Meet Suzan Harris, PhD | Mother, Middle School Principal, Educator Advocate, Speaker, Educational Consultant, Realtor, Realtor Investor, Caterer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Suzan Harris, PhD and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Suzan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I made the deliberate choice to become a business owner with the primary goal of establishing multiple streams of income. Growing up, my mother was an entrepreneur, and while I initially resisted following in her footsteps, I now realize the wisdom in her decision. Witnessing her entrepreneurial journey and the flexibility it afforded her in terms of income and lifestyle planted the seed in my mind. By venturing into entrepreneurship, I sought to diversify my income streams, providing a sense of financial security and the freedom to chart my own professional path. Looking back, I see the value in embracing the entrepreneurial spirit, and it has become a fulfilling journey that aligns with my aspirations and values.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a middle school principal, what sets me apart from others is my deep commitment to ensuring teachers experience success through their students’ achievements. My philosophy centers around the belief that equipping teachers with the necessary skills leads to effective classroom instruction, fostering student engagement and learning. What I am most proud of is witnessing my students develop the ability to advocate for themselves respectfully. I take pride in the daily efforts of my teachers, dedicated to doing what’s best for our students. Professionally, my journey has been shaped by the belief in identifying strengths and growing in areas of weakness. I see failure as a non-option, driving me to excel in my role to achieve intended results. I want the world to recognize the importance of identifying strengths, emphasizing that dwelling on weaknesses can hinder personal and professional growth, potentially preventing us from taking necessary risks.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Georgia has a lot to offer. In my immediate area, there are many lakes like Lake Sinclair and Lake Oconee. I would definitely recommend going fishing or just hanging out on the lake. In addition, the state offers a lot of beautiful and scenic state parks like High Falls, Indian Springs, etc. for hiking. Our state parks also, offer scheduled activities for the entire family to enjoy like hiking, kayaking.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Zackery Harris, has played a pivotal role in encouraging and supporting my ventures into entrepreneurship. Serving as my biggest cheerleader, he has been a constant source of motivation and positivity. In moments of setbacks or when things don’t unfold as initially planned, Zack is always there to provide unwavering support and help lift my spirits. His belief in my capabilities has been instrumental in giving me the confidence to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Together, we make a resilient team, with his steadfast encouragement serving as a cornerstone for my entrepreneurial journey.

Twitter: @drSuzanHarris

Image Credits
Edweek