ABOUT SUE
I was born and raised in Illinois. From a very young age, I was extremely sensitive to information. Learning to read at the age of three, I found myself bored and restless with the traditional education system. For most of elementary school, I excelled at things far beyond my years. I always felt different and separate from the other kids like I didn’t belong, even finding myself learning foreign languages while the other kids learned to read or went to recess.
At the age of four, I began experiencing multi-levels of abuse from my brother who was 11 at the time. His abuse was perpetrated by a neighbor that ended up spanning into family abuse. This abuse perpetration created multiple levels of pain and anguish throughout my family, causing my brother to claim his life. This pain penetrated every area of my life.
In 1975, my father needed to quit smoking 4 packs of cigarettes a day. He quit cold turkey and his release was to begin a new hobby business in which he and my mother would hand form bear claws and thunderbirds out of clay, stringing them on leather cords. Each piece they made had a stone inset which spoke to them. From there they (and myself) would set up and sell at local flea markets. Here we met and made friends with George and Angie Williams who owned the Indian Mound, an Authentic Native American Indian store in the same town we had just moved to. George and Angie were also schoolteachers. George started my father in the business and the rest was history.
This created a lifelong love of the Native American Culture and Arts for our family. Before we knew it, we became one of the largest online Authentic Native American businesses in the United States. We had the most magnificent time working with over 3500 artists and 22 Indigenous Tribes. Filling our home with exquisite Native American handcrafted art; much of which was gifted to us over the years. The items included paintings, artifacts and medicinal items. I helped with the family business, learning from the elders, absorbing all the knowledge I could. For 45 years, I assisted my parents in running one of the largest online Native American Galleries. (As a side note: the money made from this business went right back into the culture). My father was part Mi’kmaq so the culture runs deep within my soul.
Over the past few years (starting in 2018), I have suffered many extreme losses, 17 to be exact; from the loss of my life partner and best friend to the loss of both of my parents, sister and 3 beautiful dachshunds. Through this loss I have discovered my new path, who I truly be and the space I wish to provide for others.
I’ve always been attracted to getting to know others, their struggles and showing up to see how I can be of the best service. I am excited and feel so blessed to be able to hold space and help others move through many of the same struggles I too have faced. I would love to assist you.