Today we’d like to introduce you to Helen Susan.
Hi Helen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I’ve been in the beauty industry for 14 years, ever since I was a senior in high school. I started out as nonbeing very committed to the industry resulting in either doing it part-time or not at all the first nine years. As of five years ago, I had a shift of mindset and realized how much I enjoyed working for myself and the possibilities are endless. I moved here from phoenix AZ nine years ago and started my business around 4 years ago.
I moved here not knowing a soul and never have even been to Salt Lake before so it was definitely an adventure. It’s been a very humbling as well as an exciting and growing experience. I now have my own cute studio located in the heart of sugar house. I specialize in short haircuts, permanent cosmetics, and teeth whitening. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my friends and clients who have followed me for years.
I don’t rely on any paid advertisements and have only grown with word of mouth which is amazing. If you would’ve asked me where you’d think you’d be in 14 years in cosmetology school I would’ve never guessed owning a successful business in Salt Lake City Utah. I wouldn’t change a thing.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road has been very rough and full of huge potholes, to say the least. I remember in the beginning me and my best friend would wait for hours for a customer to come in and sometimes no one ever did. It’s easy for most people who work for big businesses or corporations to not have to come to work every day and give it 100% when you work for yourself with people one on one all day every day you HAVE to come to work and give it 100% with a smile on your face because your business literally depends on it.
Being self-employed also means you don’t get the pleasures of PTO, health benefits, or 401ks. You have to go and find your own and they generally cost a lot more. Unfortunately, no one teaches you this and you learn as you go and grow. In the end, it all pays off and the road becomes more smooth or you can see the potholes sooner and deal with it better.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m mostly known for being a hairstylist. Specifically to the LGBTQIA community in salt lake. I went to permanent cosmetics school 2 years ago knowing that it’s an industry that hasn’t been popularized in the men’s category. With my clientele, I knew that I could break into that industry specializing in the men’s category. So right now I believe I am the #1 men’s microblading artist in Utah.
I am proud of being an ally to the LGBTQIA community. Making them and everyone that I come in contact with feel welcomed, accepted, and creating a comfortable space for them is what my business is built on. All of this combined is what sets me apart and is something that I think is rare in Salt Lake City or even all of Utah.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’ve honestly never had that question asked to me before so right now I do not have an exact answer. I would love to chat about possibilities in the future.
Contact Info:
- Email: helenasusan.hair@gmail.com
- Instagram: @keywordhelen
- Facebook: @keywordhelen
