I am proud to bring you a new edition of MOMS I HEART: highlighting the inspiring moms in my life.
For this edition, I am joined by Arti Jagirdar: founder of Flatiron Dental. At Flatiron Dental, Dr. Jagirdar blends modern technology with a holistic approach to oral health, tailoring treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs. Her goal? To make going to the dentist a comfortable, even enjoyable experience! Since 2011, Dr. Jagirdar has been practicing dentistry in New York City, and in 2024, she founded Flatiron Dental, a modern boutique dental practice located at 17 West 24th Street, New York, NY.
Beyond dentistry, she’s passionate about giving back and supports organizations like Room to Grow, which provides essential support to families with young children in need. She’s also been featured in Authority Magazine’s Women in Wellness series and has shared insights on building a patient-centered practice on The Dental Marketer podcast.
Arti is a gem of a friend, a dedicated entrepreneur, a loving mother, and an inspiration in my everyday life. Take a moment to reflect with Arti and read our conversation below. I am so grateful for her wisdom.
MOMS I HEART
ARTI JAGIRDAR
FOUNDER OF FLATIRON DENTAL
WHO OR WHAT MADE YOU A MOM?
My own mom showed me how to make a home, think about food, embrace the devotion to family purely and deeply. Her love was an epiphany when I had my daughter, a sentiment I know many mothers share. Veda and Bodhi made me a mom in the most physical sense, however, my maternal soul was passed down through generations.
A RECENT BIG LITTLE MOMENT…
I recently finished breast cancer treatments, the final step was 25 rounds of radiation. Every morning I would leave at 7am and the kids would excitedly rush into the hallway to push the elevator button for me and cling to me with hugs and kisses. They’d blow kisses as I stepped into the elevator and tap tap the closing doors with “I love you”s. We’d keep going until we couldn’t hear each other anymore, several floors later. My sweethearts!
DAILY RITUAL?
I meditate everyday. I find that working on remaining present, grounding my nervous system, and quieting my thinking mind - helps every other aspect of my life. I’m still finding solid footing after cancer treatments, but one thing remains clear, meditation helps.
THE ADVICE YOU DIDN’T TAKE
I’m very type A. I have color coded spreadsheets for the most mundane tasks. So when I was pregnant, I went into planning and information gathering overdrive. I realized fairly quickly after having my daughter that there are no hard and fast rules. I aim to honor my kids for who they are, make life look the way our family wants it to look, and lead with love. I look for sage advice and keep what resonates.
THE ADVICE YOU NOW GIVE
Give yourself grace. We deserve the kindness we extend to others and aren’t we all just trying the best we can? I feel fortunate to have reliable basic needs met and that my kids are healthy. The rest is the icing on the cake. Let’s go easy on ourselves as moms.
YOUR WISH FOR EVERY MOM
That every mom feel hopeful for their child’s future. May we raise a generation of people who have a say in their own bright destinies.
