nicolas
