Love of a lifetime

Dr. Shideh Nikbin aka Dr. Glam a half-Filipino, half-Persian successful orthodontist, met the love of her life, Dr. Farzaneh Shamsi, during enrollment in university.

Dr. Shideh Nikbin (right) eagerly looks forward to embarking on a journey with Dr. Farzaneh Shamsi

From the get-go, Dr. Nikbin had butterflies in her stomach every time she saw Dr. Shamsi. Throughout the 14 years they have been together, Dr. Nikbin has always known that she wanted to grow old with Dr. Shamsi and build a life together.

But their love story was not all peaches and cream. They experienced judgment from others, even lost friends and family members along the way.

“We also both came from toxic relationships. However, these experiences helped us discover what we truly desire in our own lives and in a relationship,” Nikbin, whose open love story can be seen on her YouTube channel, shared.

Though she calls Shamsi her soulmate, Nikbin reveals she only realized this during a recent spiritual retreat. They have such contrasting personalities — Shamsi is logical and introverted, while Dr. Nikbin is creative and extroverted — that it is quite a challenge to be in a romantic relationship and a business partnership. But they have found the answer to make it work.

Dr. Shideh Nikbin aka Dr. Glam

“Over the years, through communication and therapy, we’ve learned to transform our weaknesses and differences into strengths in both our personal and professional lives. We consider ourselves family, and as long as there is love and respect between us, we make our relationship thrive,” Nikbin added.

Nikbin knows their love story is an inspiration to others who are in a similar situation. She is proud to let the public learn more about them, despite the challenges and judgments they faced.

“I want to encourage everyone to never give up on themselves. Take the time to discover who you are, accept and love yourself, and explore your true passions.”

For Dr. Shamsi, she feels an immense love that she knows is once in a lifetime.

“We started in our early twenties, building ourselves and making our dreams come true together. Despite the hurt and pain we’ve faced, we remain strong, holding hands and supporting each other even in the darkest times,” she says.

The couple looks forward to embarking on a journey together repeatedly, exploring new experiences, places, and beginnings.