At the risk of confusing you by using Australian or  “Aussie”  slang, I want to say without a doubt, being a business owner is hard yakka, fair dinkum! What does that mean? By definition it means hard work and that’s the truth.  So why did I choose to take up the reigns and lean into this higher stress or higher energy existence when life was pretty comfortable as an employee dentist? Well, it’s simple. Firstly, I don’t wish to spend my life in the “someday” aisle, you know “someday I might…. hike Macchu Picchu, someday I might… own a practice of my own … the list goes on.  Secondly, if one has an inspired mission of service, the momentum and drive to achieve and fulfil a purpose overtakes the fear and stress associated with going into business. I’ll explain more in a moment.

When I was contacted as a nominee for YahooFinance! Top 20 women in business, my first reaction was to shy away and disclaim any credit I was offered. Why was that? Because here in Australia, although it’s improving somewhat, society tends to promote a “tall poppy syndrome” mentality. So if you take credit for your labours and seek acclaim, you are “up yourself” or are egotistical and selfish. This is when I spoke with one of my younger female patients who reminded me that I’m in a position to inspire other women to fulfil their dreams. It’s an opportunity to show them that being a woman, juggling being a wife, employer and Mother while studying and working to fulfill your life, is something you can do and to truly be proud of that fact.

So I took up the banner and said a big, fat ,”Yes!” to the nomination! It was a huge step for me personally. As a child and teenager, I broke my knee-cap while competing in high-jump, had my front tooth smashed by a hockey stick, had braces, headgear (handle-bars), Epilepsy and always felt like a bit of a freak really, let’s be honest. Not being able to smile or have beauty in my smile, affected me so much. I became determined to help others especially with care and education, fixing smiles. After I broke my leg and realised how important empathy is to a person receiving care for pain, I became inspired to be in the medical field. Hello Dentistry, my inspired mission! 

The orthodontist who treated me had rooms in a CBD high rise and it seemed so impressive to a little girl growing up in Hervey Bay. “Maybe, someday, I will have a practice like this”, went through my 10 year old mind. Through many years of clarifying my vision , taking note of things which impressed me growing up, studying hard and drawing opportunities into my life,  my business ideals came together. I’m by no means finished, there is much expanding to do but you see,  achievements and dreams are possible if you get out of the “someday” aisle and use the power of your inspired mission to harness your conviction! 

Best wishes,

Kristina

PS. I also did hike to Macchu Picchu btw) 🙂

Times are changing but the fact remains the number of women running a business is still lagging well behind that of men.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics women only make up a third of owner managers while less than 30% hold key managerial positions in a company.

Refresh Dental Spa owner Dr Kristina Cain who left the safety of being a paid employee seven years ago to start her own practice said she hopes she inspires others to take the plunge because women are natural leaders.

“A lot of the characteristics that make women good mothers translate to business and help them support and motivate their team,” Dr Cain said.

“We are nurturing, great at multi-tasking, empathetic and more inclined to think outside the box to find a solution to a problem,” she said.

“We also have an uncanny ability to build personal relationships and friendships which helps to open up many more doors and opportunities.”

“I was fortunate to have two amazing female bosses in my first professional job, which helped set the trajectory of my career.”

“They were inspirational because they were just two women with families working hard and running their own show which was quite unusual 21 years ago.”

“Some people think that women need to toughen up and be a bitch to be a boss, but nothing could be further from the truth.”

“Staff are at the coalface of a business and a good boss values those who are also invested in its success and in your vision for its future.”

“Running a business is hard work with challenges you can’t anticipate but with the right planning and support team behind you it is a journey well worth taking.”

Lessons learnt by a female boss

Be Brave: The belief in yourself and your abilities is key to your success, as while there will be plenty of highs there will also be challenging lows along the journey and you need to pick yourself up and move on.

Gather a support team: Finding the right people to guide you is essential particularly during the buying process. Use an accountant, solicitor and lender who you trust or has come personally recommended as they can stop you from making a costly mistake.

Have some capital: Have some money behind you before you take the plunge otherwise you are starting on the back foot with no safety net only debt.

Invest in training: Find yourself a business coach otherwise you are all alone and at risk of floundering, investing in someone who gets you and understands your end goal is invaluable. Also consider some management training, learn to use the Cloud or other accounting/business software.

Network: This is a skill that comes naturally to most women so use your circle of contacts to develop relationships that will help your business. If there’s an operator you admire reach out for advice, most are only too happy to help.

“Running a business is hands down the best self-development course you will ever take.”

“When I first started I had dreams of creating something beautiful and holistic for my clients, but quickly realised that doesn’t always pay.”

“By accepting feedback and constructive criticism I’ve learnt how develop a business model that covers the overheads whilst still creating the practice I’d dreamt of.”

“Women are now more prepared than ever to step out of their comfort zone so there’s never been a better time for them to take the leap and become their own boss.”

Dr Kristina Cain completed her studies at the University of Queensland and has over 20 years’ experience as a dental practitioner. She has worked in private practices around Australia and enjoys treating patients from all walks of life.

Why more women should take the leap to become the boss

Dr Kristina Cain is a woman on a mission – changing the world one smile at a time. 

One of Australia’s leading authorities on dental health, wellness and beauty, Kristina has dedicated her life to serving her patients, educating the community and offering her expertise to other dentists and healers. 

With 23 years’ experience in the dental industry, working in both government and private practice, Kristina knows what it takes to make someone smile – and it is not just the work done in the chair. She understands dental work is only one part of helping patients regain their confidence to smile again.

Kristina is a welcome resource of strength and advice for her colleagues and has built her Smilechix community of dentists, healers and patients around providing advice, guidance and mentorship.

If you are a dental professional seeking guidance, support or mentorship in your career path, Kristina can assist you with exploring options, setting goals, developing contacts and identifying resources that can help you on the path to success.

Reach out to her on her socials: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn.