In this sizzling issue Grazia’s International Beauty Editor, Kaniz Ali speaks to Dr Zayba. When Dr. Zayba Sheikh opened her first clinic on Fleet Street in 2015 while five months pregnant it was clear she wasn’t here to play small.
Ten years later, the CEO and founder of Rüh Dental has turned her vision into one of the UK’s most talked-about dental brands, now housed inside the iconic halls of Harrods.
With a degree from the University of Birmingham Dental School and a seat on the board of Sheikh Holdings, Zayba blends clinical precision with entrepreneurial fire. Her clinics are as famous for their design and patient experience as they are for cutting-edge treatments.
But her story goes deeper. As a Trustee of the Cosaraf Charitable Foundation, an investor, and a mother, she’s rewriting the script on what ambition looks like. Dentistry, for Zayba, isn’t just about smiles it’s about confidence, legacy, and proving that women can lead without limits.
Kaniz: Talk to us about your background
Dr Zayba: I was born into an entrepreneurial family the Sheikh family, led by my father Haroon and uncle Farouq where ambition, discipline, and community were deeply rooted. Raised in a joint household, I was shaped by the values passed down from my grandparents, with heritage spanning Pakistan and Kenya. As the eldest daughter, I was constantly encouraged to dream bigger and think beyond limits. I studied dentistry in Birmingham, practiced clinically, got married, and searched for years to build something of my own. Supported by the Sheikh Family Office, I founded Ruh Dental a brand grounded in values, vision, and purpose
Kaniz: What inspired you to become a business owner?
Dr Zayba: Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, I was inspired to embrace the challenges and the highs, and to create something rooted in my own character, values, and skills. I saw a gap between clinical excellence and the actual patient experience and I also saw a lack of female led businesses in dentistry. Clinical excellence is an accolade I’m proud Ruh embodies, but my true strength lies in leadership in building teams, shaping culture, and turning vision into something lasting and impactful.
Kaniz: What do your clinics specialise in?
Dr Zayba: At Ruh Dental, we specialise in aesthetic and restorative dentistry from smile makeovers, Invisalign, and composite bonding to implants and full-mouth rehabilitation. But our true speciality lies in how we deliver care. We’ve reimagined the dental experience, designing clinics that feel calm, curated and deeply considered. We focus on minimally invasive techniques and long term oral health, without compromising on aesthetics. Every detail from treatment plans to interiors is intentional. Our aim isn’t just to treat teeth, it’s to build confidence, trust, and a sense of ease. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to and what truly sets us apart.
Kaniz: What are your greatest strengths as an entrepreneur?
Dr Zayba: I lead with clarity, purpose, and intuition. I’m not afraid to make tough decisions, but I do so with empathy and fairness at the core. One of my greatest strengths is vision seeing opportunity where others see challenge and building genuine relationships that bring that vision to life. I have a sharp eye for detail and a deep passion for experience design, whether that’s reflected in our brand, our clinics, or our culture. I know how to delegate, how to build strong teams, and how to stay focused on the long game. I’m not just building a business I’m building a legacy rooted in integrity and impact.
Kaniz: What inspired you to open your own clinics?
Dr Zayba: I wanted to build something that didn’t exist a dental brand that felt deeply personal, elevated in its service, and built on strong, values driven teams. Too often, dental practices felt clinical in the wrong way: sterile, rushed, intimidating. I believed the experience could be both expertly clinical and genuinely comforting. I was inspired by hospitality, design, and innovation but most of all, by people. I wanted to collaborate with the best clinicians who shared the same values: care, integrity, and ambition. Opening our own clinics wasn’t about control it was about creating space for something better to exist.
Kaniz: Talk to us about the services and treatments the clinic offers.
Dr Zayba: We offer a full spectrum of dental care, from general dentistry to advanced aesthetic and implant treatments. Our signature services include Invisalign, composite bonding, porcelain veneers, whitening and complex restorative cases. We also provide hygiene and gum health treatments led by specialists. What’s unique is our integrated approach every treatment plan is bespoke, and we collaborate closely with our patients. Technology plays a big role too: digital scanning, 3D imaging, and minimally invasive techniques all enhance outcomes. Whether it’s a subtle tweak or a full transformation, we deliver results that are natural, functional, and future proof.
Kaniz: What motivates you?
Dr Zayba: Impact. I’m motivated by the idea that every patient who walks into our clinic leaves feeling more confident not just in their smile, but in themselves. I’m also driven by the bigger picture: challenging norms, pushing boundaries, and building a brand that redefines what dental care looks and feels like. On a personal level, I’m fuelled by growth. I constantly want to evolve as a leader, a clinician, a woman. I don’t settle. Seeing my team succeed, watching our vision become reality that lights a fire in me daily. Purpose, not pressure, is my greatest motivator.
Kaniz: What do you enjoy most about being a businesswoman?
Dr Zayba: What I enjoy most is seeing an idea come to life watching something that once lived only in my mind grow into a real brand that impacts people. As a businesswoman, I get to shape every detail: the patient journey, the team culture, the feel of a clinic, the values behind the decisions. That level of influence comes with responsibility, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I love building, evolving and leading with intention. Being a businesswoman means I get to design a world I believe in and that’s a privilege I never take for granted.
Kaniz: If you were not an entrepreneur, what would you be?
Dr Zayba: If I wasn’t an entrepreneur, I’d still be drawn to roles where I could build, lead, and create meaningful impact. Perhaps something in brand strategy or wellness fields that allow me to shape experiences and connect deeply with people. I’m naturally attracted to spaces where innovation meets purpose. But honestly, entrepreneurship found me because I’m wired to think big, act with intention, and build with care. Whatever the title, I would always seek ways to elevate people and experiences that drive has been part of who I am from the start.
Kaniz: Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
Dr Zayba: In five years, I see Ruh Dental growing into a globally recognised name in aesthetic dentistry not just for clinical excellence, but for the way we make people feel: clients, dentists, and staff alike. I want to expand thoughtfully, collaborating with more exceptional talent, and build a legacy brand that lasts beyond me. Whether launching new ventures or refining existing ones, I’ll be focused on purposeful growth always rooted in the “why” behind everything we do.
Kaniz: How do you balance home life and work life?
Dr Zayba: In all honesty, balance is hard. It’s not always graceful it can be lonely, overwhelming, and deeply rewarding all at once. Being a founder, a wife, a leader, and a mother means giving 100% constantly, and that takes its toll. I’ve learned that prioritising my mental and physical health isn’t optional it’s essential. I aim for early starts, calm routines, and daily moments of reflection. My connection to God anchors me. Gratitude keeps me grounded. There’s no perfect formula, but I’ve realised balance isn’t a destination it’s a daily decision to show up fully, with faith and intention.
Kaniz: What sets you apart from other dentists?
Dr Zayba: What sets me apart is my holistic approach I combine clinical excellence with a focus on experience, culture, and innovation. Dentistry is as much about people as it is about teeth. I lead with empathy and vision, crafting spaces and teams that prioritise patient comfort and trust. I’m also proud to be a female leader in a field where that’s rare. My passion lies not just in treating smiles, but in shaping the future of dentistry through design, technology, and leadership always staying true to values that matter.
Kaniz: What’s the best advice you would give anyone who is looking to head into the world of dentistry?
Dr Zayba: Dentistry is so much more than technical skill it’s a craft that requires empathy, discipline and emotional intelligence. My advice is to stay connected to why you’re doing it. Learn the science, yes, but also learn to listen your patients will teach you as much as your textbooks. Build strong foundations, seek mentors you respect, and don’t be afraid to take the path that feels right for you, even if it’s different. The industry is evolving and there’s
space for fresh thinking. Your mindset, your character, and your ability to adapt will be your real advantage.
Kaniz: What do you do in your spare time to switch off?
Dr Zayba: Switching off doesn’t come naturally to me my mind is often racing, and I’m still learning how to truly disconnect and focus on the present. But I’m working on it. I find calm in nature, in being with family, and in moments of reflection. Mindfulness and meditation are tools I’ve grown to value they help me block out the noise and come back to myself. I’ve realised that switching off isn’t a luxury it’s a discipline. Creating quiet moments is essential for staying grounded, centred, and showing up with clarity in both life and leadership.
Kaniz: If Zayba could disappear for a month, where would she disappear to?
Dr Zayba: If I could disappear for a month, I’d escape somewhere remote and quiet surrounded by nature, with mountains or the sea nearby, and endless skies to chase sunsets under. I’m obsessed with sunsets they remind me to pause, reflect, and appreciate beauty in stillness. I’d unplug completely, take long walks, breathe deeply, and let the silence reset me. No noise, no pressure just space to reconnect with myself. That kind of solitude would be a gift. A month of calm would fuel me to return with clarity, creativity, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Kaniz: What are the most requested treatments at your clinics?
Dr Zayba: Our most requested treatments strike a balance between aesthetics and long term oral health. Invisalign and composite bonding are top of the list, as patients look for discreet, effective ways to enhance their smiles. Smile makeovers and dental implants are also highly sought after, offering truly transformational results.
But beyond the treatments, what patients value most is the trust they place in us feeling informed, cared for and confident every step of the way. We pride ourselves on delivering clinical excellence combined with a warm, personalised approach that honours both health and beauty
Kaniz: What inspired you to open up in London’s prestigious department store Harrods?
Dr Zayba: Opening a clinic at Harrods was about aligning Ruh Dental with a space that represents luxury, heritage, and exceptional service values that resonate deeply with our brand. Harrods is iconic, and it offers a unique opportunity to reach discerning clients who appreciate quality and innovation. It wasn’t just a location choice; it was a strategic step to elevate the dental experience within a world-class setting. We wanted to prove that dentistry can be aspirational, accessible, and exceptional right where elegance meets everyday life.
Kaniz: Your business partner is your husband… How do you balance working and home life?
Dr Zayba: Working with my husband is a unique blessing and challenge. We share vision and values, which makes collaboration seamless, but we’re careful to set clear boundaries between business and home life. Communication is key we’re intentional about carving out time for each role, whether it’s strategy meetings or family dinners. This dynamic requires constant attention and respect for each other’s space. Ultimately, our partnership thrives because of trust, shared goals, and a commitment to supporting each other in both personal and professional spheres.
Kaniz: What is the best advice you would give to anyone looking to open up their own dental practice?
Dr Zayba: My best advice is to build your practice on your values first clinical skills are essential, but your culture, vision and patient experience will define your success. Be prepared for challenges and long hours, but don’t lose sight of why you started. Invest in a strong team who shares your mission, and prioritise ongoing learning and innovation. Owning a practice means leading with empathy, resilience, and clarity. Stay true to yourself, be patient, and remember that your authenticity is your greatest asset in building something meaningful.
CEO : Zahra Saifullah
Managing Editor: Nashmia Amir Butt
Creative Director: Kaniz Ali
Photography: Danny Singh
Make Up & Styling: Kaniz Ali
Assisted by: Iman Chana
Editorial Associate: Sibgha Batool
Interview by: Kaniz Ali
Agency: Mauve International
Location: Harrods, Knightsbridge, UK
