SHOW NOTES

331. From Calvin Klein to Kaftans: Reinventing Identity and Career Success

Guest: Sue Sartor, designer and fashion brand founder

TOPICS: Entrepreneurship, Reinvention, Authentic Branding

This episode is part of our 2025 She Said/She Said Podcast + The Southern C collaboration series, highlighting stories of intentional growth, entrepreneurship, and brand-building. Sue Sartor’s journey is a compelling example of how personal clarity, authentic branding, and high-touch customer engagement can build lasting influence, especially when fueled by purpose and reinvention.

THIS WEEK’S GUEST:

Sue Sartor is the founder and designer behind the joyful and distinctive fashion brand that bears her name. Known for her handcrafted, small-batch dresses and caftans, Sue has built a brand rooted in authenticity, artistry, and individuality. After launching her fashion career at Calvin Klein, she stepped away to raise her family—and returned in her late 40s to create something entirely her own.

KEY THEMES IN THIS EPISODE:

• How Sue reignited her career and creative passion in midlife—and why your timeline doesn’t have to be traditional to be successful.
• Why staying true to your brand identity (and putting on creative blinders) helped her stand out in a crowded marketplace.
• How authenticity and focus became essential brand values, especially when navigating copycats, scaling challenges, and industry uncertainty.
• How working with her daughter added creative fuel to her business—and offered healing and connection through collaboration.
• Why hands-on, high-touch customer service is at the core of her brand, even when it’s not the easiest path.
• How to think about seasons of life, identity, and legacy—and redefine what success looks like at every stage.
• Bonus: Sue’s unexpected but powerful relationship advice on evolving with your partner and honoring creativity in long-term commitment.

EPISODE LINKS:

• Website: suesartor.com
• Instagram: @suesartor  
• Learn more about The Southern C: thesouthernc.com

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