Lifestyle

Dreams Of Hope: The Life & Times Of The Clinical Champion Michael Thuan Tran

Published

4 years ago

January 2, 2021

Michael Thuan’s parents had to travel and cross freshly fallen snow from Vietnam to Thailand. It was the 3rd voyage, a successful one after the six-year imprisonment of Michael’s father. Michael’s parents had been saving enough money that enabled them to flee the endless wars that had given the communists victory.

Michael was born on July 6, 1981, in a refugee camp in Chon Buri, Thailand. His parents lived a poor life. He realized this one day when Michael’s sisters were speaking at a funeral for their godmother, they said that Michael never had shoes on. Michael’s parents had moved to the states with nothing. His father worked landscaping while his mother was a maid. But how did Michael manage to overcome all of this to achieve success?

Education Is Power

Michael graduated from Dulles High School in 1999. He went to Texas Tech and majored in Business Management. He later worked dry cleaning for a year before re-enrolling in Texas Tech for a major in Spanish and interdisciplinary studies. Michael then applied to Dental school while doing an MBA in Finance and Real Estate. Michael was accepted into the Howard College of Dentistry. He loved the profession. He moved to Houston Advanced Education in General Dentistry AEGD where he became the president.

Michael received the smartest resident award for critical thinking. But still, he wanted something. He wanted to focus on as many ambitions as possible, something that he did very well. He also did well on live surgery parts, and LIVE surgery implant courses were now done at his office. He was put on Hiossen AIC faculty. Michael’s interaction with experienced doctors has equipped him with great knowledge.

The Clinical Journey

Michael wanted to own an office. He found a FLOSS City Centre office. However, he wasn’t able to get funding for the City Centre office because it was hard to get funding for a million-dollar practice as a graduate. However, Michael found help from Dr. Clint Herzog, who found him a closed office down in Magnolia, TX that had a failed partnership.

Michael started working there and built up the practice quickly in Magnolia. He also purchased the office. Michael and his wife had an intense 3 years in Dental startups because they intended to run the two main offices- Midtown and Magnolia. Because of the old FLOSS debranding, they decided to re-establish a footprint starting with the Houston Area. Michael later opened West Oaks office, and Kingwood office which he sold right before Covid and a franchise opened up FLOSS Katy last year.

Michael is a good clinician and enjoys working. He is opening offices in Georgia, The British Virgin Islands, and Ohio. He plans to focus solely on implants and larger cases. This move will buy him more free time as he hires more associates.

Michael’s Achievements

Michael received an award for being a top Invisalign producer. It is worth noting that historically, FLOSS is the #2 provider of Invisalign as a GP in the US. This was awarded from the AACA, American Academy of Clear Aligners in 2018 and 2019. What has propelled Michael to even greater heights is the desire to grow. He loves the healthcare field with a passion. Michael chose his career field with an understanding that medicine was a tough career. You often have to get different consultants to figure out the problem. The best thing about it is that dentistry is still independent, even though it is changing rapidly. Michael started and ran the Business of Dentistry Facebook Group with his good friend Christopher Hoffpauir. They have 22,000 members that are vetted as dentists only, which makes the group unique.

Therefore, if you are traveling up the path of success, don’t give up. Keep the faith. Be patient and persistent and let the sky be your limit. Success is not something you merely pursue, but it is something you attract by the person you become.

Lifestyle

Kristien Surya Jewelry: A New Standard in Affordable Luxury Jewelry

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2024

Michelle Langton

Photo credit: Kristien Surya Jewelry

Byline: Sarah Kingston-Powell

Kristien Surya Jewelry combines cultural heritage with contemporary design from its Newport Beach headquarters. Launched in November 2023, the brand draws from Western, Indian, Chinese, and Islamic design elements. The signature pieces include the Hamsa hands collection with natural gemstones and the organically shaped Sunyata series, both crafted in sterling silver, solid 14K, and 18K gold.

“Each piece tells a story of cultural connection through carefully selected materials and meaningful symbolism,” says founder Kristien, who bootstrapped the company as its sole angel investor.

Social Impact Through Accessible Pricing

Despite its recent launch, the brand experienced significant early success, reflecting strong consumer interest. With global shipping and plans to expand its reach, Kristien Surya Jewelry is poised to attract an international audience that values culturally meaningful and socially responsible luxury.

While fine jewelry typically commands premium prices, Kristien Surya offers installment payment options and competitive pricing without compromising materials or craftsmanship.

A portion of sales supports the National Pediatric Cancer Association’s Sunshine Project, which develops non-toxic cancer treatments for children. Proceeds also help fund education and fair wage initiatives for women and children facing economic hardships.

Sustainability and Customization Focus

The brand’s ECO-LOVE Program incorporates lab-grown gems alongside natural stones, addressing growing consumer interest in sustainable luxury goods. Market research from McKinsey indicates that 73% of millennials are willing to spend more on sustainable brands.

“We select natural gemstones and crystals not just for aesthetics, but for their unique properties that promote emotional and spiritual well-being,” Sun explains. Customers can personalize their amulets by choosing specific gemstones, creating individual meaning for each piece.

Market Strategy and Growth

Currently serving North America through its e-commerce platform, Kristien Surya plans to expand to additional online marketplaces. “Our goal is more than about selling jewelry—we’re building a brand that celebrates diverse cultural heritage while making fine jewelry accessible to more people,” says Kristien. The company maintains a strong social media presence on Instagram and Facebook to engage with customers and showcase its cultural influences.

Kristien Surya Jewelry sets itself apart with its focus on cultural inspiration, sustainability, and social impact. Leveraging digital platforms like Instagram and Facebook, the brand aims to foster a vibrant online community. Special promotions, such as Blind Box Gifts for early followers, enhance its engagement strategy.

Design Philosophy and Production

Each collection draws inspiration from specific cultural elements: Western philosophical traditions, Indian spirituality, Chinese harmony concepts, and Islamic artistic patterns. The manufacturing process combines traditional craftsmanship with modern production techniques to maintain quality while achieving competitive pricing.

The Hamsa hands collection features double gemstone settings—an innovation within its price category. Production standards match luxury specifications: all pieces undergo multiple quality control checks and come with authentication certificates.

Future Developments

Kristien Surya plans to introduce new collections quarterly while maintaining its core design philosophy. The company’s near-term objectives include expanding its online presence and developing additional customization options for customers.

The brand recently began developing partnerships with retail locations in major U.S. cities, though specific details remain private. Current data suggests strong market potential for culturally-inspired fine jewelry at accessible price points, particularly among millennial and Gen Z consumers who prioritize meaning and value in their purchases.