We were lucky to catch up with Maxime Ouimet recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Maxime , thanks for joining us today. Covid has brought about so many changes – has your business model changed?
I spent over 11 years as a police officer before founding my first business, a salon specializing in hair and beauty, in 2016. However, it wasn’t until I discovered the avant-garde technique of Scalp Micropigmentation that I realized the immense potential of this field, which nobody was practicing in Quebec. In 2017, I founded Scalp Élite, and within two years, I was nominated as the best artist in North America and was recognized worldwide in my field, winning awards in England and Florida.
Despite these successes, the COVID-19 pandemic had a heavy impact on my business, with forced closures lasting several months. During this time, I turned my attention to politics, spending a lot of time advocating for my community. However, as I analyzed various economic factors and the new societies emerging around us, I realized that my business had to evolve into something bigger and more international.
I decided to keep my Quebec location open and operational, but also to expand into Florida, an area with a thriving economy, a larger client base, and higher revenues. I partnered with another entrepreneur to open our first Medico-Esthetic Center in Miami in January 2023. Having gone through the immigration process ourselves, we had the idea to sell Franchise Concepts for Scalp Élite to other investors looking to immigrate to Florida. We provide a turnkey solution where we handle all aspects of the immigration process, from A to Z, as well as the construction of their own studio.
We realized there was a strong financial opportunity with many people seeking to immigrate to Florida due to political policies in their home countries. As a result, we founded Elite Group, a company specializing in E2 Visa projects for immigration to Florida. We develop a range of business concepts ranging from $100K to $500K for investors seeking a project for immigration. We handle the complete design of the business and all the necessary steps to ensure our clients obtain their visa. Many investors have recognized the potential of our projects and the strength of our business, investing in our projects with confidence.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced me to reevaluate the political and economic impact of our societies, and make the strategic choice to expand my business internationally. By keeping my original location in Quebec open and developing new projects in Florida, I have been able to stay resilient and adaptable in the face of uncertain times.
In addition to the successful operation of Scalp Elite in Quebec, the impact of Covid-19 has pushed the business to expand globally. Recognizing the economic challenges faced by Quebec families, the decision was made to relocate to an area with a growing economy, larger clientele, and higher revenues. The team worked hard to become operational in Florida in 2023 and successfully opened their first Medico-Esthetic Center in Miami in January.
Furthermore, with the help of a business partner, Scalp Elite plans to open a second location in West Palm Beach in June 2023, with a third location planned for Fort-Lauderdale by the end of the year. Not only has the company expanded their traditional brick-and-mortar business, but they have also ventured into the franchise world, helping others immigrate to Florida by selling their Scalp Elite franchise concept.
The Elite Group, a company specializing in project-based immigration to obtain an E2 visa in Florida, was founded to develop multiple types of businesses ranging from $100k to $500k for investors seeking a project to immigrate. The company manages the complete business design and all necessary steps for clients to obtain their visa. Many investors have recognized the strong potential of their projects, and they have placed their trust in Scalp Elite and The Elite Group, investing in their projects and handing over their immigration process with complete confidence.
In conclusion, the Covid-19 pandemic has led to a strategic shift for Scalp Elite, resulting in the successful expansion of their business to Florida, including the opening of multiple locations and a franchise concept for immigration. The company continues to innovate and grow in response to the evolving economic and political landscape, providing unique business opportunities and immigration solutions to those seeking a new start in Florida.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
As a successful entrepreneur, I embody qualities such as perseverance, discipline, resilience, and a strong mindset. I believe in myself and have an unshakable confidence in my abilities to succeed. I know that failure is just a temporary setback and that I can always rise again. I never listen to those who try to discourage me from pursuing my goals and dreams.
My business, Scalp Elite, is a micropigmentation capillary business that provides men with a shaven look. Through Scalp Elite, I’ve discovered that I can have a profoundly positive impact on people’s lives. I’ve seen how this business can change my clients’ lives and boost their self-esteem. That’s why I’ve decided to continue creating businesses with the aim of helping people immigrate to Florida.
I want to improve their lives, give them hope and help them believe in their dreams. The Scalp Elite logo is a Phoenix because we are always capable of rising from the ashes and starting anew. By believing in myself and my clients, I know that we can achieve anything we set our minds to.
I am excited to announce that our second Scalp Elite location will open in West Palm Beach in June 2023, and we plan to open another Scalp Elite in Fort Lauderdale by the end of 2023. I am committed to helping my clients achieve their goals and dreams, and I will continue to create businesses that have a positive impact on people’s lives.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
During my journey, there was a time when my resilience was truly put to the test. As I transitioned into politics, my business – a salon I had built over the course of five years – was set on fire. It was a devastating blow, as the salon was my primary source of income. However, I knew that I couldn’t let this setback defeat me.
Despite the difficult circumstances, I immediately set out to find a new location to continue working. I had clients and training sessions scheduled, and my business had to keep running. Unfortunately, I was unable to save my salon and the 12 staff members who worked there. But I refused to let this setback define me.
Instead, I started from scratch and rebuilt my business. This experience taught me the importance of resilience and the ability to adapt to challenging situations. Today, I am proud to say that this journey has led me to sell Scalp Elite franchises in Florida – a testament to the power of determination and perseverance.
Have you ever had to pivot?
In 2020, I had a moment of realization that my career as a police officer no longer aligned with my values. The tasks that were required of me no longer respected my moral and ethical principles, and I found that my work was becoming too repressive and destructive. As a business owner, I was able to quantify and see the fruits of my labor, whereas my work as a police officer felt unrewarding and lacked ambition. It was through owning my business that I realized the major positive impact I could have in people’s lives. The pandemic provided the answers I was seeking, and I immediately knew that my true calling was to help people and develop new ventures. This was the moment when I pivoted from law enforcement to entrepreneurship, and I haven’t looked back since.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.scalpelite.ca
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/maximeouimet85
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maxime.ouimet
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxime-ouimet-87990b174
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Freedomsheriff?t=lLReWs1aUOFqwDAj2Q1JHQ&s=09
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@maximeouimet7338
- Other: WWW.CLINIQUESCALPELITE.COM