Susan began with a vision for creating a better life for her and her son.  Wondering how women balance work, family, friendships, being a good mom while still trying to find a little “personal” time was something always on her mind.  And then she started hearing from other women, too-other women who faced the same challenges.  And that’s when Susan knew she could make a change for the better.  
With the encouragement of friends, help from family, and the drive to make life better for her and her young son Kyle, Beijo was born.
“The term Beijo, is Portuguese for kiss.  My son Kyle is half Brazilian and one of his first words as a baby was ‘Beijo’.  When I started the company, someone asked me what the company name was and suggested I choose something that had special meaning to me.  I instantly thought of the memories of Kyle asking me for his morning kiss when he was a toddler. ‘Beijo mama, Beijo.’   Kyle is now 14, and I couldn’t pay him to say it,” states a smiling Susan.  
Susan began selling Beijo handbags by the “armloads” out of her car. Just a few years later, she was selling by the tens of thousands at home parties.  “I am committed to my vision that home parties are the core of my company. Many of the women who host Beijo parties are in the process of gaining their first measure of financial independence,” states Susan.  “Exactly like myself, they can do something to make money, feel good and still be at the bus stop at 2 p.m. when their children get home.”  
And Beijo became the change for Susan and women alike.  “The most fulfilling part of my job is reading the stories of how a handbag or the Beijo experience has impacted someone’s life.   During my very first Beijo show, I had a woman tell me that she simply wasn’t pretty enough to carry a red Beijo bag.  I could not believe what I was hearing.  Needless to say she left the booth with her red bag and weeks later she sent me an email letting me know how beautiful she felt when carrying her Beijo.”  
And while the challenges associated with owning a business can be quite overwhelming, Susan reminds herself what Beijo is all about, by reading the stories she has collected over the years from customers whose life has changed because of Beijo.  “It’s incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.”
Not only is Susan an amazing designer and entrepreneur, she is also one of the most kind and generous women you will ever meet.  “Giving back is a big part of what Beijo is all about. When I first started this company I donated more bags than I sold.   I believe that if you’re blessed with good fortune and good health, you were provided those blessings to help those who weren’t.”
And Beijo does just that, by giving back in many ways, in hundreds of communities across America and Canada. “In Santa Clarita we do a number of things to support the community.   The independent sales consultants here are frequently involved with fundraisers and various charities.”  Beijo has partnered with several organizations such as Soroptimist, Sheila Velos, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Foundation, Carousel Ranch, Michael Hoefflin Foundation, Boys & Girls Club, Young Life and numerous schools and churches.
Susan’s success is marked by her determination to make life better for those around her.  What started out as a little girl’s dream, became a single mother’s dream come true.  And women across the nation are experiencing the same sense of empowerment.  As Susan states, “Success is being able to balance your life and be passionate about what you do.  I am a better partner, mother and friend because I am doing what I love, which is sharing Beijo with other women.”
For more information on Beijo, visit www.beijobags.com.