Suzanne Najem shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Suzanne, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Lately, I’ve felt a strong calling to be 100% my true, authentic self — something I’ve been afraid to fully embrace before.
For me, that looks like speaking my mind without fear of judgment, learning when and how to say “no” without guilt, and allowing myself to be transparent about who I am in front of anyone.
It’s easy to fall into boxes — to try and fit into what society says is acceptable, trendy, or popular. But I’m realizing that real peace and real connection come when you stop performing and start showing up as your truest self.
You find your people — your tribe — not by being who you think you should be, but by being who you truly are.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Suzanne, the founder of Pippa & Pearl — a women’s boutique born from my love for timeless fashion and the belief that style is one of the most powerful forms of self-expression.
Pippa & Pearl started as a passion project — a way for me to create something that felt meaningful, feminine, and empowering. I wanted to build a space where women could find pieces that not only make them look beautiful, but feel beautiful, confident, and seen.
Over the years, it’s become so much more than just a boutique — it’s a community of women who celebrate each other, embrace their individuality, and find joy in the details of how they show up in the world.
What makes Pippa & Pearl special is the heart behind it. Every collection is curated with intention, inspired by the women who remind me daily that confidence and kindness never go out of style.
Right now, I’m focused on continuing to grow that community — creating not just fashion, but an experience that encourages women to embrace who they are, unapologetically.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed I was insignificant — that I didn’t have a voice and that my presence didn’t matter. I couldn’t see my own potential and truly thought I would never amount to anything.
Of course, now I believe the sky is the limit. You can and will become exactly who you want to be. You are in control of your future — and it all begins with learning to love yourself and choosing yourself first.
And I would love to pass those affirmations on to little girls and women everywhere — to remind them that they are powerful, worthy, and capable of creating the life they dream of.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I wanted to give up so many times.
There’s a popular saying: “Are you even an entrepreneur if you haven’t wanted to quit several times a week?” — and honestly, it’s so true (haha). If everything feels too perfect, you’re probably not being challenged enough.
Entrepreneurship is one of the most demanding, humbling, and transformative journeys you can ever pursue. There are moments when you’ll want to throw in the towel, question everything, and wonder if it’s all worth it.
But the key is to stay persistent — to keep showing up even when it’s hard, and to surround yourself with a tribe of people who remind you why you started and encourage you to keep going.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. Authenticity is so important.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Something I feel like I understand deeply — maybe more than the average person — is empathy.
I’m always surprised by how many people lack it, or how it isn’t naturally ingrained in everyone the way I believe it should be. I constantly find myself putting myself in someone else’s shoes, trying to understand their feelings, their intentions, and their perspective.
But in the same token, that empathy can sometimes be detrimental in business — because there is such a thing as caring too much. (Haha)
The real lesson has been learning how to find that balance — how to lead with empathy while still standing firm. Because being a boss means knowing when to show compassion, and when to put your foot down. Both are acts of strength.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pippaandpearl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pippaandpearl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PippaAndPearl
