Today we had the pleasure of interviewing a Southern California business owner named Elsie SooSzetoJones also referred to as the “Queen of Scalp” – Each year we pick one person from various different industries as the winner of their respective fields top place. This year Elsie was named the top “SMP Practitioner of Southern California” by The Los Angeles Tribune. We congratulate Elsie on doing a great job with her business and for her community and are excited to present this exclusive interview.
What inspired you to start your current business?
I have always dabbled in some kind of my own little business since I was 9 years old. I watched my mom negotiate and haggle at the market since I was 5.She was well-liked by so many. For many years, I knew that I will own my own business. I attempted to several times actually, from MLM to designing and making my own one of a kind, handmade with love jewelry collection. My friend, who was the ex-President of Escada helped launch SzetoJones Collections. My collection was sold in Palazzo Palms, the Ritz in Vegas and made it all the way to Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach and a boutique in Melrose Ave. but I did not know how to grow it further. Many years later, I was approached/recruited by the founder of House of An, Elizabeth An whose family owns 5 successful restaurants. She was my mentor for many things but I was unsure of my skills/abilities in business until I met Coco, the owner, now friend of a well-known medical spa in Orange County. She helped and inspired me to find my passion today, so I can be in control of my financial situation and conquer my fears of whatever that was limiting my abilities. Growing up with acne skin, I have always wanted a medical clinic where I have access to all the treatments that can help rejuvenate my skin and for others who also suffers from insecurities because of their bad skin, or other appearanced-related insecurities. I have been trying to figure out what I should do for many years. I was unsure of many things and I didn’t have anyone who could help guide me. Anyway, I saw a short video about SMP several years ago after I had spent a few thousand dollars getting my hydro colonic training and certification. I came back with the notion that I would soon have my own hydro colonic spa, but when I saw the short video of scalp micropigmentation, something clicked and I knew then that I have found my purpose. Voila, here I am today interviewing with you, Moe!
What is the story that inspired the name of your company?
My trainer/mentor, Craig Bottomleigh-High aka MrScalpUK mentioned/gifted me the domain, “TheQueenOfScalp”. He advised me to open my own business as soon as possible. I did not understand then but I get it now. He has trained hundreds and confident that I would excel with SMP. With that being said, I visualized then, having a clinic with a Medical Doctor in venue. I brain stormed a few names with three individuals I respect and trust, Dr Johnson, my big brother and my niece, all has their successful businesses. They each gave me the thumbs up. therefore SMPHair.clinic was born! TheQueenOfScalp.com was added on or linked together for marketing purposes. I am very appreciative when I was told that I can use the latter to market myself.
How has being an entrepreneur affected your life?
It’s hard work.I have to say the first year was a year full of contrast as I transitioned from working for omeone else and getting a consistent flow of commission checks to an unknown journey and yet, there was a variety of exciting moments, and the satisfaction of seeing the smiles on my clients’ faces as well. With that being said, I was prepared for the newness of this life journey and with the great support of a couple people in my life, I was able to overcome most of my fears. I am always learning new things. I now wished I had made this leap many years ago! The experience has been rewarding. I wake up every day, excited to meet my clients and make a difference in their liv
What motivates you?
I used to think success was about how much money in my bank account but over the years, my motivation is to have a life balance and to enjoy putting my specialized skills to help others. I grew up with bad acne skin, I can understand that it’s challenging to be happy with yourself if you are not satisfied with your appearance, therefore if I can help promote happiness doing what I do as an SMP Practitioner, I have found my life purpose!
How do you generate new ideas?
In the last few years, I have decided to stop watching news. I find myself glued more and more to You Tube and Tik Tok, watching a variety of materials that interest me. I like to read but I enjoy audio and visual aids these days. Spending time brainstorming ideas with an ivy-league professional like Dr Johnson, he has guided me to research and study new materials. I would have not known otherwise. I also am a member of an international PMU group where other seasoned experts in my industry would share their work and new ideas, as well.
What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
Like many of us, we all want to feel secure, safe and stable when we get older or sick. Fear of being alone or not being able to see my family since my relatives lives overseas, fear of the unknown especially this year that has been a year full of uncertainty. With that being said, I am very thankful for the handful of special people in my life that I believe will come to help me when necessary. Recently, I have come to realize that I have been living in the US for over 20 plus years, and that I have been able to take care of myself and enjoy a pretty nice life overall. Having found this peace within me and knowing that I am loved as well as appreciated daily, has made a great impact on how I manage any fears left, that tend to creep up some times. I believe in the power of positive thinking. I am human. I simply just love life. I will be okay.
How do you define success ?
Success to me has never been about money or power. I watched many people in my life enjoying their lives to what they thought success supposed to be. I know many relate success to the above-mentioned. Revered Coach John Wooden, defined success as follows: “Success is peace of mind, which is the direct results of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming”. Success is an attitude. Success requires maximum efforts.Success is subjective. To me, it has always been about being healthy, working on a special project or goals, having a balanced life- financially and personal, a home filled with love, shared home-cooked meals and lots of laughter with family and good friends. I understand for most, it is all about having a big title, the biggest home, driving expensive cars, wearing designer clothing or jewelry and vacationing in mega-yachts or private jets, just to name a few. I am definitely not the latter.
What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Having the freedom to manage my own schedules, my time, to solve problems the way I feel is right, satisfaction from making others happy, and being rewarded with a nice compensation as well as appreciation. With that being said, FREEDOM come with a price, not enough sleep or not having enough clients or projects for the month. I relate more to being a business owner than an entrepreneur. The latter sounds bigger than it is.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
When I finished my very first scalp micropigmentation client and he got emotional, ecstatic with the results of my work! He kept on thanking me for changing his life, and surprise-tipped me $100. That reaction made me realize how much I truly enjoy this business, that I have found my purpose.
Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur ?
It can be different for others but for me it is knowing my purpose, teaming up with the right/supportive people, having a consistent and methodical way of doing my daily tasks and document preparation when at the clinic. Continuously researching the best marketing strategies for without sales/ appropriate exposure, we will become stagnant. Practice, practice and practice like Malcolm Gladwell would say, it takes 10000 hours of practice for you will become the expert in any given field. Team it with passion and a positive attitude, voilaaaaa! you have the formula.
What do you wish this company to accomplish within the next year?
Covid19 has made 2020 a year full of contrast where I had to change venue when everything was shut down for several months, but Dr. Johnson and I focused on our marketing and mailers for what we each specialize in. That effort pays off and appreciate all the referrals. My wish for SMPHair.clinic in 2021? To ramp up my productivity, work on my personal branding and increase traffic via my website and social media. To be financially healthy for my business and being able to go on a nice international vacation with my special someone.
For the aspiring entrepreneur reading this, what advice will you give?
This situation you are in now, if you are unhappy, start investing in yourself knowing that you are the architect of your life. We live in a time where there’s so much information around us. Those who really want a change, should write down their goals and plans and follow through to make it happen. Network, ask questions and watch out for family or friends, who are Debbie Downers in your life aka the *crab pot syndrome. Find a true mentor or a specific group if you can, who can guide or advise you. Utilize Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram, You Tube, Pinterest and anything else you can get your hands on.
What final words do you have for all of the supporters?
Thank you for believing in me, for helping me grow and for instilling the confidence to fulfilling my biggest potential. Thank you, Thank you and Thank you! I am forever grateful.
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