Dr. Amira Ogunleye, the award-winning, premier cosmetic “Dentist to The Stars” is at the top of her industry. As Co-Owner of Beautiful Smiles in Miami, Florida, her celebrity clientele includes LeBron James, as well as Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union and countless others. ‘Dr. A” as she is affectionately known, knows what it takes to manifest your dreams. An Egyptian immigrant, at age 23, Dr. A was the youngest graduate ever from the illustrious Howard University School of Dentistry catapulting her into her chosen profession. Dr. Amira believes that there is no true success without helping others and she is committed to do so through her mentoring program, impAct with Dr. A. Dr. Amira is a perfect combination of beauty, brains, courage and commitment-FORMIDABLE at its best!
FWM: Dr. Amira, I’m so honored to interview you! Please introduce yourself to our readers.
Dr. AO: I am Dr. Amira Ogunleye. I am an award-winning cosmetic dentist, entrepreneur, and women’s empowerment advocate. I am co-owner of the dental powerhouse, Beautiful Smiles, located in Miami, Florida. I am a motivational speaker, a passionate mentor, and most proudly a wife and mom of two. I believe it is imperative to lift as we climb and create opportunities for upcoming generations.
FWM: What drew you to the field of cosmetic dentistry?
Dr. AO: When I was younger, I had very crooked teeth and was insecure about my smile. My insecurity led to a lack of self-esteem. After wearing braces, I had a healthy beautiful smile and my confidence was then sky high! When I became a dentist, I knew I wanted to have that same positive effect on others. It’s so much bigger than teeth, it’s about seeing the bigger picture. It’s about caring more, more detail, more time, more effort and an immense passion for changing the lives of others, one smile at a time.
FWM: Please tell us about the impAct with Dr. A Mentorship Program.
Dr. AO: impAct with Dr. A has been a dream deferred until now. So much of my daily life is fueled by positively impacting the lives of others. I want that impact to reach beyond my work as a cosmetic dentist and my mentorship program now allows me to do this. I select 10-15 aspiring or current dentists to mentor over a three-month period. We have 1:1 coaching sessions, establish a customized strategy to meet personal goals, and create actionable next steps. Aside from sharing my journey and experience to help others, I’m also working to create a network for all my participants. Each cohort member will become a part of an impAct with Dr. A alumni group to stay connected and use one another as resources. I don’t believe that success is solely defined by what one has been able to accomplish herself, but rather how she contributes to the collective, how others have been inspired to be great.
FWM: “Lift as you climb,” is one of your mottos, please expound on this for our readers.
Dr. AO: I’m of the belief that no one attains a certain level of success without the support and guidance of others. Our growth in this life is often because of those who have believed in, mentored, and lifted us. I know that I would not be where I am today without the contributions of others. It is our responsibility to not only benefit from the tutelage of others but graduate to becoming that person for those behind us. I know that a large part of my purpose on this earth is to remind people, women in particular, that it is not about where you come from, your obstacles or challenges; but about your goals, perseverance, and character. I am a female, an immigrant, and a woman of color. My life has not been without challenges or sacrifices, but I can now be the example for so many. It is most rewarding to inspire others to reach for their dreams.
FWM: How have you impacted women and your community?
Dr. AO: I’ve always believed that being transparent and candid with other women about my challenges and triumphs, as well as exposing them to my daily work is hugely important. Aside from informally (before the formal launch of my mentorship program) mentoring many young women for years, I also lead community-wide fundraisers and drives to provide oral care and oral health resources to my local community. It is also a regular practice for me to extend my services pro-bono for some patients that may have serious oral health issues or self-esteem issues due to their smile.
FWM: As a motivational speaker, you empower women to become more than theycan imagine. Where do you derive your inner strength?
Dr. AO: I know what it feels like to struggle. Difficult circumstances often leave people feeling hopeless and lacking the vision for future possibilities. However, when channeled properly, difficult circumstances can develop the most iconic and impactful individuals. Failure breeds success with the right perspective. Success is built on frustration, fatigue, falling down, and reaching for that inner strength we often don’t realize we have. Much of my strength is based on the reflection I hope to be for young girls all over the world who might look like me or may share my story. My inner strength is derived from the impact and motivation I want to be for the next generation.
FWM: What has been your greatest obstacle?
Dr. AO: My father, an Egyptian immigrant, came to this country with three children as a single parent. I didn’t meet my own mother until I was five years old, and she traveled as often as she could to see me. Not having a mother consistently in my life was difficult. My older sister took on the role of mother as best she could, but it was always something that hurt me inside. A feeling of rejection, a missing piece of my heart. I had to learn to let that hurt go and that was a huge obstacle.
FWM: As a wife and mother, how do you balance your career and family life?
Dr. AO: Balance? What’s that? Honestly, I don’t believe in balance. I believe you can have it all, just not all at the same time. I believe wholeheartedly that being a mother and wife is by far the most important job I have. I also love making a mark on my profession. There are times I must make sacrifices in my career and there are times I must sacrifice time with my family. I have learned to give myself grace. I have mom guilt at times, but I quickly remind myself that I’m allowed to love what I do in my career and be great at it. As our children get older, I believe this will inspire them, teach them to have passions, encourage them to work hard and achieve greatness. I give myself time to appreciate the blessings of my amazing family and I thank God for the ability to make a difference in the lives of others through my career. I’m learning to embrace and appreciate both of God’s blessings.
FWM: What is next for Dr. Amira?
Dr. AO: I want to continue to walk in my divine purpose. I recognize what a blessing it is to have identified my passion, my purpose, and my unique God-given gifts. I want to continue to change lives through my work, as well as inspire and impact others.
FWM: How can our readers connect with you outside of this interview?
Dr. AO: Learn more at www.doctoramira.com and follow me @DrAmiraOgunleye on all social media platforms.
Photos courtesy of Theo Smith and Darryl Campbell
