Our True Beauties thus far on Haute in Texas have typically been friends of mine, about the same age as me, and embarking on similar facets of life that I am: motherhood, burgeoning careers, and lots of hope for the future. But when my sister Kelsey called me up and told me about a client of hers that should be my next feature, I have to admit she got my attention. Kelsey is a personal trainer, and she meets lots of interesting people who often share their personal lives with her while she’s putting them through an intense sweat session. But this client, Suzy, was unique. She was divorced, her children were grown, and she was looking for a fresh start in life. But instead of just a new sportscar or a few shots of Botox, Suzy wanted her path to be a more meaningful one. One that would take her somewhere she’d never been, so she could find herself again amongst new adventures and experiences.
So when Kelsey told me her story, I was immediately struck by the notion that this is true beauty. This willingness to look fear in the eye, and make the leap anyways. The guts that it takes to start over, at any age in life, is tremendous. But for women, at a certain point society starts to tell them that their ship has sailed. I have to say I disagree. Suzy could be me someday. She could be my mom, my sister, my friend. Suzy is all of us. So I encourage you to read her story, hear her thoughts on life, and then share this across whatever platform you feel led. Let’s find Suzy some hope, be that in the form of a hundred job offers or the encouragement in knowing that she is not alone. Because right now, it’s high time that #SuzyStartsOver.
Haute in Texas: Tell us a little about yourself, Suzy, where did you grow up? What was your childhood like?
Suzy: I grew up in a rural community in northwest Ohio. My father was a farmer and construction worker and my mother was a stay at home mom. I am the oldest of 3 girls and with no brothers, farm work was second nature. It gave me the foundation of a good work ethic, time management and responsibility at an early age. My parents believed our high school education was important and therefore sent us to a private all-girls school in Toledo, which was a 30-minute drive. Farm girls in the city! This was preparation for a lifetime of learning to adapt and being outside of my comfort zone.
HIT: What led you to your current career? How did you balance work with raising children?
S: I had recently divorced and wanted to find a flexible and better work/life balance. While my boys were in high school and college they played baseball. I wanted to be sure to keep my connection strong with the boys. I had researched a new work from home based business, Virtual Assistant. I was working full time so I started my virtual assistant company and did small jobs at night and weekends. I was able to build up a clientele and eventually transitioned to full time after 4 years. I was able to travel to watch the boys play baseball and worked many non-traditional hours to complete tasks.
HIT: Now that your children are grown, do you have any advice for mothers of young children?
S: The saying of “they grow up quickly” is so true. Working full time and having small children is a challenge and difficult at times. I always wondered if I was doing a good job as a mother. My oldest was bright and head strong and challenged me at every turn. My youngest marched to a different drummer and was more naughty. I sometimes felt alone in the discipline because I was the strict one and maybe a bit of a control freak. I didn’t always have the patience I should have. I had dishes to wash. laundry to do etc. Those moments when reading bedtime stories and lying in bed with them talking about their day is something I cherish and regret not enjoying more at the time. They love you unconditionally at a young age and you are the BEST. As they get older, they always love you, but not always like you! (I have 2 fantastic independent, well-adjusted boys who are smart, disciplined and hard working.)
HIT: We understand you’ve had some major life changes in recent months, do you care to share a little about that?
S: I had the one of the saddest and one of the most joyous times in my life this summer within 2 weeks of each other. My mother suddenly passed away from a stroke in the beginning of July. My son was then married to his high school sweetheart 2 weeks later. My mother unfortunately had mental health issues for years and with my sisters living in Minnesota and South Carolina, I had the responsibility to care for her. I always sought to understand her and wanted her to be “normal”. It has been a difficult summer dealing with her death and coming to terms with the fact that I will never have the chance to fully understand her.
HIT: What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned from all of this?
S: Life changes with a blink of an eye with no chance to prepare. Living life for today is important and something that in the past has been hard for me. I have learned to at least slow down a little and appreciate what is happening around me and enjoy the moment.
HIT: What does a fresh start mean to you?
S: My children are grown and well established, no longer needing to schedule around them and their activities. I can now concentrate on me. I have come a long way from the farm girl going to school in the city or the mom that wasn’t sure I was doing a good job raising my children. I have grown to be confident of my knowledge and skills. I have gained leadership skills, I know what I want, and my work ethic is more solid than ever. I have had invaluable lessons in life which are all a benefit to me and allow me to be a strong contributor.
HIT: What scares you the most?
S: Making new friends and leaving my very dear friends. I have a really great support system of friends. They are not happy about the prospect of me leaving the area. The unknown is always a little scary. But I am excited for a new opportunity and challenge in a new city.
HIT: In your opinion, what is the key to happine ss?
S: Father Alfred D. Souza has an inspirational quote “happiness is a journey not a destination” and that is what I try to live by, now more than ever. Enjoy each day, be positive and analyze what I did well every day.
HIT: Finally, a Haute in Texas tradition, pancakes or waffles?
S: Pancakes!
So now that you’ve gotten a chance to familiarize yourself with Suzy and what makes her a True Beauty, it’s time to help a new adventure for this dynamic woman. Do you know someone looking for an Executive Assistant? It can be anywhere in the country! Email me any opportunities at aquila@hauteintexas.com. Then share Suzy’s story with everyone you know, and follow along as she starts over. I can’t wait to see where this journey will take her.
XO,
A
