Today we’d like to introduce you to Mickel Jourabchi.
Hi Mickel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in a close family with two brothers, and from the time we were kids my parents always reminded us that any dream is possible if you work hard and never give up. My mom especially would say that over and over, and it stuck. Looking back now, I think that is why each of us followed our passions so fully. My older brother became a dermatologist, my younger brother a pediatric dentist, and for me it was always orthodontics.
I knew early on that I wanted to be an orthodontist. What drew me in was more than just creating straight teeth. It was the relationships. In orthodontics you see your patients often, sometimes for years. You watch kids grow up, you meet their families, and sometimes you even end up treating the next generation. That kind of connection has always meant so much to me.
My path took me through UCLA for undergrad, then USC for dental school where I graduated with honors, and then three more years of training at Roseman University to become a specialist in orthodontics. The training was tough, but it prepared me to do what I love every day.
Now I get to care for patients at our two offices, Norwalk Family Orthodontics and Hawthorne Orthodontics. I am the only doctor patients see, and that helps me keep things warm and personal. We really do think of our patients as part of our extended family. My favorite moments are when braces come off and patients see their new smile for the first time. There have been more than a handful of teary-eyed finishes, and it is always emotional in the best way. Those moments remind me that this is not just about teeth, it is about confidence, happiness, and overall well-being. That is what keeps me excited to come into the office every day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, but I think that is part of what makes the journey meaningful. When we first started the offices, I was doing a little bit of everything. There were days I would see patients, then run to answer the phones, then stay late to clean the office because we did not have the cashflow yet to hire enough help. At the time it felt overwhelming, but looking back it makes me laugh because those experiences taught me every corner of the business and gave me an appreciation for the amazing team we have today.
Another challenge has been the late nights. There are times when I have to stay at the office finishing charts or managing details and I miss bedtime with my three little boys. That is never easy, but it is also what pushes me to keep building something lasting that they can be proud of one day.
Balancing being a doctor, a business owner, and a husband and father has not always been simple, but every tough moment had a silver lining. The long nights of learning how to market, manage insurance, and keep the doors open ultimately made me more resilient and helped me create an office culture where patients always feel like family. The bumps in the road reminded me of what my mom always said growing up, never give up. Every challenge turned into a lesson, and those lessons have shaped the warm and welcoming environment that our patients experience now.
As you know, we’re big fans of Hawthorne Orthodontics/Norwalk Family Orthodontics. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Norwalk Family Orthodontics and Hawthorne Orthodontics, we are all about creating a treatment experience that is truly unique to each patient. No two treatments are ever the same because no two patients are ever the same. We take the time to listen to every person who comes in, hear their concerns, understand their goals, and then build a plan that fits them best. To me, orthodontics is not just about straightening teeth, it is about making sure patients feel comfortable and confident every step of the way.
Something that sets us apart is how much time we spend on second opinions. We often meet families who went to a consultation somewhere else and left feeling confused or rushed, or even like they were being sold a product instead of offered a life-changing experience. Our goal is the opposite. We slow things down, explain every detail, and make sure people walk out feeling educated and empowered. Even if they choose not to move forward with us, I want them to leave with clarity and confidence in whatever decision they make.
From a treatment standpoint, we offer advanced options like metal and porcelain braces, clear aligners, and same-day retainers thanks to the 3D scanner and 3D printer we have in our office. Technology is a big part of what makes our care efficient, but what I am most proud of is the feeling people get when they come here. Patients often tell us they feel like family when they walk through the door, and that is exactly what we strive for.
What makes me proud of our brand is not just the smiles we create but the trust we build. I love when kids run into the office excited to tell me about their soccer game or a test they just aced. I love when parents pull me aside to say how much more confident their child seems since starting treatment. Those moments remind me that we are not just changing teeth, we are helping change lives. That is what I want people to know about our practice and what drives us every day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
If I had to point to the very first stroke of luck in my life, it would be having the parents I did. My mom and dad worked tirelessly to make sure we always had what we needed. My mom often put her own needs aside to give us every opportunity possible, and she was the one constantly pushing us in the right direction with her reminder to never give up. My dad worked just as hard, showing us what dedication and responsibility looked like day after day. Together, they gave us not only stability but also the belief that we could achieve anything if we committed ourselves fully. I would not be the person I am today without their sacrifices and their example of selflessness and strength.
That being said, I do not really see luck as something that just happens to you. Randy Pausch once explained luck as the place where preparation meets opportunity, and that idea has always stayed with me. If you are not prepared, it does not matter what opportunity comes your way. That mindset shaped the way I approached school, training, and eventually building my practices.
Still, when I look at my life, I cannot deny that I have been blessed. My wife plays such an important role in my life and in everything I do. She balances so much with grace. She is a businesswoman, a mom, a wife, an amazing cook, and truly an irreplaceable life partner. She keeps our family on track and allows me to give so much of myself to our patients while knowing our home is filled with love and stability. If that is not luck, I do not know what is.
Contact Info:
- Website: myhawthorneorthodontist.com (310)921-8333 / norwalkfamilyorthodontics.com (562)777-1127
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/familyorthodonticgroup/
- Other: https://share.google/Okw0MEwEcViEOgFNy and https://share.google/0z4ebRoyt6F1zeqtX
