Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Jelani and Kandiss Winslow.
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?
Dr. Jelani Winslow and Kandiss Crone Winslow met on e-Harmony in 2020, just months before the Covid-19 pandemic. Jelani had just purchased Whittier Palm Dental in Montebello, and was met with his first major challenge as a new business owner when the office was forced to shut down. Kandiss continued to work through the pandemic, as she was considered an “essential worker” as a TV News reporter for CBS2/KCAL9. The two immediately became quarantine buddies, spending nearly every day of the shutdown getting to know each other. They got married in 2023, and have been a power couple running Whittier Palm Dental ever since (likely as the only black-owned dental office run by a husband-wife team in the city). Dr. Jelani purchased the landmark office in 2019. Kandiss left her 20+ year career in television news to help her husband run their office.
Separately, they have their own passions that keep them busy. Dr. Jelani is a certified Dental Implant Expert, currently earning fellowship status with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He’s also invented a hands-free dental headlight that was recently patented and is in development. Kandiss now ‘plays’ a TV News Anchor/Reporter on hit shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm, All-American Homecoming, 9-1-1 on ABC, and many others. She also teaches journalism students at her alma mater – the University of Southern California and produces marketing content for her dental office. Her on-air skills as a Reporter have translated into a media coach and social media editor for Dr. Jelani.
The Winslows attribute their successes to working tirelessly towards their dreams and having unshakeable faith in God. They hope to expand the office and continue serving the citizens of Montebello, the San Gabriel Valley, and beyond.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Jelani and Kandiss met during the most challenging time of their lives – the Covid-19 Pandemic. Although it was rough, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as Jelani’s office was closed, which allowed him to spend time getting to know Kandiss as she continued to report in the field.
Prior to getting married in 2023, the two hadn’t really discussed running the dental office together, as they each had fulfilling careers. However, shortly after the wedding, Kandiss learned her freelance position at the news station was being cut – thus beginning her transition from news to dentistry. She started a brand new career at the age of 42 – enrolling in a local dental assisting program on the weekends, while working full-time during the week at the dental office. A researcher by trade, she spent day-and-night learning everything she could about both the dental field and their patients. Together, the office has reached new heights, welcomed new patients, and continues to grow.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Dr. Jelani Winslow is the owner of Whittier Palm Dental. He is a general family dentist who specializes in dental implants, veneers, clear aligners, cosmetic dentistry, and more. His office is completely digital – meaning no more “goop” for your dental impressions. What sets the office apart is its state-of-the art technology. Dr. Winslow is able to place same day implants and print dental crowns and other prosthetics on the custom, in-office lab. Patients enjoy the ease of getting a dental crown in one visit instead of multiple. We especially take pride in offering a warm, friendly, family-oriented environment that makes coming to the dental office a breeze, because it’s truly the place “where everybody knows your name.”
Another thing that sets Whittier Palm Dental apart is it is likely one of the few (if not only) black-owned dental offices run by a husband-wife team in Montebello (and perhaps all of the San Gabriel Valley). Several recent new patients have shared they learned about the office because they were in search of black dentist who was local, experienced, and respected in the community. In fact, several Montebello teachers, elected officials, and longtime natives are patients of the office. Kandiss and Jelani pride themselves in providing ethical, comprehensive, and affordable dentistry at a boutique office that feels more like home, than a cold, un-inviting facility.
The couple prides themselves on being part of and giving back to the community by donating to local high school sports fundraisers, as members of the Montebello Chamber of Commerce, and as members of Faithful Central Bible Church.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Invest in yourself! Take the time needed to do your research. Pace yourself and pack lots of patience. Try to throw in self-care somewhere in there. Most importantly, never give up on your dreams, because they actually do come true.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://whittierpalmdental.com
- Instagram: whittierpalmdental
- Facebook: whittierpalmdental
- Youtube: whittierpalmdental
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