We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Summereun Lee a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi SummerEun, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
My parents have always been my greatest inspirations, motivators, and biggest fans. Though my father passed away in 2019, his legacy continues to shape me. Growing up in Korea, I often heard how fortunate I was to have parents who were admired and respected by many, from our community. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, I was naturally inspired to pursue my own entrepreneurial dreams.
As a child, I was separated from my biological family at a young age, which created a sense of distance. However, as I grew older, I realized they sent me away not out of rejection, but out of love… To give me the opportunity to learn, grow, and experience other cultures. While I’ve always tried to see challenges as opportunities to learn, I do carry one regret: not being more open and connected with my father before his passing.
Living with 3 different families in a foreign country during my childhood taught me resilience. At just 8 yrs old, I experienced the harsh realities of neglect, abandonment, and isolation along with a language barrier. I was selectively mute for a long time. It was during this time that I learned a vital lesson: I am my own greatest advocate, and I must rely on myself to survive.
When I reunited with my family in America in 2005, I saw firsthand the ambition and determination I had been told about as a child. My father, the son of a chief superintendent general in Korea and a business owner, and my mother, a woman of Japanese descent who had worked in government, came to this country with nothing but hope and grit. They didn’t know anyone, didn’t speak the language, yet worked tirelessly to build a life and provide for their children (my brother and I). Their resilience is a daily reminder to push myself, to innovate, and to rise to every challenge.
Our immigration journey was far from smooth. We faced scams, legal challenges, and the fear of being uprooted again. At one point, I received a call from the USCIS stating I was illegal due to fraudulent sponsorship documents. In 2013, I was finally granted legal status under the DACA program, allowing me to remain in the U.S. My father returned to Korea shortly after, relieved that my status was secure. However, under DACA, I couldn’t leave the country without risking my ability to return. When I finally was able to apply for permanent residency in 2018, I looked forward to reuniting with my father, but heartbreakingly, he had passed away in 2019 from a heart attack, leaving this world peacefully in his sleep. The application was approved in 2021.
This loss ignited a deep sense of responsibility and purpose in me. My mother, now a successful salon owner and a source of endless inspiration, encourages me to embrace challenges and think creatively. My brother, who has autism, motivates me daily with his resilience and love. Together, they fuel my determination to support and uplift others.
My journey is marked by struggles, triumphs, and loss… It has given me a profound understanding of what it means to navigate life as an immigrant. It’s why I am passionate about helping others who face similar challenges. I know what it feels like to arrive in a new country, uncertain and alone.
My mission is to be a source of support, guidance, and hope for immigrants, empowering them to build a better future for themselves and their families.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Send HEPi was created by someone who truly understands the challenges of starting over in a new country and navigating life’s complexities. As an immigrant who faced many obstacles growing up, our founder knows firsthand the importance of guidance, resilience, and community.
With a deep understanding of cultural transitions and personal growth, we are committed to empowering immigrants and young adults to thrive. By combining lived experiences with professional expertise, our team created a safe space for individuals to grow, connect, and succeed.
Our mission is to empower and uplift immigrants and young adults, providing the guidance and support they need to thrive. Whether it’s personal growth, career advancement, or simply being a reliable source of help along their journey, we are here to lend a helping hand every step of the way.
We provide 2 services, Mentorship and Response Offer Support Encouragement (ROSE).
The Mentorship program offers:
Career Mentorship: Dedication to guiding individuals through career development and successful job transitions. We aim and strive to equip you with the tools and confidence needed to achieve your career goals and thrive in today’s competitive job market through personalized support.
Life Mentorship: Focusing on fostering personal growth, emotional well-being, and essential leadership and life skills – the complexities of adulthood. We believe in nurturing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—to help you lead a balanced, fulfilling life.
Peer Mentorship: Encouraging social responsibility, community involvement, and the development of strong cultural connections. Together, we build a sense of belonging and inspire each other to contribute positively to our communities, fostering a network of support and shared growth.
Our R.O.S.E program is designed for recently immigrated adults and young adults aged 18-30, this program provides guidance and support to help clients navigate the complexities of social, economic, and healthcare systems in the US.
We offer a helping hand and uplifting encouragement as you build a strong foundation for a successful life in America.
The R.O.S.E. Program Offers:
• Responsive Care: We approach every interaction with cultural awareness and sensitivity to your unique background.
• Resource Referrals: Connect with trusted external resources tailored to your needs.
• Support & Encouragement: Receive personalized guidance to help you confidently transition into adulthood and achieve your goals.
Discover a community that believes in your potential and is dedicated to your success!
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been rooted in a powerful combination of relentless networking, the authenticity I bring to every interaction, and the trust I’ve built through my unwavering work ethic.
Let me share a story that captures how these elements came together to shape my success.
In the early days of my professional journey, I realized that my story, my experiences as an immigrant, my entrepreneurial spirit, and my resilience—resonated with people on a deep level. I began attending many networking event I could find, from local community gatherings to industry conferences. Initially, I was nervous about navigating these spaces, but I reminded myself of the lessons I learned as a child: resilience and self-reliance.
One evening at a networking event, I met a small business owner struggling to expand her operations. She mentioned feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of balancing finances, team management, and scaling her business. Rather than pitching my services right away, I listened carefully, empathized with her struggles, and shared a little of my own journey on how I had overcome similar obstacles through determination and creative problem-solving.
She was struck by my sincerity and authenticity. I didn’t promise her a magic solution; instead, I offered actionable advice and suggested we meet for coffee to discuss strategies in more depth. That meeting turned into a productive partnership where I provided her with practical, results-driven guidance tailored to her needs. By the end of the first month, her business saw measurable growth. She not only became a loyal client but also referred me to three others in her network, praising my dedication and genuine care for her success.
Stories like this became the foundation of my strategy. I didn’t just sell services. I built relationships! People could sense that I wasn’t in it for quick gains; I was deeply invested in their success. My work ethic became my calling card. Every task, no matter how small, was approached with precision and care.
Over time, my network grew organically. Each satisfied client became an advocate for me, sharing my name with others in their circles. My authenticity made me memorable, my dedication earned their trust, and my results solidified their loyalty.
Networking relentlessly wasn’t about attending every event but about being present, intentional, and real. By sharing my story, I drew people in. By staying true to my values and working hard, I kept them coming back and that has been the most effective strategy for growing my clientele.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
I first met Lena through a Facebook group shortly after I moved to Colorado from California. At the time, I was eager to network with like-minded individuals who shared my passion for growth and mentorship. Lena had posted a thoughtful comment in a discussion thread about leadership and personal development, and her insights resonated with me.
What struck me about Lena was her authenticity. She wasn’t just talking about growth; she lived it. She was already running her own business as a licensed lash tech and esthetician and as a certified coach, her dedication to helping others was admirable, and we instantly bonded over our shared vision of creating meaningful change in people’s lives.
Over the years, our relationship grew naturally. From collaborating on small projects to exchanging ideas about personal and professional growth, we built a foundation of trust and mutual respect. Though the idea of partnering didn’t come up right away, I always admired Lena’s work ethic and her ability to inspire those around her.
My connection with Ricel was equally serendipitous. I met her while volunteering at a local event focused on empowering underserved communities. She stood out immediately. Her passion for helping others was undeniable. As a certified case manager working closely with the Latino community, Ricel had an incredible ability to connect with people on a human level. She wasn’t just offering resources; she was offering hope and guidance!
Ricel and I found ourselves in a deep conversation about our shared experiences as immigrants and our desire to uplift others. Her authenticity and resilience struck a chord with me, and it wasn’t long before we became close friends, regularly exchanging ideas and supporting each other in our respective journeys.
When the time came to grow my business and expand its impact, Lena and Ricel were the first people who came to mind. I saw in Lena’s coaching expertise and Ricel’s community-driven approach a chance to build something extraordinary.
I approached them with an invitation to dream bigger together. I shared my vision of creating a program that would combine mentorship, community service, and empowerment for immigrants and young adults. Lena’s ability to inspire through coaching and Ricel’s deep ties to her community made them the perfect partners to bring this vision to life.
Thankfully, they both said yes. Today, Lena leads our mentorship programs, creating transformative experiences for our clients, while Ricel ensures our services are culturally sensitive and impactful for the Latino community.
Our partnership didn’t start with contracts or business plans; it began with authentic relationships, built on years of trust, shared dreams, and mutual respect! We’re creating something far greater than any of us could have imagined alone, and I’m incredibly grateful to have them by my side on this journey :).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sendhepi.com
- Instagram: @sendhepi
Image Credits
Instagram: @lexrayco