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Sassy Girl Design
3107 Main Street
Duluth, Ga. 30096
www.sassygirldesign.com |
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December 05, 2008
Suzanne Smith has always worked with her hands.
But she never thought her passion would lead her to owning a business, Sassy Girl Design, in downtown Duluth.
After cutting hair for 22 years, her life changed.
Her son, Grant, was diagnosed with autism and she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
"I hate staying at home but I felt that this was God's way of telling me to do it," said the lifelong Duluth resident.
And thus Sassy Girl was born.
"I started working in my basement," said Smith who began creating items for breast cancer and autism awareness. "Then I started attending craft shows and it just grew from there."
But how did she end up in a historic 135-year-old building on Main Street in Duluth?
Smith said it started when she cut the hair of one of the building's owners, Mike Burel. The corner building had only been a handful of businesses in its lengthy history: the original post office, a diner, an eye doctor's office.
Smith knew right away she wanted it and spent seven months making the building her own before, despite some butterflies, opening the doors on Black Friday in 2007. She's never looked back.
"I love what I do," she said. "I have always worked with my hands and have always enjoyed art. I am constantly active and this business allows me to keep that way."
Smith said a majority of her business includes school spirit wear and baby items, although shoppers can find something for numerous activities including items for the tennis mom and man's best friend.
Like many businesses, the economy has meant for tough times lately. But Smith said being in downtown Duluth, where there has been increased activity and businesses opening recently, has been wonderful.
"The festivals have helped," she said with a smile, "and it's great being right here on the corner. I am totally pumped about the activity downtown."
And, of course, Smith has had the support of friends and family.
"They have always been there to help me out," she said. "My friends have never said 'no' when I needed them."
To celebrate the anniversary, Smith said she will have an open house Nov. 28 with wine, cheese and 20 percent discounts. Smith, a veteran of two 3-day breast cancer walks, said she also looks forward to continuing to support efforts to defeat breast cancer.
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