Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Jessica Brereton Peterkin.

It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?

I’ve faced many obstacles, trials, and failures as equally as I have joys and victories. I’ve gotten where I am today by showing up everyday, by faith, giving my all to every effort in life as I fought, and continue to fight, to make my dreams my reality.

I have also had an incredible upbringing by a single mother who believed in me even more than I did myself; who pushed me even when I didn’t appreciate it; who encouraged me to go for all that I dream or aspire to be; but most importantly—who taught me about faith.

My faith in God coupled with my zeal is what brought me this far and that which will continue to lead me on.

I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?

It most certainly has not been easy. I’m not even fully there yet. But to get where I am today, I have had to overcome past childhood traumas, grief, mental health and even discrimination in my professional journey.

But mindset is everything, right? There was a time that I was stuck in “I can’t” and “not good enough”. I talked myself out of my own blessings and opportunities that my talent and brilliance afforded me. I got in my own way due to insecurities and fear of rejection, allowing myself to sabotage my own success at a young age by engaging in disruptive behaviors throughout school, even getting suspended from high school for mutual combat.

I soon realized, with the help of my aunt and mother, that I should not allow the troubles of my past to affect my future. I began to recognize my worth and changed my outlook on life.

Of course, there were still other challenges encountered as a woman of color in a field dominated by my male counterpart, but I persevered.

To me the battle of the mind has been one of the largest challenges to overcome. No matter what physical obstacles come my way, if I conquer them in my mind, that’s more than halfway to the victory.

Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?

I am Dr. JessB – “The motivational DMD”. I am a family dentist and owner of Breton Family Dental, PC, providing dental care services in Phoenix, Arizona for multi-generational families for a lifetime. I am also the founder and CEO of Ministry of Dentistry, Inc—a 501(c)(3) organization founded to increase access to dental care for Arizona’s marginalized populations.

I consider myself a category of one—therefore I do not have competition. I am the dentist of choice because I care and I empower my patients to make informed decisions regarding their oral health while providing exceptional dental services. I go above and beyond to ensure my patients feel at home and always welcomed.

In addition to this, I am a motivational and empowerment speaker for students and young professionals, with a heart for the dental community ( of course). I know how it feels to be “stuck” in your own head and self-limitations. I choose to be a beacon of hope for others who experience imposter syndrome, insecurities, and those intellectuals who do not yet realize their potential. I help them to discover their inner “unicorn” in pursuing their purpose in their respective careers authentically and unapologetically.

My typical audience consists of young pre-health professional students, recent graduates, dental students, and dental auxiliary professionals. This is my calling, so there isn’t any competition because I am walking in my purpose on purpose, therefore my gifts make room for me.

What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?

If you desire to find success in life — go for it. Don’t just dream it, be it. Only you can make your dream a reality.

Embrace all of who you are and all that you hope to be. Set goals and work one by one to attain them. Get a mentor. Be transparent. Get a counselor or therapist. Let them help you conquer any obstacles in the mind. Have a prayer life. It’s where you’ll find your sanity and divine purpose.

And lastly — mind your business. If you’re too focused on your journey, you don’t have time to keep up with the Joneses.

Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?

Success – it is when potential meets opportunity. And opportunity meets preparation.

If you have the potential to do great things, but the right opportunity comes along and you’re unprepared — that undermines your success.

As you wait for the right opportunity in your life’s journey, prepare. Success is bound to meet your destiny.

What’s next for you?

I have a desire to continue to inspire. The window of opportunity for me has opened as I seek to balance my rekindled interest in public- speaking and life as a clinician.

I am also working on book writing to provide myself a better platform wherein which to share my story of choosing victory over defeat.

Of course I plan to do this while enjoying balancing it all as a wife and mother. I desire to get back to exploring this life with my loved ones and making lasting memories.

Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more.

If you want to learn more, you may visit my website at www.drjessicabpeterkin.com. You can also follow me on social media outlets at DrJessB.