Spotlight Member Suzy Rounce
Tell us about your business and why you chose this path?
I am the co-founder and creative director of Switchback Creative. We are a wife-hubby team that has created a business built around being brand storytellers through marketing, website design and branding. Stories get inside people and create an emotional connection between them and your company. The ultimate goal is for your brand to become weaved into the fabric of their lifestyle, well-being and ultimately their identity.
I choose this path because it is the perfect combination of structure and creativity. It is real challenges that need solutions and real parameters that need to be met. I have an intense passion for design, marketing and strives to work with the best clients doing amazing things in the world.
What support did you need to get started and keep the dream alive?
My business partner, husband and best friend, Trevor. He is the single most important reason we started and kept the dream alive. Without him by my side I wouldn't have wanted to do this endeavour and I don't think I would have had the determination and heart to make it through. The journey is the fun part! It is the adventure.
How do you create work-life balance in your world? Is there such a thing?
Work-life balance doesn’t seem to really exist. It is a play between what is the most important thing at that moment in your life, where you are headed in the big picture, and then learning not to fight the facts of where you are in this moment.
Enjoy the little things and keep your eye on the big dreams.
What do you think it takes to be a successful entrepreneur or business person?
Total determination and lots of sacrifice too. The hardest thing for me to learn is to say no to some of the fun things that just take your eye off the prize. It's the short term satisfaction pull vs. saving, working and building so that you can be where you really want to be in the long run.
It also takes a thick skin. You need to be able to hear 'NO' a 100 times before you hear a yes and be okay with that. You will find your tribe and when you do it will blow your mind what a good fit it is.
What is your life motto?
Let's go on an adventure, together.
Tell us about a challenge that you have faced in your own life that has influenced who you are today!
I think growing up as an only child with my mom could have been a challenge but it was a great opportunity for me. Opportunity to learn a lot of skills that I might not have. I am an extravert so it's easy for me to fill space with just finding something to do. It's harder for me to just sit and be bored and fill those moments with peace.
Who has influenced or inspired you and why?
My friends and family always inspire me with the incredible things that they do and who they are as people. I love reading biography books on the amazing things people have accomplished and the trials they have overcome.
Who is a Woman of Inspiration to you? Why?
I have always loved Amelia Earhart. The way she went after what she wanted seemed like she did it with such class and determination. Nothing got in her way and the whole story is like a fiction novel. I love that.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
We will have a team of 10 and will be doing amazing work for our clients all over Canada. Custom boutique marketing plans, website development and branding. Great people, great companies and great work.
What attracted you to The Nest?
I loved the authentic connections that are encouraged. It's about getting to know people, learn together and create a community that is genuine and real.
My go to drink is...
A nice, fresh French Press coffee at home or from a coffee shop, with lots of cream.
I cannot live without my....
Apple products. Without my imac, ipad pro, ibook, iphone, ipen I would be lost. Sad to say but hard not to talk about technology when we are a graphics design and marketing company.
My passion is....
Mountain biking! I wish I could do it a little everyday with endless single track trails everywhere around me.
My favorite destination is....
The mountains... anywhere in the mountains where I am with my husband, my dog and the trees.
Charity I support .....
Airdrie Angel is a grassroots program that gives a hand up to those who have been through a difficult time or are living in challenging circumstances. The community completely supports/funds it and has grown it with their own generosity. We are partners in helping it grow because none of us ever know when something bad, hard or unfortunate might touch us and knowing you aren't alone when that happens is the greatest gift of all. (airdrieangel.ca)
My power song is.....
Jamiroquai - Canned Heat