Meet Suzan: From Isolation to Independence

What makes you a Beautiful Disaster?

I have turned my life around after surviving many disasters in my life.

Why do you identify with the Beautiful Disaster brand?

After seeing the brand, I lit up. I thought, That’s ME. And I realized—I’m not alone. I found my tribe.

Tell us your Beautiful Disaster story:

I was married young to an alcoholic, drug abuser, narcissistic mental abuser—for 23 years.

I stayed with him because I felt lost. I didn’t think I had anywhere to turn. I felt isolated and alone, and I was raising our only child. It felt like I was a single parent. He was a chef, always working weekends and holidays. And when he was home, he was too wasted to contribute to anything resembling a “normal” family life.

He passed away suddenly, right in front of me. His addictions ultimately killed him. He developed cirrhosis of the liver, which damaged his organs—and he died.

I was broken 💔 and isolated for many years after his passing. I thought it was my fault—that I was somehow to blame for the way he was.

What happened for you to turn it around?

Meeting with therapists, family, and friends helped me realize:
I am not responsible for the actions of others.

Name 3 things you’ve done to move closer to happiness:

1. I stopped isolating.

2. I went out with friends—and I even went out by myself.

3. I realized that I was not going to let the actions of others dictate my behavior.

What is your favorite Beautiful Disaster collection, past or present, and why?

"What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger."
It rings true to me. I am a much stronger woman because I survived what I went through.