We’re looking forward to introducing you to Erin Fraundorf. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Erin, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, I’ve been finding so much joy in the simple beauty of being outside. I love anything outdoors—going on nature walks, playing in the yard with my little one and our dogs, visiting the farmers market, sitting on the porch with a sparkling water listening to the birds, or planting trees and native prairie plants while learning about the environment and creating a space that supports local wildlife. The outdoors is truly my sanctuary.
In my line of work as an orthodontist and business owner, the days require intense mental focus and decision-making, so it feels good to quiet my mind and recharge outside. I also love yoga—and when I can practice it under the open sky, surrounded by fresh air and sunlight, it’s even better. It all helps me stay grounded and present, and that balance carries into everything else I do.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! My name is Erin Fraundorf—my patients know me as “Dr. Erin.” I’m an orthodontist and the founder of BOCA® Orthodontic + Whitening Studio, a boutique, concierge-style practice located in the heart of downtown Ladue. BOCA is built on the belief that smile care is self care, and that smile transformations should feel as good as they look. We blend art, science, and wellness to create truly personalized, elevated care.
What makes BOCA unique is our aesthetic-forward, person-centric, and multidisciplinary approach—and the intention behind every detail, from the calming environment we’ve created to the individualized care we deliver. Many orthodontic practices are built for volume, often operating like well-oiled machines—efficient, but with extremely limited doctor time and a fast-paced flow, where one doctor may see over 100 patients a day.
I wanted to create something different. At BOCA, we intentionally defy that norm, offering more one-on-one time, more personalization, more artistic attention to detail, and more love and care for the person behind the smile. We prioritize quality over quantity, whole-body health, and helping each person feel truly seen, supported, and confident in their journey.
We also wanted BOCA to feel nothing like a traditional doctor’s office. The space is designed to feel more like a spa or an art gallery—calm, beautiful, and inspiring—because we believe that exceptional care doesn’t have to come with a sterile or stuffy vibe. Every element of the experience is curated to help patients feel comfortable, cared for, and excited about their smile transformation.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents taught me everything I know about work.
My mom was always a force—passionate, vibrant, full of energy and purpose. She radiated girl power and had this fierce, go-getter vibe that made me believe I could do absolutely anything. She made work look joyful and powerful—like a privilege rather than a burden. Even though I lost her this past year, her spirit and energy continue to be my fuel. She’s still my inner voice and cheerleader, pushing me to go harder, dream bigger, and keep showing up with fierce passion and purpose.
My dad is the ultimate worker bee and helper. He’s the kind of person who never sits still—always moving, building, doing, helping. His work ethic is unmatched, and he taught me the value of showing up, staying committed, and always lending a hand to others. Even when I’m tired or overwhelmed, I think of how tirelessly he’s worked throughout his life—and it motivates me to keep going. He also instilled in me the importance and beauty of lifelong learning. He reminds me that we should be learning every single day, no matter how old we are or how much we think we know.
Both of my parents placed a strong emphasis on education—not just earning degrees, but truly valuing curiosity, growth, and progress. Their pursuit of higher learning was never just about achievement—it was about building a life with depth, intention, and purpose.
Together, they created an environment where I was constantly encouraged to achieve, to push myself, and to strive for excellence—not out of pressure, but out of love and belief in my potential. That drive they instilled in me is still at the heart of everything I do. In our house, glass ceilings didn’t exist—only the reminder that with hard work, anything was possible.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The defining wound of my life has been losing my mom. It’s been the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through because she wasn’t just my mother—she was my best friend, my biggest cheerleader, my role model, and my constant source of inspiration. We talked literally all the time—from texts and FaceTimes to phone calls, emails, and Instagram messages sharing reels and ideas. She was the person I leaned on to celebrate successes, work through challenges, and dream about the future.
She was my mentor in so many ways—someone I trusted to bounce ideas off, get honest advice, and share everything from life decisions to everyday moments. I collaborated with her on countless projects—working together on my thesis research as we integrated her specialty in speech and language with my orthodontics, reviewing my publications, running my lectures by her, seeking her expertise on selecting flowers for our yard, showing her outfits for events, asking for her opinion on anything and everything, and counting on her to remind me of my strength and worth when I doubted myself. Her passion, vibrancy, and fierce love shaped so much of who I am and what I have achieved.
Healing from her loss is ongoing and will never truly end. The wound is like a scab that slowly forms over, only to reopen unexpectedly—sometimes triggered by a memory, a song, or a quiet moment—and then begins to heal again. The pain comes in waves, ebbing and flowing, reminding me of the depth and beauty of our relationship.
I try my best to honor her by living with the same passion, purpose and vibrancy she did, using her as my inner voice and inspiration every single day. Though the pain can sometimes feel unbearable, it also reminds me how fortunate I am to have had the best mom and best friend.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
The cultural values I protect above all else are kindness and excellence.
In both my personal life and professional practice, I believe that genuine kindness is everything. It creates connection, fosters trust, and builds community. It’s about treating every individual with respect, empathy, and compassion. Kindness isn’t just a gesture—it’s a mindset and mantra. Kindness creates a culture where people feel seen, supported, and valued.
To me, excellence means committing to the best—whether in the smallest details or the biggest challenges. It’s about holding high standards not just for perfection, but for continuous growth, integrity, and care. Excellence requires dedication, intentionality, and the pursuit of mastery paired with humility—a continual desire to grow while respecting both the journey and the people who are part of it.
When kindness and excellence come together, they create an environment where people can thrive and be inspired.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply in my industry is the true importance of high-quality, specialist-driven, intentional, and curated care. Many people don’t realize that orthodontics isn’t just about straightening teeth—it’s an art form rooted in science, precision, and personalization.
There’s often a lack of awareness around the value of being treated by a specialist, the importance of detailed treatment planning, and how much thought, education, and artistry go into creating a healthy, beautiful, and lasting smile. Every tooth movement affects not just aesthetics, but also function, airway, bite, and long-term stability.
Orthodontics done well requires a trained eye, intentional design, and a deep understanding of facial balance and biomechanics. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach—it’s a blend of technical excellence and artistic influence, centered around the whole person, including their unique lifestyle and how it will shape their smile transformation. And when that level of care is prioritized, the results go far beyond straight teeth—they create confidence, health, and harmony that lasts a lifetime.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://boca-studio.com
- Instagram: @dr.erin.ortho, @boca___studio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinfraundorf
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boca.ortho.studio/
Image Credits
Izaiah Johnson Photography
