This periodic series of three images and responses to questions tells the stories of people of The Valley who love what they do. As Confucius once said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life.” This article features Warren artist Susie Conrad.
How long have you lived in Vermont and where did you grow up?
I have lived in Warren, Vermont, full time for 10 years and before that I was part-time, mostly the preceding four winters. I grew up in Glastonbury, Connecticut.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be an artist, oceanographer or explorer. I loved Jacque Cousteau. Some kids set up a lemonade stand, but I set up an art stand.
What was your first job and how did you get it?
At 15, the first job I ever wanted, applied for and got hired was crew member for the U.S. National Forest Service Youth Conservation Corps (YCC). I was selected after applying to YCC. I learned about the opportunity through a school referral. I lived away for a summer working at state parks around Connecticut, building retaining walls and installing stairs at the Dinosaur State Park, building salmon dams in the Salmon River, emptying trash bins, and whatever jobs we were assigned.
Who was the biggest influence in your decision to choose the work you now do?
After 35 years in quasi government, the corporate world, entrepreneur, and business owner, I am finally beginning to focus my efforts on what I always wanted to be when I grew up – an artist. Two of my biggest cheerleaders are my husband, Bob Conrad, and my friend and co-creator, Barrie Fisher who are two people that love what they do and encouraged me to start doing what I love too.
What steps did you take to get where you are today/what sacrifices have you made to get to this point in the work you do?
My path has been a squiggly line that is sometimes straight and sometimes circling. My formal education includes a M.S. in financial technology, and I have a B.A.S. in fine arts and business management. I spent my former years bringing creativity to my roles in government and the corporate industry, but I never felt fulfilled. I suppose in retrospect, I traded off that fulfillment for dollars that afforded me some incredible experiences and opportunities rather than pursuing work that brought me joy every day, all day. It’s not work if you love what you do.
What is the best job advice that you’ve ever received?
Whenever you encounter a challenge, come up with three ways to overcome it before you ask for help. You can often solve your own problems.
What are you most grateful for in your life?
I am grateful for having a positive outlook and I am grateful to all the people who truly saw me, encouraged and supported me in whatever endeavor I embarked upon.
How do you give back?
I think giving back as a volunteer is just part of being a good citizen and it makes me feel good. It is who I am and what I do. I have been involved as a volunteer or board member with many organizations including Volvo Tennis, Regatta organization for Cedar Point YC, Thistle Class Association, Thistle Nationals, guest services at Wadsworth Atheneum, Guest Services Sugarbush Resort, The Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut, Waterbury Farmers Market, and currently Sail Beyond Cancer, For the Love of Dogs Vermont, the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce, Mad River Valley Arts, and Friends of the Mad River.
What do you do in your free time?
Sleep. All kidding aside, I enjoy creating art, photography, skiing, sailing, and any adventure with my husband, dogs and friends.
Do you have a favorite quote that you live by?
This line from a fortune cookie– “You are the architect of your own destiny” – has guided my path in life many times.
To suggest someone who “Loves What They Do…,” email me at
