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What an odyssey I just had!

One of my goals for 2024 was to get a half-sleeve of body artwork on my right arm. I prefer to call it "body artwork" rather than "tattoo" because the term "tattoo" doesn’t fully capture the significance of this piece. The design photo-realistically depicts a passage from the Book of Isaiah, chapter 6, verses 1-8, and it reflects my personal commitment to live out my faith and fulfill the calling on my life. Additionally, I see it as a form of self-expression that is authentically mine, created outside the constraints of cultural, family, religious, and professional expectations. This decision represents my choice to be free, to live life on my own terms in alignment with my faith, and to take full ownership and responsibility for who I am and how I present myself to the world.

In addition, as an aesthetic dentist, I regard myself as a highly trained and technical artist, which deepens my appreciation for art and the skills of other artists. This body artwork is a way to embody that appreciation in a visual and aesthetic manner, honoring the talents that go into creating something truly meaningful.

Furthermore, this experience allowed me to walk in the shoes of my patients who undergo Smile Transformations with me. The journey of getting this body artwork was strikingly similar—a significant decision involving changes to the body. It required trust, human connection, investment of time, energy, and resources, and confronting fears, uncertainties, and self-doubt. Just like my patients, I had to overcome challenges and place my faith in the person and their processes. I went through a lot of “letting go.”

My commitment is to Transform the Experience of Dentistry. As I went through my body art experience I looked for ways to optimize and elevate the experience we offer both our local clients and those who travel to see us from other areas of the country.

I chose Andy Pho of Upside Tattoo in Austin, TX (link below) because he is exceptionally talented and is fully committed to his art and professional excellence. He is genuine, authentic and truly cares about each artist-client relationship and is able to produce stunning results. He has a spiritual connection to others and an ability to fully comprehend what his art and the experience of receiving it represents to them. These are all qualities I strive to possess. He is of Cambodian descent and has a moving life story including having spent years as a Buddhist monk. Elements of this heritage were evident in his other artwork, the studio space which he designed, the way the business is run and its culture.

Is having a healthier and more attractive smile one of your dreams?

Does saying “yes” to yourself feel uncomfortable or guilty?

Are you anxious about the process and fearful that your results won’t be what you expect?

Do you feel like you can’t make time for what matters to you?

Are you concerned about the financial investment required to restore your smile?

I see you, and I GET YOU!

Now, not only have I worked with patients and personally guided them with success and excellent results for 25 yrs, I have also personally experienced what they experience!

My body art journey began with a personal referral by someone I respect. It took evaluating Andy’s work by seeing his results. It took us having multiple conversations and meetings. It took an investment of time, energy and finances. Above all it took TRUST.

Growing in being able to trust can be very challenging for many people. TRUST requires a level of faith: acceptance of risk and a commitment without absolute certainty. One has to “give something up” to trust. Consider that without placing trust in others, we THINK that we are safer. However we are then trapped in a world of our version of “others can’t be trusted, I’m on my own” which is a lonely and scary place. This way of being makes life less vibrant and exciting. It may feel safer, but in general it will lessen the level of success and fulfillment one may get to experience due to missed relationships and opportunities.

How do I know? Because I am so glad I did it! I love my body art! I love the relationships I made getting it! And none of the challenges leading up to the result matter anymore! This is the same experience those who undergo Smile Transformation with me have!

Lets go on your smile transformation journey together! Call for a free consultation with me at (858) 876-9100!

With love and gratitude,

Dr Elona

Andy Pho's website: https://www.upside.tattoo/

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