MenoShine WOW: Suzi

Welcome to week 2 of MenoShine’s WOW, celebrating our Woman of the Week!

Last week, I introduced you to Janey - one of my best friends in the world and a proud member of an amazing friend group called The Posse. There are six of us in the group and we’ve been best friends for over 35 years. Hand on my heart, I can honestly say that I don’t know where I’d be without The Posse. They are more than friends. They are my soul sisters and are a hugely important part of my life.

Meet Suzi

This week, our MenoShine WOW is Suzi. I don’t know why, but I’m getting emotional as I write this. Tears are already falling as I think about my gorgeous friend and how proud I am to share her with my little MenoShine world. Suzi is one of the kindest, most loving and caring friends you could ever ask for. She has an absolute heart of gold and a beautiful calming energy that allows you to feel seen, heard and held. 

When my husband first met Suzi, he gave her the nickname “Smiley.” Over 30 years later, whenever Suzi’s name comes up, his face lights up as he says ‘ahhh….Smiley!” As you can see from the gorgeous pictures, she has the most beautiful smile and it really is the essence of who she is. 

Soos-e, Flooz, Wuzi

As you’ll soon learn about The Posse, we all have nicknames for each other. You met Janey A, Jangle, Angel-face last week. And now you’re meeting Soos-e, better known as Flooz, Floozy or Wuzi Shite (her name is Suzi White… we really couldn’t resist with that one!) In our WhatsApp chat, she’s always referred to as Flooz and she always calls me Jammy. My maiden name is Samways which, in school days, quickly turned to Samwich … and with a first name of Joanne, turned to Jam Samwich, or better yet, Jammy. 

While people might think nicknames are silly, for The Posse, they are true terms of endearment. One of my favourite things about Flooz is that she always calls me Jammy. I don’t have words to explain why, but for some reason, being called Jammy makes my heart happy. And THAT is what Suzi is so good at. We’re all very close within our group, but over the years I truly believe it’s Flooz who has been the glue to keep us all together.

The Superglue of our Sisterhood

The majority of The Posse live in Dorset, and two of us live abroad. Over the years, there were times where I could feel myself slipping away a bit. I’d feel sad when they all got together and I couldn’t be there. I fell into a bit of ‘woe is me’ as I was so far away. But Flooz would always reach out to me. “You’re quiet, Jammy. Is everything OK?” 

She does that with all of us. She’s always checking behind the scenes to make sure we’re all OK. Suzi is the superglue of our sisterhood and I’ll forever be grateful for her kind and caring spirit. Now, don’t get me wrong. While she’s got the most sparkly smile that lights up a room, she is equally as fierce and ferocious if you upset one of her girls! Loyal to a T, if you upset one of The Posse or anyone in her circle, you’ll have a very stern Suzi to deal with! She’s the best kind of friend you could wish for: a total rock in the hardest times to help you feel seen and heard, and the first in line to cheer you on when life is good!

Family First

I love watching the relationship that Suzi has with her beautiful family. Her gorgeous daughter Lauren still calls me Auntie Jammy, which to this day makes me beam from ear to ear. Family time is everything to Flooz - .when she’s with Lauren, her parents, her sister and nieces, they protect and prioritize making precious memories. It’s so heartwarming to see them all together. 

Stepping into her Shine!

For over 35 years, although thousands of miles apart, Flooz has been by my side. Watching her step into her MenoShine Era has been so joyful. She’s embracing her hair transition to the most fabulous funky grey and is proudly showing us all how it’s done. With a newfound confidence and love of colour, she’s stepping into her fifties with sass, style and of course, a beaming SMILE. 

I’ll leave you with some words from Suzi. My beautiful friend who I am so proud and honored to call a bestie. 

In Suzi’s words:

So….my 50’s…what can I say?? Well, new chapter, new hair & a different kind of energy! I’m embracing letting my hair transition from dark brown to a funky grey & loving it. It’s been the perfect excuse to fill my wardrobe with bright & bold colours (a new experience for me!!) Most importantly, I’m being ME. I’m loving living my life to the fullest with music, friends, festivals, travel & laughter. I’ve learnt how important it is to surround myself with a ‘village’ of incredible women, friends & family alike. Women who love fiercely, cheer loudly, hold you up in the tough times, party hard with you in the good times and make your belly ache with laughter. With them by your side, anything is possible.”

Flooz, thank you for being this week’s MenoShine WOW.

I love you to the moon and back x