Meet Ruth Swissa | C.M.M.
We had the good fortune of connecting with Ruth Swissa and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ruth, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process when starting my business was rooted in a deep sense of purpose: I felt I had been given a gift from G‑d that I was meant to share with the world. It didn’t begin as a grand, meticulously planned enterprise—it started with a sincere desire to help people feel whole again and to enhance their already natural beauty.
In the early days, I worked with just one or two patients a day in a small studio I created in my garage. I wore many hats, including that of my own receptionist, and nurtured a vision that was still unfolding. Each year, I set personal goals and explored ways to merge my background in both art and medicine. That journey led me to medical tattooing—a deeply meaningful fusion of my passions.
What began as a humble endeavor has grown into something far beyond what I ever envisioned. I’m profoundly grateful to G‑d and to those who believed in me along the way.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As I mentioned earlier, the journey from treating patients in my garage and living room to establishing Ruth Swissa Medical Spa in both Calabasas and Beverly Hills has been filled with challenges—many of which I still face today—but it has also been one of the greatest blessings of my life. Every day presents new obstacles, but I believe these challenges are what shape us, strengthen us, and prepare us for growth.
I’ve reached this point by refusing to give up. Even when progress felt like one step forward and four steps back, I remained committed to moving forward. Perhaps it’s the Capricorn in me—but I’ve learned not to let setbacks define me. Resilience, in my view, is one of the most important qualities in business. If there’s one lesson entrepreneurship has taught me, it’s that hard work pays off only when you persevere. At the core of everything, self-belief is essential.
What began as a simple desire to help people feel confident and whole in their own skin has evolved into a mission that has carried me through every obstacle. And as Ruth Swissa continues to grow, I want that spirit to remain at the heart of our practice: this is more than a business—it’s a family. Every person who walks through our doors is not just a client, but a valued member of a greater community. Each individual brings their own story, and I believe each one arrives with divine purpose. It never feels like work—it feels like welcoming someone home.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles, I’d plan a thoughtful itinerary centered around wellness, beauty, and meaningful connection. We’d start with a self-care day at Ruth Swissa—facials, Botox, fillers, or permanent makeup—whatever helps them feel their best. Then we’d grab fresh green juices to nourish from within, followed by a standout meal at one of L.A.’s renowned restaurants. To round out the day, we’d visit an art museum and take a scenic hike by the coast—blending creativity, nature, and reflection. If time allows, a peaceful getaway just outside the city would complete the experience—something soul-nourishing and restorative.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely—there have been countless individuals who have mentored, guided, and supported me throughout my journey. If I were to list them all, it would be endless. However, two stand out as having had a particularly profound impact on both my personal and professional growth.
First, I’m incredibly grateful to the Grossman Burn Foundation. They entrusted me with the privilege of using medical tattooing as a final, restorative step in the healing journey of burn survivors. Through their support, I was able to help patients feel whole again—both physically and emotionally—after enduring the trauma of severe burns and multiple surgeries. Being part of that process was deeply humbling and transformative.
Second, I want to recognize Dr. Stephen Bresnick, a plastic surgeon who has been a true mentor since day one. He believed in my work with scar camouflage early on and consistently encouraged me to push the boundaries of what I thought was possible. His support and confidence in my vision played a major role in shaping the path I’m on today.
Both the Grossman Burn Foundation and Dr. Bresnick have been instrumental in my development, and I’m sincerely grateful for their belief in me and my work.
Instagram: https://www.ruthswissa.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthswissa
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/PermanentMakeupbyRuthSwissa/
Yelp: https://yelp.to/N3FeQp8B_W
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ruthswissapermanentmakeupskin?si=BgH3k4Stya61VCfP
Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ruthswissamedspa?_t=ZP-8vwk89PD5zy&_r=1
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
