Sue lost 34 lbs*
At 6 months, participants in a clinical trial of the WW weight-loss program lost an average of 9.7 lbs (5% of body weight). And, people who track their food more often lose more weight. When actual WW members track their food at least two times a week for 6 months they lose on average 16.6 lbs. (7.9% body weight). Sue lost weight on a prior program and is continuing on WeightWatchers. Watch Sue’s journey of discovering her confidence through WW and starting her own jewelry line in the video below.
In Sue’s words:
During my 20-year stint as a fashion editor, I spent a lot of time around beautiful people. I had always struggled with my weight, so instead of trying to keep up, I tried to hide. I wore lots of trendy shoes and earrings, but opted for dark, loose clothing to cover my figure. I found myself telling people how many years I had worked in the industry because I felt like I didn’t look like a powerful editor. During a girls’ trip to Atlantic City in 2014, I watched my friends having fun getting ready to go out, and I realized I wasn’t happy with my outfit or my body. When I returned home, I joined WW.
From editor to entrepreneur
Making a transition
About a year after joining WW, I reached my goal and became a Lifetime member. My success on the program gave me the push I needed to transition in my career from a fashion editor to an entrepreneur. I had made a pair of tassel earrings for myself, and every time I wore them, people stopped me and asked me where I got them from. I decided to open up an Etsy shop and try selling them on my own, and the business took off. I called my line Libby & Smee, after my daughters’ nicknames.
Creating balance
I love being an entrepreneur. I’ve never worked so hard at anything in my life. I work more hours than I’ve ever worked before. My busy schedule keeps me from spending too much time in the kitchen. I have a few go-to lunches: One of my favorites is plain fat-free Greek yogurt with berries and a little granola. With running my own business and managing the childcare for my two daughters, there isn’t much time to squeeze in fitness. So I made it a habit to wake up every morning at 6 a.m., lay out my yoga mat, and do a workout DVD. If I hit snooze too many times, I’ll use my workout app that’s filled with 7-minute workouts. At least I get in a little bit of exercise before I start my day.
Seeing clearly
Early on in the branding of Libby & Smee, I created this vision board to introduce a new collection of colors. When I’m thinking about my next step, I think of my kids’ artwork. Kids create so freely without second-guessing themselves. I try to be as creative in my work, but it can be challenging. Though my business started exclusively with tassel earrings, a store owner recommended I try necklaces. Now I’m designing tassel necklaces, beaded hoops, and pom-pom earrings. I can’t wait to see where this business takes me.
How Sue’s success with WW has improved her life
Being a role model
My two daughters, Lily and Sophia, are 10 and 13, and they’re so much fun. I’ll put on music and the three of us will dance around the house together. I also love that they get to see me hustle. They always respected that I was a working mom, but now they see me making sales, growing my own business, and being featured in a magazine. They are very proud of me.
Face-to-face
At first, I thought I’d just sell my jewelry online. But then my business started growing through trunk shows and events. It was terrifying to walk into a store and ask the owners if they wanted to carry my earrings, but WW helped me build that confidence. I’ve realized that the face-to-face interaction is what makes my business so rewarding. Lately, I’ve been doing more trunk shows and pop-ups at boutiques like The French Martini in my town. To see someone smile when she puts on my earrings — that makes me feel wonderful.
I belong
I feel really good about my place in the fashion industry. To be an entrepreneur, someone who’s creating things that aren’t out there in the world, and putting my own stamp on it, that’s amazing. To know that there are women all over the country — and the world — who are wearing my jewelry and loving it, and feeling good about themselves because of something that I’ve created for them, that makes me feel wonderful.