Nationwide — Two of Flint, Michigan’s most inspiring figures — celeb beauty dentist Dr. Catrise Austin and two-time Olympic gold medalist and undisputed world boxing champion Claressa Shields—come collectively for an unique Black Historical past Month particular on the Let’s Speak Smiles Podcast.
On this candid and empowering dialog, Shields opens up about her life’s journey—from overcoming adversity to creating historical past within the boxing world—whereas reflecting on the influence of confidence, success, and private transformation. The episode additionally highlights how Dr. Austin, a Flint native herself, expanded her profitable New York Metropolis dental follow again to her hometown to supply top-tier beauty and common dentistry companies to the Flint group.
Now, their full-circle second—from two younger ladies with massive desires in Flint to leaders of their respective fields—is captured on this highly effective episode, airing Tuesday, February eleventh.
Flint Roots: A Champion’s Story of Overcoming Adversity
Shields, now one of many biggest feminine athletes of all time, recollects her humble beginnings, robust childhood, and the obstacles she overcame to turn into a history-making boxer. Raised in a troublesome setting, Shields fought in opposition to doubt, stereotypes, and naysayers who advised her girls didn’t belong in boxing.
“Once I first began boxing, everyone advised me I’d by no means make any cash, I’d by no means combat on TV, and I’d be mind useless by 17. However my grandmother taught me, ‘You management your individual life.’” – Claressa Shields
At simply 17 years outdated, Shields proved all of them mistaken by changing into the primary lady to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing—a feat she completed once more at 21. At this time, she stands as a seven-time world champion throughout two weight divisions, with an undefeated skilled document.
A Knockout Smile for a Knockout Profession
Whereas Shields is greatest recognized for her dominance within the ring, she shares on the podcast how she struggled with self-confidence when it got here to her smile. Years of boxing had led to chipped, shifting enamel—one thing she had discovered to cover in images and interviews.
That modified in 2019, when Shields determined to put money into herself by trusting Dr. Austin to rework her smile.
“I nonetheless needed to appear to be me, simply higher. I didn’t need my enamel too massive or too little—I simply needed them straight and white,” Claressa feedback.
Now, as her profession continues to increase with endorsements, TV appearances, and public talking engagements, she not feels the necessity to cover any a part of herself.
She continues, “Now, I can take images, do interviews, and never fear about my angles. It’s only one much less factor to consider—I can simply be me.”
Bringing Smiles Again to Flint
Dr. Catrise is a nationally famend beauty dentist recognized for her celeb clientele, together with Cardi B, Wendy Williams, and high athletes and entertainers. After years of success in New York Metropolis, she determined to deliver her experience again residence to Flint, guaranteeing that residents in her group had entry to high-quality dental care.
She feedback, “Flint is the place I obtained my begin, and I all the time knew I needed to offer again to the town that formed me. Increasing VIP Smiles to Flint was about making assured, wholesome smiles accessible to everybody—not simply celebrities.”
Her VIP Smiles Dental Workplace in Flint makes a speciality of dental hygiene companies, enamel whitening, and porcelain veneers, serving to sufferers obtain wholesome, assured smiles in knowledgeable and welcoming setting.
A Black Historical past Month Celebration of Excellence
Dr. Catrice Austin and Claressa Shields signify Flint’s excellence and resilience—two girls who overcame limitations, shattered stereotypes and reached the highest of their industries.
The complete behind-the-scenes story of Claressa’s journey, her rise from Flint to world champion, and her transformation with Dr. Catrise was featured in an unique Black Historical past Month particular on the Let’s Speak Smiles Podcast, obtainable Tuesday, February 4th on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
To pay attention and/or subscribe to the podcast, go to LetsTalkSmilesPodcast.com
Watch This Particular Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1cP6oeRNOWc
