Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Cabello.
Hi Victoria, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
At the young age of 12, I learned the value of hard work. I would dedicate my summer weekends to help out at the family’s towing business in Laredo, Texas. I remember helping my uncles create certified letters for the impounded vehicles, answering phones, and attending to customers. At this age, the job wasn’t easy, but this is where I learned customer service and gained the entrepreneurial spirit I have today.
By 19, I followed my cousin’s footsteps into the dental field and became a dental assistant. As I watched my cousin grow and open her own dental practice, I decided I wanted to be more than an assistant. So when I received my acceptance letter to dental hygiene school, I was thrilled! Not only was I going to pave a better path for myself, but I was also ecstatic to leave Laredo.
After graduating in 2016, I moved to Austin for the professional opportunities that were present at the time and after 5 years of being a dental hygienist, I decided I wanted to own my own business. I needed more because I knew I was capable of doing more. So I opened my own teeth whitening business this past May.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. I have had my share of both personal and professional failures. My biggest setback was the fear of failing – the fear of not being good enough. Having been a victim (scratch that), victor of domestic violence, I struggled with self-value and self-worth. It took years of professional therapy to help bounce back from what I had experienced in that relationship. But through my personal experiences, I have learned resilience and bravery, which has helped me launch my new business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I established my own company called The Smile Lab, and I specialize in teeth whitening services. The Smile Lab is known for creating a friendly and relaxed experience to help you achieve your whitest and brightest smile – resulting in a more confident YOU! What sets The Smile Lab apart is that I am a Texas-registered dental hygienist with over ten years of experience and offer affordable pricing for teeth whitening.
I offer two types of services. The Pearl Smile which is designed for individuals for sensitive teeth and light staining and delivers gradual results. The Diamond Smile is designed for those who drink plenty of tea, coffee, red wine, or smoke and delivers more instant dramatic results.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory was when I took Intro to Economics at Texas A&M International University at 15. I remember my friend Connie and I were selected to join and we were the youngest in the class, surrounded by juniors and seniors. The end of the course project involved us creating our own businesses and presenting them to a panel of judges who were bankers from IBC. Going up against seniors who displayed elaborate 3D models of their businesses, I figured we didn’t stand a chance, but we gave it a shot.
Our idea was to create an internet cafe – where you can sip and work. (Keep in mind – Laredo had nothing like this at the time). When the judges announced the winners, Connie and I came in 1st place! We received a monetary award and I recall the small business association was very interested in turning our dream into a reality. Although I decided not to pursue becoming an entrepreneur at 15, I’m glad I took that course as a reminder that if I can accomplish something at such a young age – what can’t I do?
Pricing:
- The Pearl Smile $175
- The Diamond Smile $225
Contact Info:
- Email: thesmilelabatx@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesmilelabatx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesmilelabatx/
- Other: https://the-smile-lab-llc.square.site/
Image Credits
Faith Benitez
