December 11 2019

Boss Lady Spotlight: Nikki Chin

At Armoire, we’re casting a spotlight on some of the notable, powerful boss ladies in our community, and what being a boss lady means to them. Read on to learn all about Armoire member, Nikki Chin.

Her Life:

Present:

First and foremost, I’m a mom. I’m also a dentist who owns my own private practice Mill Creek Dental. I live in Seattle and work in Mill Creek, a suburb just north of Seattle. I’m currently busy working full time and always trying to make time to be active with my children’s school and activities. My kids are twin girls, who are currently 5 and in kindergarten, and a son who is 3 and in preschool.

Future:

I see myself continuing to grow my business and mentoring other dentists, especially females who want to know how to juggle home and work life. As always, I’m hoping to be able to participate more with my kid’s school.

Her Career:

How she’s redefining women who work:

I want women to know that you can work and have a family. You don’t have to choose one over the other. Yes, sometimes I feel guilty that I have to balance the two. At times I feel like I’m not giving 100% at work or 100% at home, but working gives me balance in my home life.

Her biggest challenge:

Right now, my children are young, and there are times when I feel bad that I’m not there every single day to take them to school and pick them up. But they know that I work so that we can enjoy things in life like vacations, their schools, etc. I want to set an example for my kids, especially my daughters, that they can do whatever they set their mind to. I want them to know that I can be self sufficient, that I can run my own small business and be a leader.

Her secret to a work/life balance:

The saying “it take a village” to raise kids is so true! We are very fortunate to have grandparents and an au pair that help us with our kids. Our support system helps us for the day-to-day so that we can work hard, but also be able to come home and give our full attention to our kids.

What she wishes she knew 5 years ago:

I wish I knew that I could have my own business and not to be scared to leave a job as an employee, knowing that with determination and organization it could work out.

Her advice:

Don’t be scared to take a path that isn’t a direct line to your career. I took a gap year between undergrad and dental school, I worked as an administration assistant, traveled, enjoyed life, it was a good time to reset before diving back into education.

Her Style:

Why she uses Armoire:

I love the variety and selection of styles in my closet! It’s nice to have something new to wear to work and the weekends without having to spend as much money, especially on high end brands.