Mackenzie Zoppi & Stephanie Scheele

Name: Mackenzie Zoppi & Stephanie Scheele

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Profession: SS: SOSO CLUB Co-Founder + Sr. Brand Manager, Health & Wellness MZ: SOSO CLUB Co-Founder + Social Impact and Sustainability Leader in the CPG Industry

Self-Description: SS: Quick-witted, Bravo expert, athlete, loves to dance, loves chips, loves to dance for chips. MZ: Do-er, storyteller, connecter, excellent dinner party host, loves a hot girl walk.

Words to live by: SS: Life is too short to fold fitted sheets. MZ: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Whether I am consciously or subconsciously feeling like I am comparing myself, this is always a good reminder.

What would you say to your younger self? SS: You will never have it all figured out - and that’s perfectly okay. The plans and timelines you’ve envisioned for your life will take detours. Careers will shift, your relationships will evolve, and your community will grow and change in ways you never imagined. Embrace the uncertainty and enjoy the ride! MZ: Always dream big because you have the power to accomplish anything you set your mind to. Your energy and work ethic will take you farther than you thought possible. Don’t get caught up in the “I should be doing this” game. Trust your gut! I think I would also tell myself to take an excel class and learn how to budget and invest in my early 20s…two skills that I think pay off for anyone in any career down the road!

On health & wellness

What is something you changed in your life, to change your life for the better? SS: Getting up early has really changed my life. I’ve always been a morning person, but getting up around 5/5:30 am helps me to have a few hours to myself before I start my day. Whether I’m working out, a morning devotional, or handling a few SOSO things before my full-time gig, it helps me get the most out of my day.

What advice, inspiration, or motivation can you share to encourage someone to take care of their body, mind, or soul? We both are very active! As former collegiate athletes, we both feel our best when moving our bodies. Steph is a religious gym girl and Mackenzie is obsessed with getting in her daily steps. I think we both also put a strong emphasis on what we put in our bodies. Our advice is to find what you love and build it into your daily routine!

What is your favorite health or wellness product? SS: Probably my guasha! It’s become my morning ritual. MZ: I LOVE a dry sauna. The hotter the better!

On business

Tell us about your business. SOSO CLUB has been SO fun for SO many reasons (see what we did there? 😉). Not only has it been an exciting adventure launching a business together, but it’s also given us the chance to flex our creative muscles and pour that energy into every event we host. To be totally transparent, we didn’t start SOSO CLUB with a locked-in business plan or lofty goals—we just knew there had to be a better way for single people to meet, and we wanted to create that experience. So, in April 2023, we kicked things off in Santa Monica with 40 friends and friends-of-friends at a casual happy hour in the park. Fast forward two years, and The Club has grown in ways we never could have imagined. In 2024 alone, we hosted 40 events with over 4,800 singles attending. Our largest event brought in 299 people, we successfully launched SOSO CLUB in NYC, and while we don’t formally track relationships, we constantly hear from attendees who’ve gone on dates, started relationships, and found meaningful connections. We are waiting to be asked to officiate a SOSO CLUB wedding someday...Seeing people step out of their comfort zones, away from their phone screens, and truly put themselves out there has been incredibly rewarding. Along the way, we’ve learned a lot—about ourselves, about running a small business, and about the incredible singles communities in LA and NYC. We’re doing all of this while juggling demanding 9-to-5 jobs. Growing SOSO CLUB as a side business has been a challenge, but more than anything, it’s been an absolute blast and such a personal and professional growth moment for the both of us.

Were you always interested in it or did you fall into it? We both laugh because we get this question a lot! The short answer is no. We’ve both experienced dating apps first-hand, and the challenges around meeting other singles in real life. We knew we wanted to create a better way for singles to connect, but we definitely didn’t imagine we’d be hosting singles events and running a bi-coastal business. That said, we both are very social, love to host and gather with friends, and know what a good event feels like…so that part of SOSO CLUB came naturally to us.

What is your favorite part of your work? Hands down, witnessing people connect. We all spend so much time behind screens these days and it’s refreshing when we are filling up a room with hundreds of people who are excited about in-person conversations and connections! People come to our events, they meet new friends, they meet someone to go on a second date with, they prove to themselves that it’s okay to get out of their comfort zone. Watching people step out of their comfort zone is inspiring and we love that we get to play a part in creating that fun and welcoming environment for people.

What advice would you give someone who is looking to get into the same industry? Our advice to anyone wanting to start their own business is to do it! You’re never going to have it all figured out, so just start, and you’ll figure it out along the way. If you build it, they will come...is something we repeat to ourselves often. Once you start, be consistent. Consistency is key!

The full list of favorable mentions are linked below with a brief description.

Favorite gift to give: SS: My go-tos for smaller gifts are Hourglass lip glosses, Dr. Dennis Gross Universal Daily Peels (5 pack), mini Summer Friday Jet Lag Mask, and most Sephora impulse/travel items. MZ: I spend so much time (too much time?) thinking about “the perfect gift” for someone. I have been loving an LL Bean personalized tote bag as a fun gift. What is a recent purchase you made that you love? SS: I treated myself to a Dyson vacuum and it’s changed my life (and floors lol). MZ: I recently treated myself to all new pajamas and a really cute robe! As a new mom, having comfy loungewear is essential, and I was starting to feel a bit frumpy—this was such a refreshing upgrade. I also LOVE my morning coffee, and getting a Moccamaster has been a total game-changer. Every morning, I brew a pot using beans from Joshua Tree Coffee Company, and it’s the perfect way to start my day! What do you never leave the house without? SS: Mints, aquaphor, and sunnies. MZ: Living in LA I never leave without sunglasses, facial sunscreen and a hat! Book recommendation: MZ: ugh I need to read more! Currently on my nightstand: Raising Securely Attached Kids by Eli Hartwood...new mom life! SS: The Fourth Wing Series by Rebecca Yarros is one of my fantasy faves. I need to read the newest release Onyx Storm! Podcast Recommendation: SS: For dating fun + laughs +advice, I love “UUP”? I also love “The Worlds First Podcast” with the Foster Sisters. I love their dynamic and they’re hilarious. Artist Recommendation: SS: I’ve been big on Gracie Abrams lately! MZ: as a loyal and enthusiastic Swiftie…I listen to a lot of Taylor Swift. It never gets old for me. Makeup product: MZ: Blinc tubing mascara :) you'll never have mascara down your eyes again! SS: Supergoop Glow Screen for that “I barely tried” glow. Skincare product: MZ: Stephanie actually turned me onto this…Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. It’s been a game changer for my skin! Also, Primally Pure deodorant (the charcoal one). SS: I read Mackenzie’s answer before I wrote mine and omg, I’m honored. But seriously, Paula’s Choice 2% BHA might be my holy grail product. My Dr. Dennis Gross LED light mask is also once of my favorites. Small business we should support: SS: I love shopping Etsy vendors for unique finds & gifts! Some of my best 14k gold jewelry finds have been from small biz Etsy vendors. MZ: I have been loving Caroline Chambers’ substack that is $5 a month and she has amazing easy to follow recipes. She wrote a book “what to cook when you don’t feel like cooking” and all of her recipes are delicious and super approachable. Also, Joshua Tree Coffee Company! I drink it every day. It never misses. Favorite store in another state/country: SS: My family lives in Temecula and there is the cutest consignment shop I’ve been going to for years called, Ritzy Rags. Both me and my mom buy and sell clothes there. It’s owned by the sweetest mother/daughter duo. Hit a winery or two while you’re out there :) MZ: if you find yourself in the Outer Sunset of San Francisco, lunch at Hook Fish is a must. My go-to must have meal any time I visit home. Recipe: SS: I’m a sucker for an air fryer salmon bowl. So easy and delicious! Season + add lemon to your piece of salmon. Place it in a piece of foil (for easy air fryer clean-up) and cook for 8-10 minutes depending on the thickness. Once cooked, add it to a bowl of lettuce, rice, or both! I like to add soy sauce + garlic chilli paste. Now I’m hungry. MZ: My dad’s famous homemade caesar salad dressing…don’t let the anchovies scare you! In a food processor mix until completely blended together: 1 tin of anchovies (drain the oil) 3-5 cloves of garlic, more depending on how garlicky you like it ¼ cup of olive oil ½ lemon juice (save the other half!) 1 tablespoon of horseradish (just trust) Dash of Worcester sauce (can eliminate if you don’t have it) 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese Crushed black pepper to taste Add to a bag of romaine lettuce + some yummy croutons!

Want to follow Stephanie and Mackenzie?

@heysosoclub @mackenzzzz @sheazybaby

We launched the Singles Only Social Club (SOSO CLUB) with a mission to build a vibrant singles community through fun social events in LA, NYC, and beyond (world domination is in the pipeline). After years of dreaming up better ways to date, best friends Steph and Mackenzie turned their vision into reality, founding SOSO CLUB in April 2023. Inspired by countless amazing single friends who were tired of swiping, they created a refreshing alternative—an in-person meetup where singles can come and connect in real life.