Hey! So nice to speak with you! Can you tell our readers a little bit more about yourself? Where are you originally from and where do you live now?

My name is Iramaia Yassim, and I’m proud to be the CEO and lead dentist at Mindfulness Dental, which is now entering its third year. My story began in Brazil, where I was born and raised, surrounded by a culture full of warmth and connection. Nineteen years ago, I took a leap of faith and moved to the United States in search of new opportunities and personal growth. Los Angeles quickly became my home, a place where I’ve been able to blend my passion for dentistry with my belief in holistic well-being. Mindfulness Dental was born from the idea that a dental visit should be more than just a treatment , it should be an experience where patients feel cared for not only physically, but also emotionally. Every day, I feel grateful to combine my professional skills with my love for creating a calm, welcoming environment that truly makes people smile inside and out.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now?

One of the things I love most about Los Angeles is its incredible diversity. It truly is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions. You can meet people from every corner of the world here, and that makes the city so rich in experiences. Beyond that, LA’s natural beauty never stops inspiring me. From its lush green spaces to the stunning beaches, each with their own unique charm, there’s always a place to reconnect with nature and recharge. It’s a city where you can feel both the vibrant energy of urban life and the peaceful calm of the ocean breeze.

Tell us a little bit more about what your company does and how it started? How does it help your customers?

Mindfulness Dental was born from my vision to create a dental practice that goes beyond just treating teeth it’s about caring for the whole person. When I founded the clinic nearly three years ago, I wanted to design a space where patients feel safe, heard, and truly cared for, from the moment they walk in. Our approach blends high-quality dentistry with a calm, mindful environment. We offer a full range of services, from preventive care, including routine cleanings and cavity fillings, helps maintain oral health and stop problems before they become serious. For those looking to enhance their smile, cosmetic treatments such as veneers can improve the appearance of teeth, while more advanced dental procedures like Invisalign treatments offer modern solutions for straightening and aligning teeth discreetly and effectively, but we do it with an emphasis on comfort and emotional well-being. The idea is simple: when people feel relaxed and respected, their experience is better and their treatment outcomes improve. I started Mindfulness Dental because I saw how fear and anxiety kept so many people from getting the care they needed. By combining modern dentistry with mindfulness principles: such as creating a serene atmosphere, taking the time to explain treatments, and listening deeply to our patients, we’re able to transform not only their smiles but also their relationship with dental care. In short, we don’t just help people have healthier teeth, we help them leave feeling lighter, calmer, and more confident in their smile.

If someone wants to start a business, what's advice that will help them?

If you’re thinking about starting a business, my biggest advice is to pause and ask yourself the right questions before you rush into action. This isn’t to slow you down, it’s to make sure every step you take moves you toward success. First, be honest about your financial situation and your support network. Do you have savings set aside? Are there people in your life who can guide you, connect you, or invest in you? Then, think about the structure of your business: will you build it from scratch, or will you buy something that’s already established? Starting fresh gives you freedom to shape every detail, but it will require more time and resources. Buying an existing business can give you a running start, but you need to weigh the strengths and weaknesses you’ll inherit. Next, get clear on the numbers. How much will you need to invest? Can you secure a loan with a strong business plan? Do you have a potential investor or partner you trust? Answering these questions early will save you from costly surprises later. The truth is, passion is the spark, but planning is the fuel. The more prepared you are before you begin, the stronger your foundation will be, and the more likely your dream will grow into something sustainable.

What was one feedback from a happy customer/client that you won’t forget about?

I’ve had many wonderful moments with my patients, but there’s one experience I will never forget. A patient came to me feeling deeply depressed, unmotivated, and with little hope. Before beginning her dental treatment, I guided her through alternate nostril breathing exercises with eucalyptus essential oil to help balance her feminine and masculine energies. I also shared with her the power of flower essences , how they help us develop inner virtues that strengthen our ability to heal and create positive changes naturally. After she completed a detailed questionnaire about her life, challenges, and the areas she wanted to improve, I prepared a personalized flower essence blend just for her. Two weeks later, she returned transformed. She radiated energy, told me her anxiety had improved significantly, and with a smile shared that she had found a job she’d been seeking for months. She even recorded a video testimonial, expressing how much these practices had impacted her life. That moment reminded me why I do what I do: healing is not just about the body , it’s about restoring balance, hope, and joy.

Where do you see your company in the future?

In the future, I see Mindfulness Dental growing into a recognized space where dentistry and holistic wellness come together seamlessly. Our vision is to expand our services while keeping the same calming, personalized experience our patients love , a place where people come not only for healthy smiles, but also for balance, relaxation, and overall well-being. I envision opening additional locations so we can bring our mindful approach to more communities, offering not just dental care, but also wellness education, breathing techniques, and natural therapies that support the whole person. Ultimately, I want Mindfulness Dental to be known as a pioneer in transforming the way people experience dentistry turning it into something they look forward to, rather than think about having a bad experience.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

One of the biggest misconceptions about dentistry is that it has to be stressful, painful, or purely clinical. Many people carry anxiety from past experiences, believing a dental visit will be uncomfortable or intimidating. At Mindfulness Dental, we’ve made it our mission to change that perception. We show our patients that dental care can be gentle, calming, and even enjoyable when approached with mindfulness and compassion. By blending modern dentistry with relaxation techniques, natural therapies, and a soothing environment, we help people feel safe, respected, and in control. The truth is taking care of your smile doesn’t have to be something you dread. It can be an experience of healing, balance, and self-care.

What has been one of your biggest struggle building your business and how did you deal with it?

One of my biggest challenges in building Mindfulness Dental has been finding the right team people who not only have the skills, but who also share the same values of compassion, mindfulness, and patient-centered care. Dentistry is not just about technical expertise; it’s about the energy you bring into the room and the way you make patients feel. Building that kind of team takes time, patience, and trust. Another challenge has been growing our patient base while staying true to our vision. In a city as big as Los Angeles, there’s a lot of competition, and it’s tempting to focus solely on numbers. But for me, quality has always been more important than quantity. I’ve dealt with this by focusing on creating an exceptional patient experience ,one that people want to tell their friends and family about. Word of mouth has been one of our strongest tools for growth, along with building genuine relationships in the community. Over time, these two areas the right team and patient growth began to support each other. When you have a team that’s aligned and passionate, patients feel it, and that’s what truly sustains a business.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

Absolutely, I have so many people to thank. First, my incredible team at Mindfulness Dental, who bring compassion, skill, and heart into everything they do. They are the reason our patients feel so cared for. I also want to give a special shoutout to our patients for trusting us with their smiles and for sharing their positive experiences with others. Their word-of-mouth support has been one of the biggest drivers of our growth. And finally, to my family and friends, who have been my cheerleaders from day one, and to the community here in Los Angeles for embracing our vision of dentistry with mindfulness and heart.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

Readers can learn more about us by visiting our website at www.mindfulnessdentalla.com where they can explore our services, philosophy, and patient resources. We are also active on Instagram @mindfulnessdental where we share tips for oral health, mindfulness practices, and a behind-the-scenes look at our clinic. For those in the Los Angeles area, we would love to welcome you in person at our Downtown location: 1514 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017 so you can experience firsthand how we blend modern dentistry with a mindful, calming approach.