The Inspiring Journey of Susie Ma: From Greenwich Market to Tropic Skincare Empire
Image Credit : Payno1984 / Wikimedia commons (CC BY 4.0)
Source : Own work
Introduction
Susie Ma’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to ethical business practices. From humble beginnings at Greenwich Market to leading Tropic Skincare, a multi-million-pound beauty brand, Susie’s story is both inspiring and impactful.
Early Life and Entrepreneurial Spark
A Humble Beginning
Born in Shanghai, China, Susie Ma moved to Cairns, Australia, in 1996. In 2002, she relocated to London, UK, where she attended Croydon High School. At just 15 years old, Susie began crafting a body scrub using a recipe passed down from her grandmother. Determined to support her mother financially, she sold these homemade products at Greenwich Market, earning nearly £1,000 on her first day—a significant sum that ignited her entrepreneurial spirit.
Academic Pursuits
Despite her burgeoning business, Susie pursued higher education, attending University College London. She graduated in 2010 with a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Economics. Following her graduation, she completed an FX Sales and Trading internship at Citigroup, gaining valuable business insights.
The Birth of Tropic Skincare
From Kitchen Table to Business Venture
In 2004, Susie founded Tropic Skincare from her kitchen table. She recreated and sold her grandmother’s body scrub recipe at Greenwich Market to help her mum pay the bills. Her first day in business was a resounding success, earning nearly £1,000. This initial triumph laid the foundation for what would become a thriving skincare empire.
Securing Investment
In 2011, Susie appeared on the BBC’s ‘The Apprentice,’ where she secured a £200,000 investment from Lord Sugar for a 50% stake in Tropic Skincare. Despite not winning the competition, this investment was pivotal in propelling the brand forward.
Growth and Expansion
Building a Team
Tropic Skincare has grown significantly since its inception. As of 2024, the company employs over 300 staff at its Surrey headquarters, where it manufactures its freshly made skincare and beauty formulations. The brand also boasts a network of over 20,000 Ambassadors across the UK, empowering individuals to build their own businesses while promoting ethical beauty products.
Financial Milestones
In 2021, Tropic reported sales of £90.6 million. By 2023, the company achieved a turnover of £62.3 million, with profits of £6.7 million. These figures underscore the brand’s strong market presence and financial health.
Video Embed
For a deeper insight into Susie Ma’s journey and the growth of Tropic Skincare, watch the following interview:
Philanthropy and Ethical Practices
Commitment to Giving Back
Tropic Skincare is deeply committed to social responsibility. The company donates 10% of its profits to charities and good causes globally. In partnership with UWS, Tropic has funded over 6.8 million days of education for children in remote parts of the world and has opened four schools in Nepal, Cambodia, and Madagascar.
Environmental Initiatives
The brand is also dedicated to environmental sustainability. Tropic Skincare supports the Reef Restoration Foundation, contributing to the growth of a baby coral nursery in the Great Barrier Reef. This initiative reflects Susie’s personal connection to the region, having grown up in Cairns, Australia.
Awards and Recognition
Susie Ma’s entrepreneurial excellence has been widely recognized. In 2018, she was featured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in the Retail and E-commerce category. She has also received multiple Stevie Awards for Women in Business and was named one of Management Today’s 35 Women Under 35 in 2019. Tropic Skincare has won over 400 industry awards, including accolades from GLAMOUR, woman&home, Beauty Shortlist, and CEW.
Personal Life
In 2024, Susie Ma became a mother to a daughter, marking a new chapter in her personal life. Despite her demanding career, she emphasizes the importance of a balanced lifestyle, prioritizing sleep and light exercise. Her workday includes product testing and enjoying the creative atmosphere of her south London office, which resembles a Willy Wonka factory filled with tropical botanicals.
Conclusion
Susie Ma’s journey from a teenager selling homemade body scrubs to the CEO of a leading skincare brand is a remarkable story of determination and vision. Her commitment to ethical business practices and philanthropy sets Tropic Skincare apart in the beauty industry. As she continues to lead her company with passion and purpose, Susie Ma serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.
Internal Links :
https://tropicskincare.com/
https://tropicskincare.com/pages/meet-susie-ma
External Links :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susie_Ma
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropic_Skincare
FAQs About Susie Ma
1. Who is Susie Ma?
Susie Ma is the founder and CEO of Tropic Skincare, a UK-based beauty brand known for its natural, cruelty-free, and sustainable products. She started her business as a teenager selling homemade body scrubs at Greenwich Market.
2. What is Susie Ma’s net worth?
While Susie Ma’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, Tropic Skincare is a multi-million-pound company, making her one of the most successful young entrepreneurs in the UK.
3. How did Susie Ma start Tropic Skincare?
Susie Ma began by selling natural skincare products at local markets. She later appeared on BBC’s The Apprentice in 2011, which helped her secure investment from Lord Sugar and grow the business.
4. Is Susie Ma still working with Lord Sugar?
Yes. Lord Sugar is still a 50% shareholder in Tropic Skincare and has supported Susie Ma in scaling the company to nationwide success.
5. What makes Tropic Skincare unique?
Tropic Skincare stands out for its freshly made, vegan, and cruelty-free products. The brand also focuses on ethical sourcing and sustainability.
6. Where can I buy Tropic Skincare products?
Tropic Skincare products are available directly from their official website and through Tropic Ambassadors across the UK.
7. Has Susie Ma won any awards?
Yes. Susie Ma has been recognized in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list and has received multiple awards for entrepreneurship and sustainability.
8. What is Susie Ma’s background?
Born in Australia to a Vietnamese mother and Chinese father, Susie Ma moved to London as a child. She studied Economics at University College London before focusing full-time on her skincare business.
9. Is Susie Ma active on social media?
Yes. Susie Ma regularly shares business insights, sustainability tips, and Tropic Skincare updates on Instagram, LinkedIn, and other platforms.
10. How can I become a Tropic Skincare Ambassador?
Interested individuals can apply through Tropic Skincare’s official website to join their ambassador program.
