Profile: Suzanne Aaronson
by allthebest • 28 Jan ’09 • Uncategorized • 10 Comments
From the moment I spoke with Suzanne Aaronson, founder of Suzanne’s Files, I knew that I had met a kindred spirit. Not only does she share my fervour for seeking out the best in life, she has turned her passion into a successful venture.
Think of Suzanne’s Files as your own personal concierge. A unique online resource brimming with travel destinations, restaurant suggestions and gift giving ideas, all designed to help you spend wisely, live responsibly and make the most of every experience.
As a 19-year-old American, attending university in Paris, Suzanne made it her personal hobby to “suss out” and collect information on travel destinations, food, wine, arts, culture, wellness, beauty and gift giving. “Soon my files filled an entire armoire. I was known as the ‘go–to gal’ by all of my friends.”
After university, Suzanne went to NYC to work in the media and entertainment industry, until a new opportunity brought her to London. By 2004 she began turning her “near-obsession” of “collecting the best” into a business, followed by the launch of an e-newsletter and website aptly called—Suzanne’s Files.
In addition her interesting finds, Suzanne was also growing a golden Rolodex of savvy, interesting people who added personal insights and an insider’s perspective to the files. Today this elite group of more than 300 and is known as the ‘International Collective,’ people Suzanne trusts for their taste and experience.
Suzanne has also posted a profile of All the Best on her blog. She poses a interesting questions to readers, I would love to hear your feedback to her question.
What is your most prized possession?
My quiet confidence
What is the one thing in life you cannot live without?
Love
Who are your style icons?
Penelope Cruz is always so elegant while also looking young and flirty; George Clooney is forever dapper; and of course, Coco Chanel goes without saying!
What books are currently on your bedside table?
I devour books! Events that Shaped History, The Outliers and Shantaram (reading it for the second time I loved it so much the first!)
What is your favorite luxury in life?
A great meal and wine outside in the shade on a sunny day, with a beautiful natural view, amongst people I love.
What is your idea of earthly happiness?
Always learning and growing wiser, continuing to love and be loved, having my health and wits!
Who would you most like to meet and how would you spend the day?
Nelson Mandela. We would sit somewhere cosy, quietly chatting and learning.
Or Madonna! We would workout, a chat over lunch, a visit her recording studio and shop at a famous designers showroom with the designer there, of course.
What countries are on your must visit list?
It’s so hard to narrow, so here are my top five:
South Africa for its mix of sun, nature, great food & wine.
Brazil for its rhythm, vibe and shopping.
Italy for the high style acumen and delish cuisine,
Thailand for the peaceful people and natural beauty.
Switzerland for the magnificence of the views and fresh air.
What countries are on your ‘to visit’ list?
Chile, Bali, New Zealand, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania.
What is your idea of the perfect party?
Smiles all around the room and people becoming friendly with one another. After people, music and lighting are the most important details followed by food and drink.
What are your favorite cities for shopping?
Rio, Sao Paolo, Madrid, Paris, NYC, Buenos Aires, Los Angeles
Artist Rober Rauchenberg or Lisa Lala. Great interview on this talented and vibrant young woman!
She really is very vibrant and very savvy! Sadly, Robert Rauschenberg died last year. He was a fellow Texan!
This is quite exciting! Based on her interview answers, she and I are kindred spirits so I can’t wait to take a look at her recommendations.
Ronda, Love your blog. I’d like to see Tim Hamilton interviewed. I like his earlier Trad styles better. Also check out Sharon Werner, a great graphic artist who designs great packaging. http://www.wdw.com/
Just started my blog, please visit if you have a second. Keep up the great work.
http://stylerover.blogspot.com/search?q=
Great interview!
What a vibrant personality – and such a beauty! wow – she is gorgeous!!!! Very impressive mind too.
Ronda, be sure to see I nominated you for this contest!
Be sure to look at the contest that I nominated you for!
http://artbykarena.blogspot.com/2009/01/pay-it-forward-and-share-luv.html
Sure to be one of the big successes! Beautiful!
Hi,
As one of the International Collective Insiders, I was delighted to see this profile on Suzanne!
I really am enjoying this series of profiles! Very interesting,
Thanks!
Toma Haines, Aka The Antiques Diva
I used to intern Suzanne and find her to be one of the strongest, most well-informed women of our time. I've never seen someone able to talk so much about things so trivial. She is able to make me feel the spirit of those she sits around the table with. At times, I felt as though I was sitting in the first class dining room with Suz-AHN and her friends on the Titanic.
I do wonder how Suz-AHN was about to rid herself of her Jersey accent. The only time it ever came out was when she ripped the pride out of the artist letting her garage when she dared to ask why her internet wasn't working.
I definitely agree with being kindred spirits with Suz-AHN. Anytime I've ever had to send boring flowers to a friend in Madrid, I've found myself screaming over the phone and then switched gears and spoke to my boyfriend in my best babyvoice.
I want to know Suzanne's Vedic mantra.