Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Suzanne Manseau Green. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Suzanne, thanks for joining us today. Your ability to build a team is often a key determinant of your success as a business owner and so we’d love to get a conversation going with successful entrepreneurs like yourself around what your recruiting process was like -especially early on. How did you build your team?
Millie Lewis opened here in the Lowcountry in 1979, when Finishing Schools were very Popular. I was a Sports Player so I signed up to learn some Poise and Confidence. After Graduating from the College of Charleston with a BS/BA degree in ’79, and Millie Lewis, I moved to Charlotte, NC to Model and worked for No Nonsense Fashion as a Sales Rep.
On weekends I would come home to teach workshops at Millie Lewis. In 1989, Millie offered me the opportunity to take over Millie Lewis. I kept 1 employee, Louise Teems, who also later became my Sister’ n Law. She handled the bookings for the Agency. Unfortunately I lost her 4 years ago unexpectedly, she passed away.
Then I hired Tanya Robinson, who had retired from Dorchestor County School Board as my Education Director and Angela Adamian, retired School Teacher ( still cerified) as my Communications/Marketing Director. I now handle the Bookings for Models. I have an assistant Michelle Nichols who handles Breakdowns for the Actors. I have 2 Photographers that shot me in ’79 and are still with me. Another Part-time Office Staff and Mom, Debbie Childs, of 2 Beautiful girls, I have watched them grow up. I have been surrounded by Loyal Staff who also believe in our Mission of Ethics and Morals in a very Competitive and Specialized Industry.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Millie Lewis opened her School and Agency in 1979. Millie was a Famous Model in the 60”s and was the Famous Duberry Model. I was a Sports Player and needed Poise and Confidence so I signed up for her Finishing School after graduating from the College of Charleston in 1979. I moved to Charlotte NC after graduating from Millie Lewis to Model and worked as a Sales Rep for No Nonsense Fashion. Millie asked me to teach classes so I would come home on weekends. In 1989 she offered me the opportunity to take over Millie Lewis. So I’ve been with Millie Lewis 47 years, and have owned it for 37 years. There have been many Challenges and Blessings over the Years. I lost my Best Employee who was also my Sister’n Law 4 years ago unexpectedly. I wasn’t sure if I would give up or keep going as it affected me Personally and Professionally. Then the Lord sent me 2 great Employees that believed in me and Millie Lewis. We focus on Education no matter what Carrer goal. We offer Workshops for Kids, Teens, and Adults in Modeling, Acting, and Personal Development. We have a very Successful Booking Agency, so there are opportunities for Models and Actors to book Film, Commercials, Print and Runway. Millie Lewis also places Models and Actors Worldwide through Direct Placement or through Events for Exposure to Agents and Castings. Visit our Success Stories www.millielewischarleston.com.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
We are Faith based. Parents feel safe with us as we are very Protective about who we work with and the type of Clients. We focus on Ethics and Morals. We also are the only School in SC that is Licensed by the SC Commission on Higher Education.
We participate in Career Days, Support Fund Raising Events, offer Scholarships, and are really involved in the Community. I am also currently serving on the Board of the Summerville Chamber of Commerce.
Past VP of the Alumni Board of the College Of Charleston.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
We post our Succes Stories and Bookings on Instagram and Facebook.
Our handle @millielewisch and FB Millie Lewis Charleston.
You need to keep everyone in the Know,
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.millielewischarleston.com
- Instagram: @millielewischs
- Facebook: Millie Lewis Charleston Red logo/Personal Black Logo/Business
Image Credits
Headshot of Myself Photographer Bob Kay