Susan Campbell never imagined she'd become an entrepreneur in her fifties, but when inspiration struck just weeks before her daughter's wedding, she couldn't ignore it. That divine spark led to South 23rd and the Porch Pop – an innovative solution transforming ordinary plastic plant pots into stylish decorative accents.
Watching her father pursue a patent for his can crusher invention years ago planted entrepreneurial seeds that would bloom decades later. Though he never secured that patent, the experience taught Susan valuable lessons about persistence and innovation that she's applied to her own business journey.
Susan's story resonates with anyone who's ever felt it might be "too late" to pursue a dream. When she won recognition through Vanity Fair's grant program associated with comedian Leanne Morgan's "Just Getting Started" tour, it validated what she already knew deep down – age is irrelevant when pursuing your passion.
The Porch Pop itself was born from a common frustration many homeowners face. Susan loves seasonal plants but hated the unattractive plastic pots they came in. After an incident where guests were coming and her husband questioned the "ugly pots," resulting in beautiful flowers being hidden away, she knew there had to be a better solution.
Without manufacturing experience, Susan faced countless unknowns, yet refused to let this stop her. Her approach was refreshingly simple: make calls, ask questions, follow leads, and take small steps forward consistently. "Do it scared," she advises, acknowledging that courage isn't the absence of fear but taking action despite it.
Throughout her journey, faith has been Susan's foundation. She credits God with providing both the initial idea and the strength to overcome obstacles. This spiritual dimension, combined with her natural positive energy, has sustained her through the challenges of building a business from scratch.
Susan's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? "Trust your intuition" and "just get started." Don't fall victim to analysis paralysis – take that first step, however small, and keep moving forward. Your age, experience level, or background doesn't matter nearly as much as your willingness to begin.
Ready to transform your home's ordinary spaces into something extraordinary? Visit south23rd.com or follow @South23rd on social media to learn more about the Porch Pop and join Susan on her entrepreneurial journey.

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