Today we’d like to introduce you to Suree’ Conner.
Hi Suree’, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Sureé Conner. I’m 36 years old, and I have two handsome sons. I’m from Memphis, TN. I now live in Grand Prairie, TX. I am the CEO of Suree’s Keepsakes, LLC and Keepsake Blanks By Suree’, LLC which is my newer business and work in progress!
My family and friends were my inspiration behind me starting my businesses!
The idea of Suree’s Keepsakes came about some years ago after my first child was born; I was so excited to be a mom that I wanted a lot of handmade and custom items for him, and we all know how expensive that can be so to save money I began playing around with crafting and making things like birth/wedding announcements, and custom photo frames for myself, my friends and family. But because I was mostly making things for free at that time, I ended up focusing on other things and got away from creating. It wasn’t until 2018 that I decided to really take this seriously again. I did so because I simply fell in love with being creative while planning, organizing, and making all of the decorations and props for my grandmother’s surprise 70th birthday party! I honestly couldn’t afford to pay for everything I wanted to make that day special, so I started learning to do it all myself. I made balloon props, personalized confetti, personalized table decor, and so much more! Everything turned out amazing, and the birthday Queen was overwhelmed with joy. Her reaction sparked something in me and made me want to give it a try again. So, in May of 2019, Suree’s Keepsakes, LLC was born. I couldn’t believe it; I started my very own personalization and custom business. Suree’s Keepsakes is an online gift shop that specializes in custom handmade and personalized items such as; t-shirts, jackets, tumblers, jewelry, and so much more.
My husband, my parents, and my grandmother all invested in my dream and supported me every step of the way! Unfortunately, my light was deemed in 2021, I lost my grandmother and my husband to illnesses back-to-back, and although I haven’t given up on my business, it’s a daily struggle for me to find the spark I once had. But I am so grateful for my family and friends who have been there to help me get through this tough time. I am working hard every day to get back that fire. I know that’s what they would want is for me to keep going, especially for my children’s sake. Business slowed down, I even shut down my websites during those time of course, but you better believe I’m working on getting it back going strong. I have invested in some new equipment, taken a few new classes, and more. Websites are back up, and orders are starting to come in again, and with each one, I put a little more love in it just to show my customers and supporters how much they mean to me! Whether it be a mug, necklace, or t-shirt, I’m sending you nothing but love and quality from Suree’s Keepsakes! And I will continue to make family proud those here and those gone! Thank you for allowing me to share my story!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My biggest challenge right now is figuring out how to continue to run my business while dealing with grief. These last few years have taken so much from not just me but so many others in the world; I just pray that we all make it through it! And we will! One day at a time!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have been an entrepreneur since 2019 with my personalization business. Aside of that, I’m a licensed cosmetologist. I graduated from Dudley Cosmetology School in 2005 and have work in severalsalons ever since. I specialize in men’s cuts, but I can do it all. Although I like doing hair my passion is to create. My personalization business is my main focus as far as work goes, but of course, it goes without saying that my children are my top priority. In spite of all the challenges life have thrown at me, I am most proud of myself for never giving up. My small business may be dealing with a few challenges, but I’ll keep going until the very end. I am very passionate about that; I started my company with no experience, no funding, and no special degree. That may seem odd to some, but to me, it’s motivational! Now don’t get me wrong those things are great to have, but if you don’t, that shouldn’t stop you. Behind every t-shirt, mug, tumbler, or piece of jeweIry made by me, there is a little bit of love. I know nothing happens overnight, but I believe in myself, and I truly believe anyone that has shopped with me would agree. I love what I do, and I just pray that I continue to grow to be able to share my love and creativity with the world.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
Luck hasn’t played any role in my life or business; divine favor and grace has. I’m far from perfect, but I have a heart of gold. I treat people with respect; I’m fruitful. And very supportive. I try my best to be an all-around good person, and with saying that, I believe that blessings are drawn to me all I have to do is be patient and get in position to receive them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sureeskeepsakes.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/sureeskeepsakes
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SureesKeepsakes
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/sureeskeepsakes
