In Her Shoes | Dr Komal Suri
Restorative and Implant Dentist | Director of The Orthodontic Specialist Clinic
What was the turning point that took your practice from good to exceptional?
As I progressed in my postgraduate education, I would come back to the UK and make changes to my protocols. I have a strong team who have been willing to progress with me and share the same philosophy of high standards. The change from good to exceptional was a gradual change, my work ethic has always been strong and I am still striving for improvement where I can.
How do you balance running a business with maintaining a sense of personal style?
I have help!! As you know my shoes are only from Cecilia Quinn, they are comfortable, stylish, individual. I’m very busy at work so whatever I wear needs to be practical and elegant – I have certain outfits designated for work which tick the boxes.
How would you describe your style, both in and out of work?
I think I am elegant – I wear clothes that suit my body shape, I am 5ft 11inches with broad shoulders so there are trends that may not suit me. I am a feminine woman and that is reflected in what I wear. At home I am more relaxed - in summer lots of dresses and in winter big baggy jumpers.
Do your shoes impact how you show up professionally?
100%, I once had a patient that told me she would always wonder which shoes I would be wearing when she came in. It's important to look professional, especially for patients that do not know me as well as my longer standing ones.
Have there been any major challenges you’ve had to overcome in your industry, especially as a woman?
In my day to day work, I have never felt at a disadvantage as a woman, and my knowledge and expertise quickly expunge any doubts my patients may have. However, 25 years ago the Dentistry post graduate lecture scene was dominated by men in my field. I remember being the youngest and one of the only women. Therefore, I wasn’t taken seriously due to my age or sex. I gave my first postgraduate lecture at the age of 27 years. I have kept my head down, worked hard so that I can go head-to-head with anyone in my field. Gladly things are changing and there are many women at the forefront of knowledge now.
What does a day in your life look like—clinic, meetings, home life?
Wake up, black coffee (brought to me in bed by my husband).
Then comes the mum morning routine: I have 3 children, breakfasts and lunches. I make a mixture of Greek yogurt, loads of different berries, mango and chia seeds on Sunday night with home-made sugar free Granola (This lasts the whole week)– everyone’s favourite.
I get to work between 8am and 8.30am and then I either have my clinical, admin, academy, teaching or business head on. Every day is different and packed. It can range from oral surgery to full mouth rehabs, to social media, to business planning to teaching. I have an amazing team behind me so I couldn’t get through the day without them. I love going to work!
Home at 5/6pm and then I’m mum again. Dinner – I like to cook but it is hard after a full day of work. Some days I cook, others its out for dinner and others it’s something I have batch cooked and put in the freezer. On Tuesday evening I teach and the other evenings I am usually catching up on things I didn’t finish in the day. Bedtime is between 10 and 11pm and then it starts all over again.
What do you think modern, professional women want from their wardrobe today?
We need comfort, elegance, style, ease and something that doesn’t spoil in the wash so it always looks good.
What do you look for when choosing a pair of shoes?
Stylish and comfortable. My style has changed, from high heels 10 years ago to more flats now but still stylish. I always get comments on my shoes
Do you have a favourite pair from Cecilia Quinn Shoes? What makes them special to you?
My wedding shoes, they are special for obvious reasons. I do have a favourite pair of boots which I bought winter 2024 – I’m planning on getting the black pair this winter.
