What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is interviewing customers and hearing their success stories. They are so passionate about what they do, and they care about their patients. What really surprised me is how these Dentists and Hygienists are truly pillars of their community. They are involved in seeing their community prosper in many ways other than just in the Dental field. I interviewed a Doctor out of Southern California and she opened a practice in her hometown. She had a unique relationship with her patients because they were all people she grew up with. She said to me, “I’m a product of this community, I feel a sense of loyalty to see it prosper”. This is one of the many stories I have had the privilege to write.  I love being able to spotlight our customers. 

What obstacles have you overcome in your career?

I’m still early on in my career but one thing I needed to overcome was trying to change to fit into a specific role. This might seem simple, but the best advice I have received is to always act and be yourself. This goes for job interviews, in relationships, at work meetings. If you try and be someone you are not, it could come back to hurt you down the road. If you don’t get the job, it means that you weren’t a good fit. If the relationship didn’t work, it means you weren’t compatible. These are things better to figure out at the beginning. Be yourself from the start and it might take longer to find the “perfect” setting, but it will be worth it and right when you do. 

What do you do to turn around a bad day?

Focus on gratitude. It’s cliché, but it’s so easy to lose sight of everything you have and focus on the few things that are going wrong in that moment or day. I force myself to list all the things that I am grateful for and that usually brings me back down to earth. 

What is your guilty pleasure?

I’m not sure if this is “guilty” but I love going to movies at the movie theater. It’s a lost art these days with everyone streaming movies at home. I love the whole experience of getting ready to go out, getting popcorn, and being in a theater.

What is your favorite Indoor/Outdoor Activity?

My favorite activity, in general, is attending Minnesota Vikings Football games. SKOL!

What famous person living or dead would you like to have lunch with and what would you ask them?

I love this question and it’s so hard! I’m a huge history nerd, so I’m going to choose Abraham Lincoln. I would ask him about leadership and how he worked to unite a country in such a crisis.

What is your dream vacation?

I’m a city girl! My dream vacation is anywhere I can wear a cute outfit and walk around the streets surrounded by people. Start the morning with espresso and people watching, followed by museum tours and boutique shopping, ending with good food and drinks. I just love exploring new cities. 

What movie always makes you laugh?

My Best Friend’s Wedding. The scene where they are in the restaurant and they all start singing “I say a little prayer for you” makes me laugh every time. Plus, I have always had a girl crush on Julia Roberts and Cameron Diaz. Great duo.

What is the best gift you ever received?

A few years after my Grandma died, my Grandpa was cleaning out some of her things. He found a small pin with a note attached to it addressed to me. She must have written it a few months before she died. It is my most treasured possession. 

How do you take your coffee?

A few splashes of almond creamer and two Truvia packets.

Do you have a secret sauce?

Being empathetic when working with others.

What scares you the most?

Regret scares me. It’s an essential emotion to being human, but it’s scary to think we can wake up one day and realize we haven’t been true to our authentic selves. 

On a lighter note, I’m also terrified of mice and tornadoes!

Share something about you that someone would never guess?

I’m a 50/50 mix of introvert and extrovert.

What has impacted your life most recently?

I’ve lived in Downtown Minneapolis for seven years. I love this city, the people, the community, and the sports teams. In the wake of the civil unrest over the past few weeks, we are all coming to grips with how to move forward. It’s a scary time, but a time where everyone needs to be heard. We are all different—different opinions, different backgrounds, and different visions on how to start healing. But we are also the same. We all want to build a place that grants everyone the opportunity to seek happiness and prosperity. That is what gives me hope in times like these. We are more alike than we are different.