Susan Cross

On the first day of my daughter’s preschool a few years ago, I met Susan.  Living in the fashion capital of New York, I witness oodles of women who wear it well, but she had something beyond just her natural beauty — an aura of real kindness.

My first impression of Susan was spot on, and she’s proven her mettle in my eyes for countless reasons.  The most practical and relevant explanation:  In my opinion, Susan knows more about nutrition, wellness and whole body health than anyone I know.

As a life/executive coach, I value her expertise because having had a “nutritional awakening” myself after a lifetime of processed foods (think Spam, Quik chocolate and French fries!), I believe that food and nutrition play a very fundamental and integral role in every aspect of our progress – professionally, personally and physiologically. Food can either support our health, emotions, and even our career trajectory, or it can do the opposite.

While I considered myself to be well versed in nutrition, apparently I still had a lot to learn. Susan has completely overhauled my approach and helped me to achieve greater levels of energy and vitality, as well as revving up my metabolism to lose those last stubborn pounds that never seemed to go away. And cravings have become a thing of the past!  Examining my food journal, Susan ordered:  “more organic, more food, more often!” And she provided me with a program and meal/snack ideas that keep me satisfied, happy and healthy!  The best part of her prescription?  I wasn’t eating enough.  Music to my ears and appetite!

This is Susan Cross, my friend, my nutrition guru, my Venus in Balance partner:

• Holistic wellness counselor
• Whole foods cook
• Fashion maven (by way of many years of experience, her favorite being personal/business manager to fashion designer Donna Karan)
• Energy healer
• Nurturing, caring and committed mother
• Loving and supportive wife
• Member of the Association of Drugless Practitioners

Adding to her BA in marketing, Susan built her wealth of knowledge in many places: IM School of the Healing Arts (four-year program),The Burnham Institute (three-year Body-Wisdom program), the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, and the Natural Gourmet Institute.  Susan’s passion for wellness was borne out of curiosity to deeply understand how our bodies work – how mind, body and spirit, when properly balanced, heal us.  This is Susan’s story (it may be familiar to you):

This is still hard for me to believe looking at this fit and vital woman, but for Susan’s entire childhood, she was overweight. Susan developed a love for cooking (and eating!) at an early age.  However, growing up in modest surroundings, Susan’s diet was similar to that of today’s overweight youth (lots of highly processed carbs and sweets and not enough fresh fruits and veggies), fueling her intense compassion to address our current health issues.

When Susan was in her mid-20’s, her nutrient-poor diet and sedentary lifestyle caught up to her. Feeling over-tired, Susan was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome.  Refusing to accept this as a way of life, she began an exploration of all things wellness, studying holistic healing and incorporating new habits of whole foods, lots of vegetables and exercise.  The chronic fatigue? She completely healed herself in less than six months!

A decade went by.  Now in her late 30’s and very healthy, Susan began experiencing “female issues.” She underwent three operations for endometriosis, so serious that her ob/gyn told her that she would never bear children.  Refusing to accept this (sense a pattern here?), she visited a celebrity New York herbalist who told her that she might become pregnant but wouldn’t carry full-term.  She switched to a wonderful female ob/gyn who shared her positive attitude about becoming pregnant.   Susan then embarked on a mission to learn everything about anatomy, herbs and the role that nutrition and lifestyle (stress!) play.  Her healthy pregnancy and her beautiful son are testaments to that mission!

After a glamorous career in the beauty and fashion industry (most recently almost seven years working directly and traveling with fashion designer, Donna Karan), in her early 40’s, Susan left to be home with her son. She began to experience odd symptoms, which made no sense given her very healthy lifestyle.  Sinus infections, weight gain, insomnia and mood swings showed up completely unannounced!  Her doctor told her it was all “normal” and “just part of the aging process,” and then offered up Prozac.  Refusing to accept the diagnosis (or the Prozac), Susan began yet another undertaking.  She read everything she could on the endocrine system – hormones and metabolism.  Sure enough, a holistic-integrative internist revealed Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism and adrenal fatigue.

Once again, with proper nutrition, super foods, metabolism-boosting foods and exercise, Susan healed herself of all symptoms within six months. She now feels healthy, vibrant and fit.

It is so important to Susan that women accept nothing less than feeling great. It is her goal to help educate, share and impart what she’s learned along the way with you.

I am honored and energized to be sharing this Venus in Balance platform with Susan.  What’s more, I know I benefit personally from her behind-the-scenes wisdom and energy.  She’s done so much for me – what can she do for you?! Enjoy your journey with Susan!