Meet Susie Busch Transou | Founder/CEO
We had the good fortune of connecting with Susie Busch Transou and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Susie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The people, linked by our culture, that bring Hearth and Soul to life each and every day. An idea is only as good as the people that bring it to life and fuel it overtime. I am so grateful for the many women and men that have joined me on the Hearth and Soul journey and believe in our Mission, “To Connect with Friends To Make Their Day” with a service oriented and community approach. We are bound together by our values including positivity, better together, personal and professional growth and accountability for excellence.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Over the years I have had the opportunity to work in various fields (advertising, public relations, eventing and product development) with a common thread of hospitality with the beer business at my core. I have had the great fortune to be involved in community non profit work as well as civic, health and education developments. The idea of Hearth and Soul was born to connect these passions and experiences creating a new concept in retail called “Hospitality Retail”. Reminiscent of the home, you are welcomed into a warm, relaxing place where you can fulfill your personal, gifting and home needs. Without a commission structure, our team is truly here to serve and connect with you to, as our Mission states, “make your day”. We feature a unique curated collection of women’s and men’s apparel and accessories, kitchen provisions, dining, bar and entertaining pieces, furniture, lighting and accessories, patio furniture, and books. Because the collections are found in their logical and relatable place in the home they shine in their natural purpose. We are very proud of our community partnerships including non profit partnerships monthly, artist partners, author partnerships and fitness partners. Community engagement is baked into who we are. By creating a place to feature and elevate others we all support one another.
The building of a new concept, experience and brand is not easy. Consistent delivery of excellent customer service requires a lazer focus on process consistency and training. Finding the best people to live and grow the brand and deliver this consistency is critical. Remote work makes our model more difficult but with the right people in the right positions we achieve balance among our team.
Lessons: Communication among the team is critical and we have learned to use multiple forms of communication, Positivity is core to who we are… you have to chose a positive attitude every day in order to create a positive ripple for others. You have to be present for yourself and for others. Focus on the customer each and every day above all else.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Tallahassee… Hearth and Soul, Market District, Maclay Gardens, FSU, FAMU, a drive to the beach, Thomasville, Z. Bardhi, Oyster City Brewing.
Austin… Hearth and Soul Studio, South Congress, University of Texas, Lady Bird Lake, Roundtop
St Louis.. Hearth and Soul, Shops of Ladue, The Arch, Brewery Tour – Anheuser-Busch, The Hill, Truffles, St Louis Cardinals Game, the Foundry.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My soulmate in life, my husband Tripp, my three children, my mother and father, the amazing community of friends that I have met along the way and my leadership team including our Vice President of Sales and Creative, Candice Thompson and Director of Operations , Brittani Burton, who have been with me for over 8 years. A shoutout to our Leadership Coach Mark Cummins as well. I feel so grateful for all of our Hearth teammates and customers each and every day.
Website: www.hearthandsoul.com
Instagram: @shophearthandsoul
Linkedin: Hearth and Soul
Facebook: @shophearthandsoul
Other: Personal Linked In. Susie Busch Transou
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