Meet Teryn Sedillo | Special Needs & Geriatric Dentist, Dignity Dental Network Franchise Founder, & Flower Farmer.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Teryn Sedillo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Teryn, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Achieving work-life balance can be elusive, and to be honest, I’ve never quite mastered it. Instead, I’ve come to recognize that a traditional work-life balance might not be realistic for me. As a multi-passionate individual juggling multiple businesses, three kids, and a husband with demanding hours as a physician, my energy and creativity are often spread thin.

Because I’m passionate about so many things, I love to involve others who share my passions, whether they’re employees or family members. I’ve found creative ways to engage everyone, from contributing to our social media presence to being part of our workforce.

I’ve learned early on that my work needs to be enjoyable and fulfilling. Creating and innovating make me happy, and when I’m happy, I feel fulfilled and productive. Prioritization is key to managing this so-called “balance.” My family always comes first, and my work comes second. This principle has guided all my career decisions.

If something doesn’t align with my family’s needs or my own happiness and time commitments, then it’s not going to work for my business either. Period.

What should our readers know about your business?
I never really saw myself as a business owner, you know? I always thought I’d just take orders and be the best employee I could be. I’ve been working since I was 12—yeah, those hush-hush labor law days! Money’s never been my main motivator, which might sound crazy to some, but somehow, it’s always found its way to me.

For me, it’s always been about doing what’s best for my family, my well-being, and making a positive impact. Sustainability has been a big thing for me—thinking about the environment, future partners, and the community. I just want to leave things better than I found them, you know?

My first venture into business came when I was wrapping up my academic career. I was providing mobile dental care to special needs patients, going to long-term care facilities and even people’s homes. It was something I hadn’t seen done before, like those old movies where doctors make house calls. I thought, why can’t dentists do that too? So, I made it happen.

Was it easy? Not at all. I faced roadblocks left and right, even got some flak from colleagues who didn’t think it’d work. I still have people that don’t believe that I can care for patients in non-traditional settings. But I didn’t let that stop me. I knew it was the right thing to do, especially when I thought about what I’d want for my own family.

I loved teaching and being in academics. My goal was always to train new dentists to care for special needs and medically fragile patients. But I saw new grads drowning in debt, afraid to take business risks. So, I franchised my business model to make it easier for others to join in.

I’ve worked with a franchise marketing group to create a standard model and network of passionate people. It’s not about the money for me—it’s about supporting the profession and helping future business owners succeed. I’ve built a great team too, people who excel in marketing, legal stuff, and sales, so I can focus on what I do best.

Now, about my flower farm—it’s my creative outlet. Owning my business has given me the freedom to work the land with my family. It’s something that brings us all joy, connecting with our roots and ancestors.

Watching my family build their businesses—like my parents with their painting company or siblings going back to school—has been inspiring. They’ve always involved us, cared for us, and shown us what’s possible. I want to do the same for my kids.

Balancing the mental toll of dentistry with the physical work of farming is therapeutic for me. It’s also a way to reduce our carbon footprint by growing flowers locally instead of importing them. It’s all about increasing access and supporting our land and community. And that’s what it’s all about for me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love supporting fellow local businesses. I like to start my day with a coffee from Archetype Coffee (We used their coffee for our wedding and I supplied flowers for one of the barista’s wedding…full circle moment.) Walk the Gene Lehey Mall. Visit the Luminarium (imagine an adult science museum but great f0r kids too). Have lunch at Noli’s in the blackstone, finish with coneflower creamery. Relax at A+ massage (the most affordable and super local place open from 9am-9pm). Watch a movie at Film Streams (where my husband proposed). Get dinner at Amsterdam Falafel. Finish with a cool cocktail from the Dell and watch the sun set in the rose garden in Memorial park. Omaha, NE

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Husband, TJ Welniak- Who has seen me through the highs and lows of life and has encouraged me time and again to take the risks.
My kids- who inspire me to create and think freely.
My parents and siblings- They help me find humor in the dark. They are my loudest cheer section.
Dr. Paul Kittle-the person who inspired my dental career and dedication to patients with special needs and continues to be my lifelong mentor.
My office manager Jessica- the most resilient and positive person I know. My right hand in all my business endeavors. She also curbs my enthusiasm for giving things away for free.
Holly from District 2 Floral- Who shares the same passion for sustainability. Who’s kindness and connection helped me ease into the flower farming journey.
There are so many people to name because I have never done this alone.

Website: bitterboyfarm.com dignitydentalservices.com

Instagram: bitter_boy_farms dignitydentalservices

Image Credits
Sara Kinsella Photography