Hidden Gems: Meet Margo Clemente – Dental Hygienist owned ShineBar Professional Teeth Whitening

Today we’d like to introduce you to Margo Clemente.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Graduated with a dental hygiene degree in 2004. Been in the dental field 30 yrs. In 2023, discovered it has been legal in NC, since a Supreme Court ruling in 2015, for teeth whitening to be completed outside of a dental office setting. The dental office setting is not ideal for many people. It’s cost prohibitive and it can correlate in the mind with unpleasantness, I’m highly skilled and knowledgeable to fill the void in the market for a little pick-me-up of beauty. I use the highest percent of the whitening gel, just like in the dental office, and we get the teeth as white as they want to go. It takes around an hour and a half for the Initial Whitening. For individuals, like myself, whose teeth want to regress back to yellow, the Maintenance or Touch-Up appts take much less time. Typically, there is minimal to no sensitivity. Occasionally, I will have a client who does have a fair amount of sensitivity that resolves over the next 24 hrs. I’m in my second year of determining if I can make this a viable business. I’m thoroughly enjoying helping people feel a bit more confidence and a brighter smile. I have a lot of down time during the whitening process and the clients seem amused that I sit there and crochet while supervising the process.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Finding affordable rental space is a challenge. I recently found my way to Salon Suites on Main Street in Pittsboro, NC. The rent is high but I believe it is the right move. The landlord is so kind and supportive, the other tenants include stylists, massage therapy, aesthetician, and med spa. I’m confident I will get more referrals from them. For now I am getting most clients from my facebook posts. Another challenge is being more present on social media. It’s been a big learning curve since I’m 50!

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Dental Hygiene?
By having a dental background, I am aware of teeth anatomy, chemical compositions, and the science behind how the teeth whitening process works. I know how to prevent injury. I know the dangers to the enamel that some materials can cause. Many other teeth whitening salons use questionable gels. I purchase supplies through an actual dental supply company and not through companies that provide quick courses and offer a certification. My UNC bachelor’s degree, plus my 20 yrs of dental hygiene experience allow people to know they are safe receiving services from me. I’m a judgement free zone and people can feel that. I think all smiles are beautiful. I’m here to help. I’m quirky and relaxed and will to solve any situation we come a crossed.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
My family and my bestie of 30 yrs keep me on the right track. Especially encouraging me to keep post on socials and to not give up when it’s slow. My current bosses are most excellent. They supported me going down to 3 days a week with them, to be able to give my business 4 days a week of attention. I’m a self starter and a thinker, so I began this adventure with wisdom. It was an inexpensive start-up. There’s a void in the market. And I’m patient. I realize most small business operate at a loss the 1st yr, break even the 2nd, and turn a profit the 3rd. I’m right on track! Yay!

Pricing:

• Initial Whitening $300
• Maintenance Whitening $150
• Touch-Up Whitening $45
• I run monthly specials on social media

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shine-bar-online.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/shine._.bar/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/shine.bar.online/