Dr. Svitlana Pokornik is a successful dentist and the founder of Austrian Dental Aesthetic in Vienna. For over 10 years, she has been offering patients Austrian precision, quality, and innovative treatment methods.

In this interview, Svitlana shares her journey to success, the challenges she faced, her dreams and ambitions, and offers valuable advice for those just starting their own business.

Svitlana, tell us how your business journey began. Did you have any entrepreneurial experience before opening your own dental clinic?

When I arrived in Austria 23 years ago, I was confident that I would quickly find a job in my field. But can you imagine? I wasn’t even hired as a dental assistant because I didn’t have sufficient knowledge of German. It was a shock to me.

After completing my medical education and having five years of experience as a dentist, with a diploma and great ambitions, I found myself facing a harsh reality: lack of experience, a foreign country, and a language barrier.

I was bold, bright, ambitious, in high-heeled boots, full of creative ideas, but I had absolutely no business skills. And believe me, I did not fit into the conservative and measured world of Austrians at all. But perhaps that was precisely what became my strength.

What challenges did you face as a woman opening a business in the medical field?

The main challenges were adapting to the new medical system and language environment in Austria. I had to study again at the Medical University of Vienna, learn local legislation, and establish the right connections. Choosing the right location and premises was also not easy—everyone told me that opening a clinic in the ninth district of Vienna would be difficult. But I knew what I wanted and never doubted my success.

Of course, finding the right premises was another challenge. I was sure that my clinic should be autonomous, with a separate entrance from the street. After opening my first small clinic, I was finally able to find the one that you see now.

Another challenge was choosing the location. I knew I wanted to work in the ninth district of Vienna, and it was important for me that the clinic was in a strategically convenient place, with an entrance from the street. Everyone told me it was impossible: the ninth district already had many dental clinics, and I had no chance. But, you know, as a true Aquarius, when someone tells me “no”, I do the opposite. That’s exactly why I succeeded.

What motivated you to start a business in Austria? What unique opportunities did you see for your field in this country?

Austria is a stable and independent country. It has breathtaking nature, people who have achieved great success in various fields, and, of course, numerous museums and theaters that showcase the country’s centuries-old history.

Austrians are conservative, meticulous, and pay great attention to detail. But you know, I really like that because such high standards produce excellent results and guarantee the kind of quality that people value. After all, the country’s long history is a testament to its success.

I also appreciate the stability. Yes, I won’t deny that it can sometimes be difficult for private entrepreneurs here. But I am sure that in Austria, it is possible to build something significant. There is a safe and stable environment for business, which is crucial for any entrepreneur. For me, this became the main motivator. I feel secure and comfortable here, which undoubtedly contributes to the development of my business.

What difficulties did you face on your journey to building a successful business?

Support is important, but I had almost none. I had to do everything myself—establish connections, learn the language, understand the legislation, and search for a place for my clinic. Everything that a startup entrepreneur goes through at the beginning, I went through as well. Emotionally, it was difficult, but I didn’t give up despite all the challenges.

What qualities do you think a female entrepreneur needs to succeed in the medical field?

Women’s business is special. It is bright, emotional, and full of energy. It requires inner strength, relentless determination, and a crazy belief in oneself. No matter what doubts, prejudices, or difficulties arise, it is important to solve problems and keep moving forward.

The most important thing is to enjoy what you do. If a woman doesn’t enjoy her business, there won’t be any results. I love my work, I enjoy giving people health, seeing the results, and the joy of our patients. We work with families, and many of them remain our clients for years.

How do you handle stress and stay motivated during tough times?

When I face difficulties, I start working even harder, immersing myself in art and drawing inspiration from great people and their achievements. I also begin restructuring my living space. And believe me, by changing the world around me, I change myself. This helps me stay motivated, find strength, and not give up. I understand that life is fleeting, and it is important to keep moving forward despite any obstacles.

How important are dreams and ambitions in your business?

Dreams and ambitions play a key role in my business. I always set goals, visualize the future, and move towards it. This helps me act quickly and achieve what I plan. I believe it is important not only to dream but to take action and never settle.

What advice would you give to women who are just starting their business journey?

My advice is simple: believe in yourself and in your actions. If you have doubts, ask those who have already succeeded. Meet new people, build your network. No one can succeed alone.

I believe it is important to find the right people—those with whom it is pleasant and comfortable to work. In my case, it’s my clinic team, with whom I am on the same wavelength, and this undoubtedly helps grow the business. People are the driving force.

What goals have you set for the next five years?

In the next five years, I plan to launch a project that I am sure will be a significant step in the world of dentistry and health. I have developed a formula for vitamins that will support both oral and overall health. These vitamins will be designed for all age groups—children, teenagers, adults, and seniors.

I am currently testing the product and have already patented it. By the end of spring, it will be available for sale. This will be an important project for those who care about their health and want to live long and happily with confidence in themselves.

What role does the support of loved ones play in your professional success?

The support of loved ones is extremely important to me. When I was young, my mother raised me very strictly, and she was the one who taught me to value education, growth, and discipline. Honestly, I wanted to become an actress, but my mother insisted that I become a doctor—and as it turned out, she was right. The discipline and perseverance she instilled in me became the foundation of my success. At times, it was difficult for me, but now I understand that all her efforts bore fruit.

Everyone around me—my patients, who have been coming to me for years with their families, my assistants, and my friends—are like family. They give me the drive to work, to take action, and to create something new. I often discuss with them how I can help them and what I can offer beyond just advice. This exchange of energy and support is a vital part of my professional journey. I want everyone around me to be healthy and strong, and that motivates me to move forward and grow in my profession.

What values do you try to instill in your family, based on your professional experience?

I am the mother of an active eight-year-old boy, and the most important value I want to instill in him is the ability to choose. I give him the opportunity to try as many things as possible—football, museums, acting, singing, mathematics, chess. We also travel a lot and make an effort to maintain a healthy diet.

It is important to me that he grows up to be a healthy, strong, and confident man. Despite how the world changes, I believe that an active lifestyle and the ability to choose his own path, to be flexible to changes, will help him become whoever he dreams of being.

Do you share your professional successes and challenges with your family? How important are their opinions to you?

Of course! My team, my patients, and everyone around me are my family.

My son is always by my side, and he sees when things get difficult for me. He is my biggest supporter. He comes to work with me, helps in different situations, and I truly appreciate his support. Even though he is still young, he is a great source of strength for me.

Do you believe that family is important in achieving great success?

Yes, of course! Family should be the foundation for success, but above all, you must rely on yourself, your strengths, skills, confidence, knowledge, discipline, ambition, and planning.

For example, Steve Jobs started in a garage, building computers before Apple became one of the world’s largest technology companies. The founders of Amazon began by selling books online, and Google started as a university project.

These examples prove that nothing is impossible, and you always have to start somewhere. No matter where you are—in a new country or learning something new at any age—now is the perfect time. The world has changed, it has become more open despite difficult situations. There are now so many opportunities. And the most important thing is to believe in yourself and your abilities.

What inspired you to create your own line of vitamins and minerals, and what key principles guided their development?

As a doctor, caring for my loved ones is a fundamental part of my life. I always strive to support my assistants and friends, offering them not just advice, but real actions to help them live healthier and happier lives.

That’s why I developed and patented a complex of vitamins and minerals that supports both oral health and overall well-being. This product is the result of my research and experiments. It is perfectly suited for the prevention and maintenance of health in people of all ages, and I am confident that my vitamins will be valuable to anyone who cares about their health.

Production is already underway, and very soon, this product will be available first in my clinic, and later worldwide. I will keep you updated on new releases, share information, and offer exclusive deals. Stay tuned to be among the first to try this amazing product!

Now, after all this time, I am proud that my dream has become a reality. And I am ready to keep moving forward without stopping at what has already been achieved.