Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting Dr Ayee-Marie McGrath, the smart, empowered and passionate co-owner of Knightsbridge Dental Care. Now, I love meeting successful women - especially those who keep their femininity intact and strive in a industry packed full of male ownership.
Ayee-Marie is knowledgeable about dentistry and is a big fan of all things beauty (I mean, just look at her!). For these reasons, I just had to interview her for this series. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our little chat...
What inspired you to work in the dental industry? And how did your career journey begin?
I knew from the age of 14 that I would like to be in the medical profession, either medicine or dentistry. I had always been fascinated with how the human body functions and heals, and biology classes sparked the curiosity further.
I left home at 14, so I had a tough start. I took a dental nursing job on the weekends, to earn some money while trying to further my studies, and this cemented my path into dentistry. I knew I wanted to study this at university and that it would provide me with the lifestyle that I wanted, I only had myself to rely on and worked my backside off to get the grades to go to medical school.
What is your career highlight?
What advice would you give to someone wanting to succeed in the dental industry?
The advice I would give any empowered lady wanting to launch her career is, 'believe fully in yourself! You CAN do it'. Don’t listen to anything anyone tells you, just believe in yourself and go forth - that tiny voice inside your soul is never wrong, so honour it.
When it comes to medicine and dentistry, it’s now so competitive with universities only taking the elite, that you have to work hard and get the grades. Also, get as much work experience in reputable hospitals and clinics as you can - this will give you the edge.
Who is the ultimate beauty icon?
What are your makeup bag essentials?
What is the biggest beauty crime a person can commit?
What is your top beauty tip?
I left home at 14, so I had a tough start. I took a dental nursing job on the weekends, to earn some money while trying to further my studies, and this cemented my path into dentistry. I knew I wanted to study this at university and that it would provide me with the lifestyle that I wanted, I only had myself to rely on and worked my backside off to get the grades to go to medical school.
What is your career highlight?
The day I got my A-levels results, enabling me to go and study at university. I will never forget every sensation, sight and sound of that day. It was like I won the golden ticket to visit the Chocolate Factory. The rest is history, I never looked back.
My second highlight would be that I was one of the only women to get a post graduate master’s degree in Dental Implantology and Surgery.
My second highlight would be that I was one of the only women to get a post graduate master’s degree in Dental Implantology and Surgery.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to succeed in the dental industry?
The advice I would give any empowered lady wanting to launch her career is, 'believe fully in yourself! You CAN do it'. Don’t listen to anything anyone tells you, just believe in yourself and go forth - that tiny voice inside your soul is never wrong, so honour it.
When it comes to medicine and dentistry, it’s now so competitive with universities only taking the elite, that you have to work hard and get the grades. Also, get as much work experience in reputable hospitals and clinics as you can - this will give you the edge.
Who is the ultimate beauty icon?
I have to be honest and say it's Jennifer Lopez in modern times. She is flawless and empowered, she is a great businesswoman, she always looks amazing and she keeps getting better with age!! Outdoing all of her younger contemporaries - I take my hat off to anyone who can sit in a selfie with Cara Delevingne and Rita Ora and steal the show.
What are your makeup bag essentials?
- Bobbi Brown Corrector!!! OMG miracle product!
- The Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Compact Foundation is so lovely. It gives a gorgeous glow, provides non-cakey coverage and you can keep topping up with it if you need to
- MAC Blusher in Peaches
- Lancôme Le Crayon Khôl Eyeliner - this is the best eyeliner I've tried, no other brown liner comes close
- I usually wear the L’Oreal Glam Shine gloss but I recently fell in love with No7 High Shine Lipgloss with SPF15. It is non-sticky, very moisturising and provides the right hint of colour
- My newest mascara find, the Maybelline Big Eyes Volume Express Mascara
- Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Bronzing Powder
Yellow teeth of course!!! Yellow, discoloured teeth are very ageing and there is no need for it in this day and age. The second biggest beauty crime is bad eyebrows!!!
What is your top beauty tip?
Keep your smile - your signature - in top condition; always schedule regular hygienist visits and ask for the amazing salt cleaning hygiene technique. High powered small salt particles are used to clean the tooth surfaces gently, removing all fine staining which leaves them sparkling white when you come to make that first impression!
