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A Balancing Act: Susie Coelho

Samantha: What is a typical day like for you?

Susie: I try and get at least 7 hours of sleep. I'm up between 7 and 8am to get the little one ready. I drop the kids at school and have conference calls on the way back. Then a full day of calls, designing, interviews, writing or shooting a TV show. I travel quite a bit and those days are packed from morning until night. I have a large program with Mervyns and I'm constantly designing and developing product. I also have a flower line with Calyx and Corolla and a garden glove line. It never ends and it's fun! I call it "good stress."

Samantha: How do you handle traveling for work? Do you have any pre-trip rituals?

Susie: None. I do not talk to my kids at the same time every day and sometimes I don't get to speak to them at all because of the time change. I generally bring the little one a present, but not always. I like change and I don't like routine so I try and be spontaneous. This way they are not put off when things change. For my lifestyle this works out better. We do not do the "I'm going to miss you" routine. This makes it less dramatic and I organize their lives so that nothing changes for them. I will make sure there are extra play dates and extracurricular activities or that their dad comes more often so that they are busy and happy. This approach has worked out very well. I don't like long goodbyes and tears. Better to keep it light and then you don't get all of that drama.

Samantha: If there is one piece of advice you could give to other moms what would it be?

Susie: When you are developing a business, especially as an entrepreneur, it's 24/7 if you want to be successful. I no longer feel that women should give up their own personal goals just for their children-otherwise they will be miserable. There are many aspects to leading a full and rich life and having children is only one of those aspects, even though a main one. Children are resilient and parents set an example for their kids every day. Both my parents worked and my mom wasn't home every day and all of us kids are overachievers, have very successful careers, and could make it anywhere in the world if we had to. There is a lot to be said for working parents and their work ethic. They instilled that in us and it's a great gift to be able to give that to your children through good example.

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