Some life lessons arrive quietly, slipping in with the calm of an ordinary day. Others announce themselves with unmistakable force—the drop of duffle bags in the hallway, the thud of cleats on hardwood floors, and the constant motion of two active sons gearing up for another weekend of competitive travel sports. For Dr. Julianne Colvin (Crawford & Colvin Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Huntersville), dentist, business owner, mother, and woman of faith, both kinds of lessons—the gentle and the chaotic—have shaped her into the woman she is today.
Early on, like many working mothers, Dr. Colvin once believed life could be neatly organized. She envisioned color-coded calendars, predictable routines, and tidy compartments for work, home, and personal time. But raising two boys who practically define “on the go” quickly taught her otherwise. Schedules shifted without warning. Games moved. Tournaments ran late. Early morning patients and long drives home defined her weekends. And yet, somewhere in the swirl of constant motion, she discovered the joy of it all. Letting go of perfection and taking in the moments in front of her gave her new perspective.
Balancing motherhood with a career in dentistry, and eventually the responsibilities of business ownership, was never about flawless balance for Dr. Colvin. It became about honoring the season she was in, prioritizing her time, and doing the best she could. “There are seasons of late nights at the office, supporting my team and caring for patients who trust me,” she reflects. “Other seasons require early mornings, long drives to fields and courts, and cheering loudly from the sidelines. I adapt and adjust as the years change, finding the balance that fits the demands of the moment.” She learned to release guilt and embrace presence: “Being fully engaged where I am- and appreciating that moment- that’s what matters most.”
Faith in God has been Dr. Colvin’s foundation through every chapter: school, marriage, motherhood, business ownership, and even her battle with cancer. It has grounded her when life felt overwhelming, brought peace to anxious moments, and reminded her where to place her trust. “God shows me I don’t have to carry it all myself,” she says. “His Grace is real. Rest is sacred.”
At the center of Dr. Colvin’s purpose is service. Dentistry, for her, is more than a career, it is a meaningful way to care for people with compassion, skill, and commitment. Her patient relationships are her greatest professional reward. Owning a practice widened that calling, allowing her to invest in her team, her patients, and her community. “Success isn’t measured in numbers,” she says, “it’s measured in meaningful connections with those around me.”
Behind her drive and resilience is a network of friends and family who help steady the pace of her busy world. Her husband, Jason, is her stronghold. He builds her up, shares the load, and tag-teams the family’s hectic schedule with unwavering support. Her boys continue to inspire her with their growing independence, passion, and drive. Their fast-moving world isn’t always easy to keep up with, but it’s worth every mile, every late-night uniform wash, and every early morning alarm—especially now, as she’s realizing how fleeting time truly is.
If she could speak to her younger self, Dr. Colvin knows exactly what she would say: “You won’t have it all figured out, and you won’t need to. You’ll have faith to guide you, work that matters, a community that supports you, friends who lift you up, and a family that makes the journey richer than you could ever imagine.”
As Dr. Colvin looks toward the new year, she does so with gratitude for the many roles she carries and the grace she is learning to extend to herself. “Each season has taught me something valuable,” she smiles. “Each challenge has shaped me; each joy has strengthened my sense of purpose. The lessons will come—sometimes softly, sometimes loud enough to shake your plans—but each one will grow you into exactly who you’re meant to be.”
Photo credits to Chelsea Bren of Chelsea Bren Photo + Design.
