Get to know me: 29 random things
And why I chose to reinvent my life at the worst possible time.
One could argue that creating a skincare company without a background in formulation, product development, packaging, marketing or advertising has been a bit of an uphill climb. What I didn’t anticipate when I started this venture, was how the constellation of ongoing perimenopausal symptoms would challenge just about every part of my life. Poor sleep? Check. Lack of energy? Check. Brain fog? Check. I had no idea perimenopause would take me on such a long, challenging ride that would impede my ability to get through some days. But I needed a change, so I dove headfirst into the unknown. It’s been hard, it’s been scary, and it’s been exhilarating too. More importantly, I’ve grown by leaps and bounds by not staying in my comfort zone, and I hope to inspire other women to realize that it’s never too late to reinvent your life if it’s not the one you want.
And now for a few completely useless facts that not even my closest friends might know:
I have an MFA in metalsmithing and jewelry design. What does that actually mean? I can make you a sterling silver teapot out of a flat sheet of metal. Or cast a silver ring for you.
Skincare befuddled me for most of my life. I didn’t have my first facial until my mid-forties.
In my 20s, I became certified as a professional diamond grader and worked in the jewelry industry for a few years. Pro tip: the most important “C” is cut, not carat.
I enjoy knotting pearls in my spare time.
I was the captain of my high school ski team and competed at the state level.
I’ve been practicing yoga since 1998; it’s been a mainstay of my movement practice which has kept me grounded and sane.
Earlier this year I was diagnosed with microscopic colitis. I had no idea that an autoimmune disease could cause such havoc. Anyone need a collection of gluten free, dairy free recipes? I’m working on those in my spare time.
Rescuing animals is my secret passion; currently I have two adorable bunnies that desperately needed a good home and chiweenie whose I adore to no end.
On the weekends, I can be found out in the wilderness on my gravel bike attempting to climb impossibly steep terrain and subsequently fly down bumpy roads while avoiding the “baby-heads” and “death cookies.”
Late season blooms in Northern Michigan. Stargazing is a childhood passion that I never outgrew.
I read every book I could find when I was pregnant and took several classes, and yet, I still felt wholly unprepared for the birth of my first child. I refused to go into this second major hormonal shift of perimenopause with my eyes wide shut and became a menopause coach instead.
I’m terrible at knitting.
I toast and grind my own spices and make my own spice blends. Aloo gobi anyone?
With no background in swimming, bike riding or running, I jumped into the sport of triathlon and qualified for Nationals my first season. And somehow I did not come in last.
Cooking and baking is my love language for my family.
My years of teaching therapeutic yoga and Pilates has proven two things: strength and mobility are necessary to aging well.
Checking on my backyard hive of bees is a form of meditation.
Lake Michigan is my happy place.
I love to buy shoes; I hate to wear them.
My rescue animals. I’ve lived in the same bungalow style house house built in 1938 for 24 years, and I still love it every much as when I bought it.
I can repair my own sprinkler system, and my collection of tools intimidates most men.
When I started a company based on the word “metamorphosis,” I had no idea how much my own life would be transformed. And it’s still happening.
I lived on a boat in the summer time as a tween and teenager (when I wasn’t attending Camp Al-Gon-Quain).
I spent a summer in Florence, Italy during graduate school. Yes, it was magical.
I may or may not have attended a NKOTB concert.
My favorite movie of all time is Life is Beautiful.
The junk food I can’t live without: Trader Joe’s Rolled Corn Chili Lime Chips.
I refuse to eat cereal with milk. Soggy mess in a bowl? No thank you.
Flowers bring me eternal joy. Especially these dahlias.
What about you? Are you pondering a pivot in your life? I’d love to hear what’s next for you!
Cheers to looking and feeling your best!
Susan Campbell
Founder, Phosis
Witnessing your pivot has been like watching someone pull off a high-wire act in fabulous shoes—terrifying, inspiring, and wildly satisfying. I’ve been feeling the same deep joy in my own pivot: seeing our authors reinvent themselves and succeed is the kind of adrenaline I never knew I’d love this much. Here’s to transformations that keep unfolding—sometimes gracefully, sometimes with dahlias and Trader Joe’s chips in hand. xo
Wow, Susan I have know you for lots of years and I didn't know half of those things about you. Thanks for sharing. We have lots to talk about in the future.