2021 Women in Business

Sunflower Village Arts and Crafts Studio 1229 US 41 Bypass S. Venice, Florida 34293 Find us on Instagram and Facebook Website: sunflowervillagestudio.com Email: sunflowervillagestudio@gmail.com Q & A Susie Carlin, a homeschooling mother of three, found her inspiration in the child-like wonder of imagination to open a place for local families to gather together to learn, play and create through self-expression. Her creative haven has become a homeschooling hub for many within the community. Q: What kind of services do you offer to the community through your business? A: Sunflower Village provides a safe and fun space for families to gather and create together. We have workshops throughout the week and we offer a variety of classes and workshops, ranging from open studio, arts and crafts and educational classes. We also cater to private parties, birthday celebrations, and organized group workshops. Q: How many years have you been with the business? A: Sunflower Village will be celebrating it's one year anniversary this October [2021]!" Q: What inspired you to take this business path/ career? A: I am mostly Inspired by creating an atmosphere that brings joy and creativity into our community. I want to cultivate a space that provides families with enriching learning experiences and freedoms to make art through honest self expression. I am a mother to three beautiful children and the three of them are my guiding light - their curiosity for learning and self expression in all the ways is my inspiration. It is in my greatest hopes that we can be of service to our community. To be impactful by utilizing our expansive energy in ways that are deeper than what meets the eyes - in a sustainable and everlasting level. Q: What has had the biggest influence in your life? A: God has had the biggest influence in my life. My children are my biggest source of inspiration and motivation - I am able to balance being a mother, a wife and a business owner through the grace of God, as it's not an easy task. Q: Do you have a motto or philosophy that guides you everyday? A: A little snippet of the poem Desiderata "Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy." By Max Ehrmann © 1927 Q: What advice would you give other women considering going into business? A: My best advice to give to another woman that is considering going into a business would be advice I'd give to myself - always be truthful and honest, to others and especially to yourself. Believe in yourself and believe in the power of God. Susie CARLIN Compiled by Nicole Stitz Women In Business September 2021 22

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