Cherry Fadi, a resident dental surgeon and founder of Smile City, blends medical expertise with an entrepreneurial spirit to provide patients with top-quality care and a premium experience.
Cherry Fadi is a graduate of the Faculty of Dentistry at UMF Carol Davila and a resident dentist specializing in dento-alveolar surgery, as well as the founder of Smile City, a passion project that blends his medical expertise with an entrepreneurial spirit.
C&B: If you had to describe yourself briefly, in a single sentence that sparks curiosity, what would you say about yourself?
Cherry: I am a resident dental surgeon who chose to build not just a clinic, but a place where modern medicine and professionalism meet empathy and responsibility toward patients—namely, Smile City.
C&B: If we asked your colleagues or collaborators how they would describe you, what do you think they would say?
Cherry: They would probably say that I am perseverant, detail-oriented, and solution-focused, but above all, a person who constantly learns and strives to create a professional environment based on respect and continuous growth. I try to live by these principles and instill them in my colleagues at the clinic so that we can deliver medical services at the highest standards for our patients.
Journey & Beginnings
C&B: How were you at the start of your career, and how do you feel you have changed until today?
Cherry: At the beginning, I was almost exclusively focused on the medical side and the desire to become the best clinician I could be. Today, alongside my role as a doctor, I have learned to also view things from a managerial perspective: organization, leadership, financial responsibility, and team coordination. Experience has taught me that medical expertise and the development of entrepreneurial skills must evolve together to provide the best environment for medical practice.
C&B: Looking back, what were the turning points that shaped your professional journey or business?
Cherry: The most important moment was deciding to open my own clinic immediately after finishing university. It was a bold step, full of unknowns, but it forced me to grow quickly—both professionally and personally. The first months were defining, as every challenge became a practical lesson in management and adaptation. I can say I learned the lesson of resilience firsthand, no anesthesia included, to keep the medical connotation 😊… Basically, like any entrepreneur starting out with ambitious goals but without concrete managerial experience, I faced difficulties and learned to handle them on the go. Yet these lessons were more valuable than any business course!
Challenges & Decisions
C&B: What has been the toughest challenge so far, and how did you overcome it?
Cherry: The biggest challenge was the lack of experience in running a clinic. You learn medicine at university, but entrepreneurship is learned in real life. I overcame this phase through extensive research, support from the right people, and, above all, perseverance. I understood that progress comes from consistency, not perfection.
C&B: What was the decision that most changed the direction of your career or business?
Cherry: The decision to invest from the very beginning in modern technology and a setting that allows patients to have a premium experience. I chose to establish high standards even though it required greater effort at the start. These decisions, however, were decisive in the clinic’s development and in the accelerated growth we enjoy today, even though we are a young business.
C&B: Has your style of leadership and decision-making formed naturally, or did you build it over time through experience?
Cherry: It has definitely developed over time. At first, I made decisions instinctively; today, I analyze the context, the people involved, and the long-term impact. Daily experience, mistakes, and successes have shaped a balanced leadership style based on communication and responsibility.
Present & Differentiators
C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments bring you the greatest joy?
Cherry: The day starts early, with many consultations and procedures, followed by coordinating the clinic’s activities and discussing with the team to optimize processes. The most satisfying moments are when I see real change in patients’ lives—when they leave smiling and with renewed confidence!
C&B: What do you think sets you apart from other professionals or businesses in your field?
Cherry: I believe the difference comes from a balanced approach between medical care and human connection. For me, each patient is treated individually, and the goal is not just the correct treatment, but a safe, transparent, and comfortable medical experience.
Values & Inspiration
C&B: Has there been a dream or desire that has kept you motivated, regardless of obstacles?
Cherry: Of course! The desire to build something of my own, something lasting, that provides patients with confidence and high-standard treatments. This goal motivated me even during challenging moments.
C&B: What values or principles guide you daily, and how do you keep them alive in your work?
Cherry: Professionalism, honesty, ethics, and respect for patients are fundamental to me. I try to keep them alive through every medical and managerial decision, as well as through the personal example I set for my team.
C&B: If you could share a single piece of advice with those who see you as a role model, what would it be?
Cherry: Don’t wait for the perfect moment to start. Growth happens when you have the courage to take the first step and the patience to continue, even when things are not easy.
Cherry’s journey shows that passion, perseverance, and the constant desire to grow can turn a dream into a successful business, while always valuing human connection and professionalism.
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