We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Samiksha Jhunjhnuwala a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Samiksha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?

What I’m about to share isn’t just a single story- it’s a series of pivotal events that shaped my dental journey. After graduating from dental school in India, I had the privilege of interning with one of the most accomplished dentists in Mumbai. His guidance and encouragement led me to pursue further training abroad, and that’s how I found myself at UCLA. Initially, the plan was to refine my skills there and return to Mumbai to practice under his mentorship.

However, within just two months at UCLA, I met my second mentor- a truly inspiring individual whose passion and expertise in dentistry changed my perspective entirely. His encouragement motivated me to pursue licensure and build a career in the U.S. This decision wasn’t easy, as my parents were understandably upset about my desire to stay abroad. They gave me just one chance to apply to schools and I seized the opportunity. Ultimately, I returned to UCLA to earn my license.

While awaiting my interview results, I worked as an assistant with a dentist in Orange County, who not only guided me but also promised me my first job after graduation. True to his word, he gave me that opportunity and I started my career with his support.

Throughout this journey, I’ve been blessed with mentors, family and friends who believed in me and helped me navigate challenges. Most importantly, I am grateful to God, without whom none of this would have been possible.

There’s so much more I could share about how these experiences shaped me and how I’ve started pursuing my passion beyond dentistry. But that’s a story for another time. For now, this is just one side of my professional journey, and I’m excited to keep striving for more and see what lies ahead.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

First and foremost, I’m a mom, a wife and a homemaker- and those roles shape everything I do. I’m also a part-time dentist and a content creator, juggling my passion for lifestyle inspiration with a career in healthcare.

As a lifestyle influencer, my goal is to connect with my audience on a deeper, authentic level.
I’m not afraid to show the messy, imperfect moments that come with this lifestyle because I believe that’s what truly resonates with people.
If there’s one thing I want people to take away from my work, it’s that it’s okay to embrace all sides of yourself and create a life you truly love.

For anyone new to my page, I’d love for you to join this journey. Whether it’s through my dental content or my lifestyle content, my mission is to inspire, support and remind you that you’re not alone in this journey.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

First and foremost it is important to have a clear and compelling vision. Knowing what you want to achieve provides direction and purpose, which fuels motivation and resilience. Additionally, cultivating a strong work ethic is crucial. Consistency, discipline and the willingness to put in the effort, even during challenging times, often separate successful individuals from the rest.

Another key aspect is adaptability. The ability to learn from mistakes, adjust to changing circumstances and embrace new opportunities can make a substantial difference in achieving success. Surrounding yourself with the right people- mentors, supportive peers and a strong network also plays an essential role. They can offer guidance, encouragement and resources that might not be accessible otherwise.

Lastly, maintaining a positive mindset and mental well-being is vital. Confidence, self-belief and emotional resilience help you stay focused and overcome obstacles.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Deciding to pursue my dental license in the U.S. was one of the most challenging decisions I’ve made. It meant preparing for two demanding entrance exams, investing heavily in application fees and facing the uncertainty of acceptance. To add to the challenge, my parents gave me just one chance to succeed.

The pressure was immense, but instead of letting it overwhelm me, I used it as motivation. I immersed myself in rigorous preparation, spending long days in the library and nights practicing in the lab. There were moments of self-doubt, but I kept reminding myself of my goal.

The hard work paid off. I received acceptance letters from almost every school I applied to, a moment that validated all the sacrifices I had made. This journey taught me that resilience isn’t just about persistence- it’s about believing in yourself when the odds feel stacked against you.

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