The power of words is immeasurable. They can be used to encourage, discourage, educate, mislead, heal, and hurt. Suzette Shanle, an entrepreneur, retired hair stylist, and beauty pageant winner, uses hers to inspire. The inspiring author behind Suzette’s Daddy Issues: a Memoir of Violence and Hope, this power player is making a mark in the lives of her readers by highlighting the values of love and forgiveness.
A multi-faceted personality whose story resonates with countless people from all walks of life, Suzette is intimately privy to the harsh realities of life. Yet, more than anything else, this awareness allows her to touch the lives of others and have her words strike close to home.
Her book, Suzette’s Daddy Issues, introduces readers to a girl raised by a sweet and gentle mother and her husband, a convicted felon and life-long criminal. Apart from his violent tendencies, he may also be running from the mob, which puts the family in danger and makes Suzette wish, more than ever, that her birth father would claim her as his own so that she would not have to defend herself constantly.
Fervently wishing to feel safe, happy, and loved, the book’s main character continues to wonder about the identity of her birth father. Is it the father of her older brother or the man who stabbed her mother in the back with a knife and left her for dead? These questions, among many others, plagues Suzette, yet she needs to place them on the back burner and focus on staying alive while living under the same roof with a dangerous man and keeping her heart pure and loving in the face of violence.
Suzette Shanle explores a person’s resilience and capacity to overcome the odds through her book. Thanks to her talent and way of words, she is also able to speak of the true meaning of love and family. Her emphasis on such themes and deep-seated commitment toward authenticity has allowed this awe-inspiring author to set herself apart from others and make a name for herself in an industry known for its saturated nature.
On top of dealing with a turbulent childhood, Suzette has also had to contend with a head injury. “My perception has always been off because of it,” she shared. “It shows in my work, and early on, my instructors tried to correct my so-called problem, but I noticed that my out-of-the-ordinary perception is what I think makes my work unique.”
After years of beating herself up, trying to color within the lines and keeping her ducks in a row, Suzette finally learned to embrace her flaws and celebrate her unique qualities. “I have become less concerned with pleasing others and just being me,” the writer added.
Right now, Suzette is enjoying her life as a wife, the mother of two daughters and one son, a well-accomplished entrepreneur, and an author. Yet, all the while, she remains a firm believer in the words of her departed mother: “We must learn to let go of past hurts and embrace tomorrow. For the sun will be out tomorrow, and it’s sure to be a better day.”
