Suzanne Evans is convinced it’s time to start doing and stop dreaming. That’s her philosophy, her passion, her profession—and certainly her message.
Evans, 37, who lives in Murrells Inlet, S.C., is the founder and owner of Suzanne Evans, LLC. She launched the business a little more than four years ago. Her partner of 16 years, Melonie Orr, is the company CEO.
“Nothing happens until you make it happen, so if you want more money you have to take action to change your life,” said Evans, who describes herself as action expert. “I am a business and wealth coach for women. I lead live events, virtual coaching programs and high-end VIP coaching to [female] entrepreneurs.
“If you want to change the world, you have to start by changing your world. I think people still see coaches as woo-woo or as a luxury. Business is ever-changing and in a technology age, a business can’t afford to be without a coach.”
Evans stresses living life to your fullest, utmost potential—always.
“It is simple, having the time you want to do what you want when you want,” Evans explained. “That is why I love being an entrepreneur and support other women to do the same.”
Evans’ clients mostly range in age from 35 to 55. She said the key to her successful career includes her ability to “make a fool of myself.”
“Business is about risks … I have done some pretty crazy stuff, but I was willing to do it,” Evans said. “I know that the key to success in doing for the mission and not for the attention.”
Evans said being gay certainly has impacted her life personally and professionally.
“I think [being gay] completely supported me in the work I do, which is help people overcome money and business obstacles to make more money and have a massive impact in the world,” she said. “I think most people spend their lives hiding something or worried about a piece of their life. Being gay gave me a tremendous amount of empathy for people using their lives as a connection to their business. As I tell my clients, the best path you can take is to make your mess your message.”
Evans, who graduated from Lees-McRae College and earned a master’s degree from New York University, worked for the nation’s largest union and has been a professional actress. She also was a nationally ranked water skier, a high school teacher and an assistant producer to five Broadway shows—all before the age of 30.
She now has a private coaching practice and is a published author of the book Blueprint For Success, which has a detailed plan of action that readers can use to accomplish their goals and achieve success in their personal or professional lives.
“All of the work I have done and the life experiences led me to this business,” Evans said. “I couldn’t have the experience, insight, or passion I have for impacting businesses had I not been through it all.
“Since I was little, I knew I would be speaking and teaching—I just wasn’t certain it would look like this. [And in 10 years,] I will be doing what I am doing, but on a larger scale—I think we need an Entrepreneurial Church in this country. The small business owner will not only save the economy, but financially fuel global, social, and education movements. I want to be a part of that.
“My book is for anyone wanting to take action, but not doing it. Dreaming is key, but action is necessary. It’s a get off your ass and get stuff done read.”
So how can the LGBT community, particularly lesbians, benefit from Evans?
“Lesbians under-earn in this country. The more LGBT business owners we can produce, the more money we can infuse into LGBT issues. It takes money to get results and we need more of it,” said Evans, who estimated that about 20 percent of her clients are LGBT.
Suzanne Evans’ tips For success:
—Work harder than the next person.
—Do not complain.
—Do what makes a difference while you make money.
—Keep commitments.
—Make your mess your message.
—Don’t wait for success to come to you.
—Don’t try to fit in.