[quote style=”boxed”]I think and play out ideas and scenarios and what if’s during my daily life. I watch people, partake and observe, as I am very curious. While showering and going about my day, I get A-HA moments, play them out in my head, make lists, talk about them and take action.[/quote]
Previously an executive in the cosmetic industry, and after a long hiatus to raise 2 children along with assisting her husband in his entrepreneurial and investment ventures, Susan Meyer has recently re-entered the business world launching a shoe line made in Italy. With an eye for fashion, travel and fun, she created a relaxed style loafer with a university logo on suede, velvet and linen with an all-leather sole made in Italy. She also designed her own collection, featuring tassels and her company logo, and has additional styles in the works. Her company, JP Crickets, will also produce custom designs requested by individuals, clubs, groups and corporations.
Born and raised in a Cleveland, Ohio, Susan spent 12 years in the cosmetics and fragrance industry. She started off working for Revlon in an entry-level position and finished her career as a vice president on the East Coast by the age of 29. The companies she worked for include Revlon, Lancome Cosmetics, Sanofi Beaute’ (Van Cleef & Arpels, Stendhal, Krizia and Bill Blass) Giorgio Beverly Hills and Halston Borghese. She has hands on experience in all aspects of business including management, sales, marketing, advertising, direct sales and P/L management.
Susan is married to Joseph Meyer, her husband of 20 years. They reside in Atlanta with their 2 children, daughter Isabella (17) and son J. Paul (15). Her greatest passion is her family. She likes to cook and care for and teach her children. Susan enjoys traveling the world for inspiration, learning and to visit friends. She has been to Argentina, Brazil, China and Europe, just to name a few.
Susan frequents polo fields with her husband and son, horse shows with her daughter, and lacrosse fields with both children, cheering her family of athletes on. She spends time amongst horses on the farm, focusing on feeding plans, diet and nutrition and general care. She also spends time maintaining, decorating and entertaining at her home in Atlanta.
Susan enjoys giving back to others through mentoring. She has employed and trained young individuals who share her appetite for learning and enjoys sharing her talents and work ethics with them. After many successful years in business and life, she holds firm to the belief that relationships are the key to success no matter what you do in life.
What are you working on right now?
JP Crickets, acollegiate licensed shoe company.
What does your typical day look like?
At 6:45 AM, I cook breakfast for my 2 children and check in with Italy while they are still at the factory. I have coffee, breakfast and lunch on the run, while working with my assistant to handle our house, family and personal life. Then I handle phone calls and emails with my JP Crickets staff all day long, along with yoga, a walk or a beauty appointment; all intertwined and possibly at the same time. I stop and cook dinner every night, work again after, and go to bed with my husband.
4 trends that excite you?
- Wellness, fitness and no sugar foods
- Social shopping online and e-commerce gone social
- Affordable luxuries
- Mens lifestyle market and marketing to men
How do you bring ideas to life?
I think and play out ideas and scenarios and what if’s during my daily life. I watch people, partake and observe, as I am very curious. While showering and going about my day, I get A-HA moments, play them out in my head, make lists, talk about them and take action.
What inspires you?
I love to travel, have a healthy beautiful family and animals that I love. I am fortunate to learn from them and to have met exceptional people. I am naturally attracted to intelligent people, sports and fashion. I am curious and have many questions, so I engage in conversations to learn more and I take a lot of photos. I spend time outdoors and I love nature including plants, water and flowers. I pick pieces from plants and take them with me to hold, touch and enjoy their beauty. Colors, fabric, textiles and especially texture in everything excites me. I keep swatches everywhere.
What is one mistake you’ve made and what did you learn from it?
Trying to satisfy everyone. I learned to focus on less and on more specific ideas and customers. I try to work hard on that.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I would love to develop power foods in a small box for adults to travel with–like a lunchbox. Call me and I will partner with you. I have ideas and connections all ready to go and a name to make it sell!
What do you read every day and why?
A special prayer that I like, as it is all encompassing and makes me feel strong, safe and trusting. My family is so important to me and we do risky sports and travel; it is overwhelming at times. I repeat the word trust.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
You know, I have a short attention span for a whole book. I prefer to read fashion, health, home and equestrian periodicals daily. I can be reading a few books at a time, usually one including health. I am in the middle of reading the Steve Jobs biography.
What is your favorite gadget, app or piece of software that helps you every day?
My French press coffee maker and frother for my unsweetened coconut milk. And all things Apple!
Who would you love to see interviewed on IdeaMensch?
Claudia Poccia, President and CEO of Laura Mercier Cosmetics.
When was the last time you laughed out loud? What caused it?
I am not known for being a laugher, that is my husband. However, the other day I did laugh while watching that home video show.
Why did you choose Italy for your manufacturing?
I chose Italy because of the beautiful fabrics and leathers, the hand made craftsmanship and the passion and style of the people. I share in my heart this heritage, which draws and ties me close to this wonderful country and its people.
My family:
My husband has led our family with his military training, committed style and his never-wavering faith, handling life methodically with a smile. My daughter is beautiful, graceful, athletic and already successful and accomplished in technology and business. My son is handsome, gifted intellectually, an amazing athlete and has the most playful joy for life. We enjoy being together.
Connect:
JP Crickets Website: http://www.jpcrickets.com/
JP Crickets on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/JP-Crickets/232981616761468
JP Crickets on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/JPCrickets
Susan Meyer on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/susan-meyer/34/178/918
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.