In the DMV there are many fundraisers and special events that benefit many charities. Meet Susan Smallwood, she is considered by many to be a 'celebrity' in her profession coordinating and planning spectacular events. In this article you'll find out why.
Susan Smallwood (Photo Credit: Troy Massa Studios & Missions)
Susan Smallwood - Special Events Organizer
Copa: Where did you grow up?
Susan: I was born in Korea and grew up in Germany and Belgium. I also lived a short while in San Francisco, California.
Susan: I was born in Korea and grew up in Germany and Belgium. I also lived a short while in San Francisco, California.
Copa: What schools did you attend?
Susan: While living in Germany and Belgium, I attended DOD (Department of Defense) schools. Later I attended George Washington High school in San Francisco for a short while before moving to Baltimore, Maryland and graduated from Woodlawn High School!!
Susan: While living in Germany and Belgium, I attended DOD (Department of Defense) schools. Later I attended George Washington High school in San Francisco for a short while before moving to Baltimore, Maryland and graduated from Woodlawn High School!!
Copa: At what time did you discover your fabulous flair for arranging your events.
Susan: I'm not sure what age I discovered my creativity, but it was noticed by a teacher in elementary school when I was in Germany. My art was put on exhibit at an art fair and I was absolutely thrilled!!!
Living abroad broadened my horizons for the finer things in life such as fashion, furniture and fine dining. Which I still love to this day! I visited many castles, ships and museums growing up; therefore I love big fancy things!! My friends and colleagues notice my eclectic design sense and complimented me on my savvy decor whether it's in my home or for my events. I've been called "eccentric" and "grandiose" my entire life...but guess what...I was born this way. I march to my own drummers beat! ;)
Susan: I'm not sure what age I discovered my creativity, but it was noticed by a teacher in elementary school when I was in Germany. My art was put on exhibit at an art fair and I was absolutely thrilled!!!
Living abroad broadened my horizons for the finer things in life such as fashion, furniture and fine dining. Which I still love to this day! I visited many castles, ships and museums growing up; therefore I love big fancy things!! My friends and colleagues notice my eclectic design sense and complimented me on my savvy decor whether it's in my home or for my events. I've been called "eccentric" and "grandiose" my entire life...but guess what...I was born this way. I march to my own drummers beat! ;)
Copa: When did you establish your event company and what exactly was your inspiration?
Susan: I started Susan Smallwood Consulting, which specialized in events, design and entertainment in 2003. However, I organized private parties long before I officially started the business. As a result of my first event which benefited Darryl Strawberry's autism foundation for children which was held at the Marriottsville Mansion in 2009, I decided to plan a major public celebrity charity event at my private residence Casuarina Estate for my birthday on 10/10/10, October 10, 2010 which was a huge success, there were approximately 300 guests in attendance and celebs such as Kelita Smith (wife on Bernie Mack show), Drew Sidora (The Game),
Chuck Navasky, owner of Stacy Adams apparel and founder of One Less Tear Cancer organization, Corey Robinson from The Wire and entertainer Doug E Fresh!! Hence the title "The Perfect 10 Event Socialite".
In 2011, a local reality show wanted to showcase me and I wanted to feature one of my dearest friends Rebecca Bennet who takes care of medically fragile children from Kennedy Krieger Institute here in Baltimore, Md. That event was themed Creme de la Creme White Affair South Beach Style. I had cabanas built on the back property to give it that South Beach flair! There were 200 guests at that affair on the hottest day of that Summer and it was a beautiful event bringing awareness to our community about medically fragile children in the foster care system!! Kudos to the foster parents!!
As a result of that succesful event, Delegate Sylvester O'Kere asked me if I was interested in hosting for President Obama and Michelle Obama...and you know I answered with honor and delight "YES!!!" I was on President Obama's re-election campaign from November 2011 to December 2012. It was with great honor and a privilege to be part of history partaking on the host committee for our first African American President! I met alot of wonderful folks and learned a bit about the political arena from that experience!
I also hosted and coordinated the benefit for the Wounded Warrior Foundation at Savage Mill Mall in Elkridge, Md in November 2012 with special guest and personal friend celebrity actor Clifton Powell. Of course that event was well attended and successful. Thanks to everyone who supported!!
Susan: I started Susan Smallwood Consulting, which specialized in events, design and entertainment in 2003. However, I organized private parties long before I officially started the business. As a result of my first event which benefited Darryl Strawberry's autism foundation for children which was held at the Marriottsville Mansion in 2009, I decided to plan a major public celebrity charity event at my private residence Casuarina Estate for my birthday on 10/10/10, October 10, 2010 which was a huge success, there were approximately 300 guests in attendance and celebs such as Kelita Smith (wife on Bernie Mack show), Drew Sidora (The Game),
Chuck Navasky, owner of Stacy Adams apparel and founder of One Less Tear Cancer organization, Corey Robinson from The Wire and entertainer Doug E Fresh!! Hence the title "The Perfect 10 Event Socialite".
In 2011, a local reality show wanted to showcase me and I wanted to feature one of my dearest friends Rebecca Bennet who takes care of medically fragile children from Kennedy Krieger Institute here in Baltimore, Md. That event was themed Creme de la Creme White Affair South Beach Style. I had cabanas built on the back property to give it that South Beach flair! There were 200 guests at that affair on the hottest day of that Summer and it was a beautiful event bringing awareness to our community about medically fragile children in the foster care system!! Kudos to the foster parents!!
As a result of that succesful event, Delegate Sylvester O'Kere asked me if I was interested in hosting for President Obama and Michelle Obama...and you know I answered with honor and delight "YES!!!" I was on President Obama's re-election campaign from November 2011 to December 2012. It was with great honor and a privilege to be part of history partaking on the host committee for our first African American President! I met alot of wonderful folks and learned a bit about the political arena from that experience!
I also hosted and coordinated the benefit for the Wounded Warrior Foundation at Savage Mill Mall in Elkridge, Md in November 2012 with special guest and personal friend celebrity actor Clifton Powell. Of course that event was well attended and successful. Thanks to everyone who supported!!
~ Photo slideshow of past events ~
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Copa: I noticed that you maintain a special style with how you organize your events, would you say that you have a certain philosophy with your 'method?'
Susan: There is a method to my madness! Lol!! I just know without knowing how I know to do what I do when it's time to do what needs to be done! Capish?! ;) In layman's terms: I organize and visualize in my head and then execute it according to my vision!
Susan: There is a method to my madness! Lol!! I just know without knowing how I know to do what I do when it's time to do what needs to be done! Capish?! ;) In layman's terms: I organize and visualize in my head and then execute it according to my vision!
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Copa: Are you working on a specific project now?
Susan: My current project is custom designed cylindrical handbags! Specializing in Exotic skin such as crocodile, hence the name #RockintheCroc. The bags also come in a leather edition. It's an art piece for the arm wear. The fascination with my line came about when I tallied up how much was spent on my high end designer bags (I admit I'm a label whore)...and realized I must have been out of my mind!! Lol!! God put on my pathway a designer who started to design my custom bags at a very comfortable price point! VOILA!! A new business venture that is totally fun and creative at the same damn time!! I am also in Development with my next major charity event! |
"The Private Jet Hangar Affair"
A Black Tie Masquerade Ball to Benefit www.WeWillSurviveCancer.org
For Tickets to this wonderful affair: PrivateJethangar.eventbrite.com
Copa: Where do you find the source for your inspiration to create beautiful things?
Susan: My inspiration to create beautiful things came from living abroad. I love different, unique, eclectic, eccentric, grandiose, ostentatious, palatial, Grand, Beautiful and Bizarre!!!
Susan: My inspiration to create beautiful things came from living abroad. I love different, unique, eclectic, eccentric, grandiose, ostentatious, palatial, Grand, Beautiful and Bizarre!!!
Copa: What is your philosophy to 'style?'
Susan: My Philosophy to "Style" is Anything that makes the 'soul' smile and represents the individual's personality as long as it enhances one to become even more beautiful or handsome! (Swaggart.)
Susan: My Philosophy to "Style" is Anything that makes the 'soul' smile and represents the individual's personality as long as it enhances one to become even more beautiful or handsome! (Swaggart.)
Copa: What are some of your favorite designers?
Susan Some of my favorite designers are Versace, Roberto Cavalli, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Missoni, Pucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Blumarine, Gucci, and many more!!!
Susan Some of my favorite designers are Versace, Roberto Cavalli, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Missoni, Pucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Blumarine, Gucci, and many more!!!
Copa: What does the future hold for Susan Smallwood?
Susan: EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!! The future is going to be Magical!! I am Miracle minded and Believe in Manifesting Miracles, I am Grateful for all my blessings and the support of everyone that has shown me Love on my journey! A special thanks to God Almighty!
Susan: EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!! The future is going to be Magical!! I am Miracle minded and Believe in Manifesting Miracles, I am Grateful for all my blessings and the support of everyone that has shown me Love on my journey! A special thanks to God Almighty!
~Copa