We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Carmen Blunt-Davis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Carmen below.

Alright, Carmen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?

When I decided to open my own practice, it wasn’t because it was safe. It wasn’t because I had every answer.

It was because I felt called.

For me, understanding my vision started with understanding my faith. I genuinely believe God gave me the vision for what I was supposed to build. Not just a dental office — but an experience rooted in excellence, peace, intention & hospitality.

And just as importantly, He didn’t just give the vision — He is sustaining me through it.

Because building requires more than strategy. It requires clarity.
And mental clarity has been one of the greatest gifts in this journey.

⸻

The Real Challenges No One Talks About

The hardest part wasn’t equipment.
It wasn’t the lease.
It wasn’t the financing.

It was the mental battle.

The internal questions:
• “What if this fails?”
• “Am I ready?”
• “Should I have waited?”

Entrepreneurship exposes every insecurity you didn’t know you had.

In the beginning, you are everything.

You are the doctor.
You are marketing.
You are HR.
You are payroll.
You are inventory.
You are the one turning off the lights at night.

You go from being clinically trained to suddenly leading people, managing cash flow, making payroll, casting vision, and solving problems in real time.

And that weight can either crush you — or mature you.

For me, faith was the stabilizer.

There are seasons where growth felt fast.
There are seasons where growth felt stretching.

In both, I leaned on God for clarity — not just for outcomes, but for wisdom.

And I don’t regret any of it.

Not the hard days.
Not the uncomfortable conversations & leadership lessons.
Not the moments I had to grow quickly.

I wouldn’t change anything.

Because every season refined me.

⸻

What I’d Tell a Young Professional Considering Ownership

First — get clear on your vision.
And if you are a person of faith, anchor it there. Ask: Is this ego? Or is this assignment?

Because ownership will test your motives.

Second — study business seriously.
Know your numbers. Understand overhead. Revenue vs profit.

Something I intentionally did for years before is started thinking like an owner while I was still an associate

Even when the final decisions didn’t rely on me, I paid attention to:
• Production numbers
• Overhead
• Scheduling efficiency
• Case acceptance
• Team dynamics
• Patient retention

I asked questions.
I observed systems.
I thought beyond the operatory.

Third — prepare financially, but don’t wait for perfect.
Clarity often comes while you’re moving.

Fourth — expect to wear every hat in the beginning.
That season teaches you humility and excellence. You will be able to train & coach your team effectively from this season. See everything works for your good. Just do the work.

Fifth — guard your mind.
Comparison, pressure, and pride are louder than you expect.
Mental clarity is everything.

And finally — if you feel called to build, build with intention. With God.

Because when the vision is God-given, He also provides the grace to sustain it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Founder, Smile Muse Spa

I’m Dr. Carmen Blunt Davis, founder of Smile Muse Spa — a boutique, spa-inspired dental practice built on the belief that clinical excellence and hospitality should coexist to help relieve dental anxiety.

My journey into dentistry is deeply personal. I once struggled with dental anxiety myself. Sitting in the chair didn’t always feel peaceful or empowering. It felt clinical and intimidating. My perspective changed when I underwent orthodontic treatment and experienced my own smile enhancement. I saw firsthand how aligning my smile didn’t just shift my teeth — it shifted my confidence, posture, and presence. That transformation changed how I viewed dentistry forever.

Today, I provide comprehensive dental care ranging from preventive and restorative services to cosmetic smile design, veneers, implants, clear aligners, and therapeutic and aesthetic facial treatments. But beyond procedures, I focus on solving a deeper issue: helping patients who feel anxious, unheard, or rushed in traditional settings rediscover confidence and trust in their care.

I approach dentistry as both a scientist and an artist. Precision matters. Aesthetics matter. But so does the emotional experience. Because I’ve sat in that chair with anxiety before, I am intentional about creating an environment rooted in peace and clarity. For me, luxury is not about extravagance — it’s about feeling calm, educated, and respected.

Ownership has stretched me in ways clinical training never could. It has required me to think strategically, lead courageously, and grow mentally and spiritually. My vision for Smile Muse Spa was birthed through prayer, and my faith continues to anchor me through every season of growth. I believe faith and stewardship go hand in hand — excellence requires both conviction and discipline.

What I am most proud of is building something aligned: aligned with my values, aligned with my family, and aligned with the kind of experience I once wished existed when I was a patient. Shoot even now I always say, I would love to be a patient here ! Haha.

Through my work, I want people to know that dentistry can feel different. That purpose and profitability can coexist. And that when you build with intention, you don’t just transform smiles — you elevate the entire experience.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

resilience is non-negotiable. Every practice owner will face unexpected challenges — financial strain, team turnover, difficult cases, growth seasons that stretch capacity. The ability to adapt without losing your vision is what sustains long-term success.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

Dentistry allows me to create — not just restorations, but environments. Not just treatment plans, but transformation. It has given me a platform to serve, to lead, and to build with intention.

So yes, I would choose it again.
And I would still bet on the version of me who believed she could build something different.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.smilemusespa.com
• Instagram: Drcarmend

Image Credits
Cyndi brown – @shotbycyndi