Meet Soo Lee | Hairstylist & Makeup Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Soo Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Soo, how do you define success?
I determine my success with one question and it is, “How happy am I?” If I am happy, then I am fulfilled. Work, itself, can be very overwhelming and stressful and I believe that if you love what you do, then the rest is manageable.

One of my favorite quotes is by Steve Harvey and he says, “Your gift is the thing you do the absolute BEST with the LEAST amount of effort.” it’s helped me stick with my career through the ups and downs because I knew I had a gift. That gift has satisfied many people, including me. I do believe I am very successful because I am very happy.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I would say that I take pride in taking care of my clients. It’s very important to me that I satisfy each and every one of my clients, it fills my cup when I fill theirs. The beauty industry works in that way, its to uplift and make others feel their absolute best. That is why I chose this career path.

Initially, this was not the first career choice I had in mind. Makeup has always been a hobby of mine and it didn’t become serious until I started college. I didn’t realize I could pursue this as a career. After graduating college, I immediately enrolled into cosmetology school and later found out that I had a passion for hair!

It was very difficult in the beginning because I didn’t have any background in hair. I went to the salon 5-6 times growing up, so it wasn’t a regular visit. I had to work extra hard in school and in the salon to catch up with others who were experienced. I would work all day in the salon and come home study what I learned for that day and did constant mannequin work. It was frustrating at times but it made me the artist I am today.

An important lesson that I’ve learned, along this journey, is to have passion, dedication, and perseverance. If I had given up because I felt like I wasn’t good at coloring hair in school, I would not be in my very own salon today. Never give up!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely take my friend out for brunch in the city. A few of my favorite brunch spots are Whiskey Bird, Joy Cafe, and Buttermilk Kitchen. I love taking long walks so I would probably take him/her on the beltline or Piedmont park.
I have to recommend dinner on Buford Hwy. It is the OG for authentic Asian & Hispanic food. Some of my favorite restaurants are Yet Tuh (Korean), Dish (Korean), Northern China Eatery, Pho Bac (Vietnamese), Quoc Huong (Vietnamese), and El Rey Del Taco (Mexican).

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother and father. My mother has always encouraged me to choose my happiness before anything else. She told me if I am happy with what I do, then I will be beyond successful. My father is one of the hardest working people I know. So with my mother’s words and my father’s actions, they have influenced me to start my own business.

Instagram: @Soo_Beauti

Facebook: @Soobeauti