In a world where societal expectations often dictate paths, Dr. Annie Mirza’s journey defies norms and embodies resilience. Originating from India, she faced a life-altering tragedy with her father’s death from Melanoma. Determined to honor his memory, she arrived in Chicago with scarce resources, navigating its winters with a hoodie from a goodwill store. Driven by a teenage promise on her wall, she transformed from an immigrant with minimal means into a trailblazing female surgeon, a rarity in her field.
This article delves into the remarkable narrative of Dr. Annie Mirza, exploring her journey from an immigrant in Chicago to a trailblazing female surgeon specializing in intricate dental surgeries. Join us in an exclusive interview where Dr. Mirza shares insights into her motivation for complex surgical procedures, the significance of goal-setting, and the evolving definition of success. Her story serves as an inspiration for those aiming to overcome obstacles, break societal norms, and carve unique paths to success.
In a world where dreams often collide with societal expectations, Dr. Annie Mirza’s story serves as a testament to the power of self-belief, perseverance, and the audacity to challenge the status quo. This is an exploration of a woman who dared to dream big, walked through the snow-covered streets of Chicago in pursuit of those dreams, and emerged as a symbol of triumph against all odds.
● Can you tell us about your journey from being an immigrant from India to running a successful dental practice in Chicago? What role did your father’s passing play in shaping your determination to succeed?
Growing up in the 90s, where traditions and gender roles were sharply defined, I, as an Indian girl, found myself navigating a patriarchal society. Men were encouraged to pursue their dreams fervently, while women were pushed to the realm of household duties, expected to fulfill roles as mothers, daughters, and wives. As I journeyed through the years, my family, with earnest sincerity, sought to secure my eternal happiness by adhering to societal standards and urged me to embark on the traditional path of marriage at the earliest opportunity, and they cautioned against venturing towards grand ambitions beyond my perceived capabilities. The world may have sought to categorize me, but I refused to be confined by labels. I knew that within me lay the power to shatter those constraints and rise above the norm. However, life had a different script written for me. My father was diagnosed with a rare form of Melanoma(cancer) with a mere six months to live. In that moment, my perspective on life shifted irrevocably. I learned the profound truth that life can change in an instant, and every minute, every second, becomes priceless. I vowed never to take a single moment or the people in my life for granted. In the face of such adversity, I discovered the power of perseverance – the ability to bear difficulties calmly and without complaints, to stand tall against all odds. I decided to focus on what lay before me, with unyielding determination. For two arduous years, my father fought in this relentless battle. Sadly, he ultimately succumbed to the grasp of cancer. His departure left an irreplaceable void. I vowed to honor his spirit by living a life defined by tenacity, unwavering determination, and boundless love. Today, I stand as a testament to the power of dreams and the resilience of the human spirit. As the girl from the 90s who defied conventions, I embark on each day with the audacity to reach for the stars and embrace life’s adventures with an unshakeable spirit.
● As one of the few female surgeons performing complex surgeries and procedures, what motivated you to get into this field? What sets you apart from others in your profession?
The driving force setting me apart and propelling me towards performing intricate surgeries and procedures as one of the city’s few female surgeons is my firm commitment to MASSIVE ACTION. I consider myself fortunate to belong to a profession where I hold the power to profoundly transform my patients’ lives, granting them the smile of their dreams, bolstering their confidence and self-esteem, and leaving an enduring impact. Witnessing the positive outcomes of my work proves exceptionally rewarding. So, you know how we all have dreams and goals? Yeah, those big, audacious ones that make our hearts race and our eyes sparkle! Well, “Massive Action” is the secret sauce to turning those dreams into reality! It’s not just about jotting down some fancy plans and calling it a day. We’re talking bold moves, decisive action, and a determination that could move mountains! You’ve got your eyes on the prize, and nothing’s going to stop you! But hey, buckle up, because this journey requires some serious commitment and discipline. It’s not for the faint of heart. It’s not about merely trying or attempting; it’s about making a relentless effort to overcome challenges and achieve the desired outcome. It’s a mindset that requires an ironclad belief in oneself and the vision, and a willingness to persevere even when faced with doubt or skepticism. So let’s seize those
opportunities, conquer those challenges, and tap into the incredible potential within us! This is the ride of a lifetime, and let’s make it count!
● Could you share some insights into the importance of goal setting and persistence in achieving your dream of becoming a dentist? How did you stay focused and motivated during challenging times?
Absolutely! Goal setting and persistence play pivotal roles in realizing my dream of becoming a dentist. Setting clear and specific goals is like charting a course for your dream. As a young 19-year-old, I boldly wrote “Dr. Annie Mirza, DDS” on my wall, a vision that guided me towards my ultimate aspiration. I would look at it everyday, multiple times a day. By defining these objectives, I had a clear destination in mind, which enabled me to take purposeful actions towards achieving them. The path to becoming a dentist was riddled with challenges. From humble beginnings in Chicago, I defied the odds. With a mere $2 daily allowance for public transportation, I instead chose to walk an hour each way through freezing temperatures and snow to volunteer at a local dentist office in a hoodie from the thrift store. My determination paid off as I saved enough to take the boards and I was accepted into one of the best dental schools in the country in San Francisco, California. Dreams do come true! During school, I worked as an Uber/Lyft driver to cover expenses, despite grave fear of navigating San Francisco’s steep, curvy streets. Additionally, I cultivated a strong support network, surrounding myself with mentors, friends, and fellow aspiring dentists. Their encouragement and belief in my abilities bolstered my confidence and ignited a fire within me to succeed. Above all, celebrating small wins along the way served as powerful reminders of progress and reaffirmed that I was on the right path. Each milestone, be it acceptance into dental school or making “Dr. Annie Mirza, DDS” a reality, added momentum to my pursuit.
So, hold your head high, stand tall in the face of adversity, and trust in your abilities. Believe in the boundless potential that resides within you, and let it guide you to greatness. Keep marching forward, and in the end, you will stand victorious, a living testament to the power of belief and perseverance.
● How do you define success? Has your definition evolved over time?
My definition of success has evolved quite a bit over time. In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, it is evident that many of us are constantly caught up in the pursuit of our dreams and aspirations. Whether it’s achieving career success, building meaningful relationships, acquiring material possessions, or fulfilling personal goals, the drive to accomplish our desires can consume our lives. The pursuit of dreams is a natural and often positive aspect of human ambition. It gives us direction, motivation, and a sense of purpose. However, the emphasis on constant productivity and accomplishment can also lead to an unhealthy obsession with chasing the wrong things. In this relentless pursuit, we may lose sight of the present moment, the people around us, neglect self-care, and sacrifice our well-being.
Ladies, It is essential to strike a balance between ambition and well-being. Taking time for self-reflection, mindfulness, and self-care can help in finding that equilibrium. Understanding that success and happiness are not solely defined by external achievements can lead to a more
content and fulfilling life. Ultimately, while it is essential to pursue our dreams, it is equally important to remember that our well-being, relationships, and personal growth are equally valuable aspects of a fulfilling life. We must find harmony between our aspirations and our overall happiness, making space for gratitude and happiness in the midst of our journey toward achieving our dreams. So, raise a toast to balancing ambition and well-being! Let’s savor every moment, enjoy the journey, and find our groove. We’re making it happen, one step at a time! Cheers to us!
![From Music to Perfume: How did your background as a music teacher influence your transition into perfumery, and how do you incorporate your musical sensibilities into creating fragrances? I’ve always thought in terms of metaphors, and music has many that can be related to perfumery! Beyond just thinking in terms of top, middle and base notes [soprano/alto/tenor in choir], I approach each fragrant idea as a composition. When documenting my ideas, song structures often come to mind. As the scent brief is visited, I meditate on what the fragrance should convey - do I want to create an accord or a “chord” of fragrance note combinations? Do I want an a capella soloist (a particular ingredient to stand out more than others?) Many of my thoughts regarding song composition transfers to my scent formulation process, with me treating each note as an intentional soliloquy at some point.
Brand Origin: What inspired you to start Pink MahogHany in 2005, and how has your vision for the brand evolved since its inception?
An avid lover of all things pleasantly scented (with slight modesty), looking back in retrospect, it’s no huge surprise that I’ve created an indie perfume house with just an idea to provide unique options for those who may be sensitive to unnecessary pungency. Initially, I just wanted to evaluate various blends to note their aroma profiles when “played” together…it wasn’t until I had friends and family asking if I knew of brands that catered to those who may be on the more olfactory sensitive side, that I really began to take my research more seriously. In the almost 20 years that Pink MahogHany has been in existence, our micro visions for the brand have evolved to larger territory. Where Pink MahogHany used to only be a personal brand, we are now also a bespoke formulation service provider to other indie brands seeking unique fragrance offerings for their products. These products range from (but are not limited to) perfumes, candles, body butters and lip balms. Ingredient Transparency: You emphasize transparency and the use of desirable ingredients in your products. How do you select your ingredients, and what challenges have you faced in maintaining this standard?
Being an indie brand often comes with a set of assumptions and misconceptions - one of them being more negative than positive as it relates to ingredients used. There is a lot of “fluff” in the industry with labeling falsification. Because fragrance formulas are a trade secret, not every molecular breakdown of a material has to be noted on the ingredient label (it would be incredibly long), but we at Pink MahogHany™️ adhere strongly to the IFRA [International Fragrance Regulatory Association] regulations that state for common and potential allergens to be listed on our ingredient label. We’ve taken this a step further to also include these ingredients listed on our website to promote further transparency, all while protecting our intellectual property. Unfortunately, we’ve had companies to unethically sell lesser expensive “dupes” of our artisan perfumes, so as a way to create a better authenticity stamp, we make it our duty to be honest about our claims. If our perfume says “Rose Bulgaria”, it is in fact just that and not a component of rose being passed off as the source material. Collaborations and Custom Scents: Can you share more about your work with private label clients? What excites you most about creating custom scent solutions for other indie brands? I could easily sum this up in one word and say “Funding.” True, there is money out there, but I’m always thinking outside the box. Having a program that has an “Each One Fund One” mentality doesn’t exist (that I’ve been made aware of). Bootstrapping can be quite the challenge, even when you’ve reached the 6-figure mark annually. Competition to be seen and set apart is extremely high, so having quality packaging and branding is a must. There are lots of factors to consider, though when desiring to make upgrades. If there were a unique, tier-geared funding operation available, it would help perfume brands offset packaging and bulk material costs in the beginning stages.
Industry Challenges: What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as an independent fragrance house, and how have you overcome them to grow your brand? As the brand continues on the path of organic growth, I would like to expand our reach into schools, offering perfumery as an arts elective for middle and high school. I’d love to partner with botanists, farmers and horticulturists directly to grow and source raw materials for the students to work with in the creation of tinctures. My passion is getting back to nature as best as possible, as nature was my first “scent experience” as a child. We would also love to witness our fragrance creations being used to scent model homes, our focus diffuser blends being used in automobile dealerships as well as partner with Air Bnb and boutique hotels that specialize in highlighting minority, indie brands. Personal Journey: How has your personal experience, particularly as a divorced mother and someone who has experienced the loss of a child, shaped your approach to life and your work in perfumery?
Because I homeschool my twin sons, we are together a lot more than most, so one thing we all do is have moments of sharing where a neutral “floor” is laid to converse about anything. Though they are quite communicative by nature, I realize that sometimes I can be in work mode so much that it spills over into what should be our quality time. My sons see the authentic me and learn how to communicate through seeing authenticity. I’ve learned not to feel as if I have to be the epitome of perfection but allow them to see my imperfections vulnerably but with discernment. Having had two traumatic experiences pretty close together has taught me how to truly slow down and enjoy the simplicities of life - igniting a spiritual aspect that I’ve always carried but never fully explored…until Kenji’s sudden passing (2018.) Grief has a way of catapulting us into a quest for more meaningfulness in both life and business. After Kenji’s passing and my processing through the initial stages of grief, I was able to incorporate our spiritual bond into Pink MahogHany by way of essential oil diffuser blends for both focus and sleep and most recently aromatic perfume elixirs. It’s been quite the process channeling the void of his physical presence, but I also have peace knowing he can be honored in a great way through scent. I noticed once I began to be more open and receptive to spiritual signs, synchs and “winks”, more ideas began to flow. It’s been this way since his transition. Emotional Expression: Fragrance is often tied to memories and emotions. How does your personal life influence the fragrances you create, and do you have a particular scent that holds special meaning to you? My creative process is much more alchemic now, and I include Kenji by talking out loud to him, believe it or not. I’m a firm believer that when our loved ones transition from the physical plane, they are still present - just in another form. I choose to keep his memory alive by not pretending he never existed (even if for a brief period of time). I am working (slowly) on a book and accompanying fragrance, but I know it will require me to revisit some memories I’m not quite ready for, so until then, his big brothers will launch their debut fragrance, The Peaceful Tiger (they chose the name.) I’ve learned that even in what we consider “small things”, our transitioned loved ones want to be recognized and acknowledged. When the twins and I designed their fragrance label (with a designer out of the country that didn’t know anything about me personally), we had issues with the graphic - so much so that the designer asked if they could rework the design. When they sent the proof for approval, the Tiger was not only younger but sleeping, with an uncanny, angelic resemblance to baby Kenji! Becoming more aware and being more sensitive to my intention for launching a fragrance has definitely made room for more divine situations like these to occur. Healing Through Scent: In what ways has creating fragrances been a form of healing or expression for you, especially after the loss of your son, Kenji Mwamba? I know my sons may not necessarily want to be perfumers, but they definitely have an entrepreneurial heart. My desire is that whatever they decide to pursue (acting, script-writing, music or architecture), they know that anything is possible with the right amount of determination, grit, belief and immersion. One reason I chose to homeschool is so they could enjoy learning without restraint and have ample time to devote to their own separate passions and it still be fun. They know Pink MahogHany is theirs if they want it (many, many years from now - lol), and we are already discussing business structures for whatever they choose their role to be once I retire. Work-Life Balance: How do you find balance between your professional responsibilities and personal well-being, and what self-care practices do you prioritize? I’m not just a perfumer; I’m also a consumer, and self-care is huge for me. I often take salt baths to reset my energy and clear my mind after being around large groups of people or free a long day. I’m a habitual perfume sampler, and I have so many to choose from to wear as my “nightcap.” Even if just for 10-15 minutes, I cherish each moment I’m able to have some “me-time.” When time and co-parenting schedules permit, I’m definitely on a flight somewhere to indulge in some delicious food and mouth-watering mocktails!](https://www.womenontopp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_3812-1200x720.jpeg)
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