Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Srithiemthong.
Hi Matthew, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story is all about embracing my Utah roots and finding my way through the twists and turns of life in Salt Lake City. My parents immigrated from Thailand, and that blend of cultures shaped who I am today. Growing up, I always felt the weight of being different – not just as one of the few Asian families around, but also as one of the few openly gay kids in the area.
Despite my Utah pride, being true to myself often made me feel like I stood out in all the wrong ways. The struggles were real – bullying in school, dealing with my parent’s divorce and constantly feeling like I didn’t quite belong. These experiences eventually led me to one of the lowest points in my life, so much so that I hid away in my room not caring if I finished school or did anything with my life.
But life has this funny way of throwing surprises your way, right? For me, it was like a sudden plot twist that came out of nowhere. It all started with a curveball hurled from an unexpected place – my high school boyfriend. In the heat of one of our last arguments, he looked me square in the eyes and told me that I was never going to rise above being just a high school dropout. Those words hit me like a ton of bricks, knocking the wind out of me. I spent days sulking, feeling defeated and sorry for myself. But then, something clicked. I realized that no one else has the right to define who I am except for me.
This realization ignited a fire within me, a spark I hadn’t felt before. I knew deep down that I had to make a change. I vividly remember the day I decided to take control of my narrative. It was like a movie scene – I stormed into Barnes & Noble after a week of self-pity and sulking. I grabbed this massive GED study book that looked like it could double as a doorstop, knowing it held the power to rewrite my story. With determination in my heart, I brought that book home and dove into its over 2000 pages, studying it from front to back. Keep in mind, I was just 17, and my classmates hadn’t even tossed their graduation caps yet. But I was determined to prove to myself that I could change the script.
I’ll never forget the hurdles I had to jump and the valleys I had to cross to conquer that test. Let me tell you, it was no small feat. Imagine having to cram four years’ worth of material all by yourself – that alone felt like climbing a mountain. And then came the real challenge – convincing teachers and principals that I deserved a shot at taking the test. With just 10 high school credits to my name, I wasn’t exactly their poster student. But hey, life loves throwing curveballs, right? I faced their doubts head-on, and they finally gave in, allowing me to take the test, but with a caveat: if I flunked, I’d be headed to adult education.
So, armed with determination, I hunkered down for a month of intense study. The test was divided into four parts, each covering different subjects – English, Social Studies, Science, and the dreaded Math. Let me tell you, that Math part gave me a run for my money. But my resolve was unwavering. I was out to prove everyone wrong, to show them that I was capable of more than they thought. And you know what? I did it. I can still remember the day I got the results, it’s etched in my memory like a highlight reel. Not only did I pass the exams, but I also snagged college credit for my English and social studies exams. It was a sweet victory, a tangible reminder that with enough determination, even the toughest challenges can be conquered.
This newfound confidence propelled me through college and into a successful stint in retail leadership, where I quickly rose to become one of the youngest Store Managers at a prominent luxury brand. It was during this phase that I stumbled upon my knack for steering businesses and teams toward success. The dream of running my venture simmered in the background, but the weight of self-doubt held me back. But anytime that voice in the back of my head said I can’t I always remember that kid that said yes, I can.
Recognizing that my heart yearned for a path in sync with my deepest passions, the road led me right back to my hometown on my 23rd birthday. After months of dancing around the idea of venturing into my own business, an unexpected opportunity knocked on my door. Before I knew it, I was stepping into the role of co-owner at Mountain West Medical Clinic. Armed with an unshakable determination, I was ready to hit the ground running, fully convinced that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. My heartfelt gratitude will forever be directed to my business partner, Amber, who saw potential in the audacious 23-year-old who boldly declared, “I can do it.” Her belief became the driving force behind this exhilarating journey, adding a personal touch to every step I took.
With this leap of faith, I embarked on a distinctive journey, propelled by an unwavering passion, an unshakeable resilience, and an unyielding conviction that I could redefine my narrative. This newfound opportunity ignited a fervent determination within me – a determination to cultivate a platform, becoming a guiding light for LGBTQ youth navigating the same challenges I once faced. It’s a mission that’s deeply personal to me. I aim to be the role model I didn’t have, showing them that with grit, dedication, and hard work, they too can break through any barrier and achieve their dreams.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been quite the journey, and as they say, if the road were easy, I’d think I was on the wrong one. I’ve always held the belief that growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone, and that’s exactly what I’ve embraced throughout this venture. Is it intimidating? Undoubtedly. Is it a challenge? Absolutely. Do doubts arise? Constantly.
One of the major hurdles I’ve encountered during this new business venture has been my lack of medical knowledge. While my background is in business, I can confidently discuss business strategies, but throw a term like “3 CC syringe” my way and I might as well be a lost kid in a mall. Recognizing this gap, I didn’t let it deter me; I dove headfirst into the challenge. Countless late nights were spent poring over training materials, studying resources, and absorbing the same content that our practitioners and nurses were immersing themselves in. When I hit roadblocks, I wasn’t afraid to ask questions, to seek understanding.
I want to be clear – I don’t aspire to be a doctor. However, I’m fiercely dedicated to mastering my craft, and to being knowledgeable about what we offer to the people who entrust us with their well-being. The pursuit of knowledge is an ongoing process, and it’s a journey I’ve chosen to embrace wholeheartedly. So, while the path hasn’t been without its challenges, each obstacle has fueled my determination to provide the best care and support possible. And it’s this very journey that defines the essence of growth and the drive to make a positive impact.
Thanks – So what else should our readers know about Mountain West Medical Clinic?
I am bursting with immense pride when I look at the remarkable progress of Mountain West Medical Clinic. From its inception, we envisioned a mission centered around making the natural healing potential of medical cannabis accessible to all who could benefit. As we expanded, we recognized the desire to extend our reach, to better serve the community in diverse ways.
This led us on a journey into the development of a comprehensive weight loss program. Collaborating closely with our dedicated team of medical professionals, I had the honor of contributing to something I hold in the highest esteem. Our program was carefully crafted with two core principles: aiding individuals on their wellness journey and ensuring its accessibility to all. We firmly believe that healthcare is not a privilege but an unequivocal right. It’s why we tirelessly collaborate with pharmacy partners to provide our patients with the most competitive industry prices. As our weight loss initiative flourished, my business partner and I took another bold step, introducing a service we believe can benefit everyone: botox treatments.
Drawing from my own transformative experience with this treatment over the past six years, I’m acutely aware of the confidence it can bestow. This is precisely why we’re brimming with excitement for the upcoming launch of our botox program on September 13th. We stand united in our conviction that botox is for all, erasing misconceptions that it’s solely for the ultra-wealthy or only catered to women, dispelling the notion of a “fake look.” To us, Botox is a gift meant for everyone, embodying our commitment to empowerment and self-assuredness.
Any big plans?
We’re gearing up for big changes that are all about getting closer to our community. It’s why we’re taking a leap out of our comfort zone and having this chat with all of you. We’re on a mission to spread our message far and wide and make an even bigger impact. Having the chance to share our story on your platform means the world to us.
Something that I look forward to the most is the opportunity to give back. In the past, we’ve teamed up with charities whose beliefs align perfectly with ours, and we’re looking forward to doing even more of that, especially with the upcoming holiday season. It’s all about spreading the love and making a positive impact together.
In terms of the clinic, I can’t spill all the tea just yet, picture a few new clinic locations popping up in the valley and maybe, just maybe, some new services making their way into the mix. We’re thrilled about what’s to come and couldn’t be more grateful for the chance to connect with all of you.
Contact Info:
- Website: Mountainwestmedicalclinic.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/MountainWestMedicalClinic
