Susan has worn many hats over her 85 years: entrepreneur, author, world traveler, wife, mother and voracious reader. One consistent lesson she’s learned through all of her experiences is to not dwell on the past at the expense of the future.
“I’ve made so many mistakes I couldn’t count them,” she says. “But no regrets. That was then, this is now. I keep looking forward.”
The willingness to learn from mistakes without being held back by them has helped Susan keep moving through each chapter of her life. Raised outside of Rockaway Beach, Queens, she planned on being an English teacher. But when a friend suggested they start a baking company, Susan found herself becoming an “accidental entrepreneur.”
“I basically started a baking company by mistake in my garage,” she says. “I’m not a baker. I’ve still never baked an apple pie in my life,” she laughs.
But that didn’t stop her from knowing a good dessert when she saw one – or sold one.
The two friends called their business Love and Quiches, and soon their quiches and desserts were appearing on restaurant menus across New York City. What started out as a two-person operation in her home grew into an international business that’s lasted 50 years.
Success is rarely a solo act
Susan’s experiences taught her that success is almost never an individual achievement, and she sees collaboration as one of the most valuable skills she developed.
“One person can’t do everything,” she says. “You have to learn how to work with other people.”
Years of entrepreneurship taught her that the best ideas often emerge through conversation, flexibility and a willingness to learn from others.
She also learned that the same qualities that help people work together in her business – listening, respecting different viewpoints and recognizing each person’s strengths – are also what help family, friendships and communities thrive.
Eventually both parts of her life merged when her husband, son and daughter all became involved with her company.
“Having your children join the family business changes things a bit because they always think they know better,” she says with a laugh. “But you also have this deeply personal connection, and you learn to listen to each other.”
Embrace new opportunities
Susan’s success at business opened up many new experiences for her. By the time she was 50, the company had grown large enough that she could devote more time to her other passions: travel, reading and writing.
“My husband and I have been all over the world,” she says. “China, South America, India, countless places in Europe. It’s important to see new places and keep life interesting.”
Susan has always been an enthusiastic reader, and she credits her love of learning with keeping her mind sharp. She also took up writing, publishing a memoir of her entrepreneurial journey from home baker to international businesswoman.
The ups and downs that come with life and business are also why she thinks it’s important to focus on the positives and cultivate a life you’re excited to live.
“It’s important to treat yourself to something you like,” she says – perhaps both about the desserts she spent decades baking and the many interests she’s pursued since.
“Every day is a surprise,” she says. “You never know what to expect. So I get up every morning and hope today will be a good day.”
In celebration of Atria’s 30th anniversary, we’re sharing Pearls of Wisdom from the wisest people we know – the residents in our senior living communities, who have navigated every chapter of life. Visit AtriaPearls.com to browse an archive of their advice and gather even more wisdom.
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