We recently connected with Susan Sanders and have shared our conversation below.

Susan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?

My hero is my Granny, Marge Beard. After she and my grandfather divorced, she had no formal education, no job, and no backup plan—but she had grit. She turned her love for planning parties into a successful career as a wedding and event planner at the Ramada Inn in Laurel, Mississippi. She taught me that a woman should always have her own education and never depend on anyone else. Her resilience and creativity shaped how I approach life, work, and challenges—with independence, purpose, and pride.

Granny’s story influences everything I do. When I feel doubt, I think about her. When I face hard choices, I ask myself, What would Marge do? She taught me how to stand up, how to start again, and how to keep my head high—especially when it would be easier to hang it low. Because of her, I know that success doesn’t come from luck. It comes from determination and the quiet courage to say, “I’ll figure it out.”

Susan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Susan Sanders, founder of Love Letters Co., based in Sumrall, Mississippi. With 18 years in the wedding and event industry, my journey started at just 16, working as a hostess for a local catering and event company—and I’ve never looked back. I’ve always had a heart for creating meaningful experiences and thoughtful details that turn ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.

From my time working with the president of Jones College in Ellisville, MS to working major shows and festivals with the Country Music Association in Nashville, I’ve built a career grounded in hospitality, kindness, and creative problem-solving. I earned my degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Tourism from the University of Southern Mississippi, while also working at the Lake Terrace Convention Center as part of their event staff. My path has also included corporate event support in the marketing world and, since 2017, fundraising for Forrest General Healthcare Foundation—helping raise money to benefit patients in our 19 county system.

Along the way, Love Letters Co. grew from a side passion to a heartfelt business. I specialize in custom calligraphy, wedding signage, day-of coordination, and live watercolor guest portraits. Whether I’m helping a bride bring her vision to life or supporting a client through a more emotional event, I meet people where they are—with grace, patience, and a smile. Every event is personal to me, and I treat each client like family.

What I’m most proud of is the ability to show up with compassion—whether it’s a moment that’s harder than expected or the happiest day of someone’s life . My job is to bring a little beauty, a lot of calm, and intention to whatever the day holds.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe what helped build my reputation is my ability to shift with kindness—no matter the situation—and make each person feel truly special and seen. Whether it’s a bride on the happiest day of her life or a family navigating something tender, I meet people with calm, compassion, and flexibility. I pay attention to the details that matter, both in design and in human connection, and I think clients remember how they felt during the process just as much as the final product. That personal touch is what sets Love Letters Co. apart and what keeps people coming back or sending their friends my way.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is seeing the end result—the moment when everything comes together and I know it made someone feel seen, celebrated, or cared for. Whether it’s a stack of hand-addressed envelopes going out into the world, a custom sign perfectly placed, or the hug from a bride at the end of her wedding day thanking me for helping it all run smoothly—that’s what fills my cup. It’s not just about the art itself, but about how it serves someone’s story in a meaningful way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lovelettersms.com/
• Instagram: love_letters_company
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574381664033

Image Credits

Chloe Armstrong