As you may know, Gibsonlook is woman-owned and founded by the one and only, Suzie Turner. We are so excited and beyond proud to share that she has been awarded and recognized as part of Utah’s 40 over 40 for her exceptional achievements and outstanding contributions throughout our community and our industry!

Aside from being an amazing boss, a style icon and an inspiration to us all, Suzie is a wife and mother of three kids and a Great Dane, and loves BIG! Her smile and laugh are infectious and she lights up every room she walks into! Suzie has empowered numerous women and brands through collaboration and unique, exclusive collections, creating a platform for others to expand their creative spirit and grow their own brands. Through strategic mentorships, teaching, and internships, she also passionately shares her brand development, e-commerce, and marketing expertise with the next generation of innovators.

To know Suzie is to instantly love her, so in honor of her award, we thought we’d ask her 40 questions to help you get to know her better! Should you have any other questions for Suzie, feel free to leave a comment below! We hope you enjoy!

1. When did you first know you wanted to start Gibsonlook?
It was somewhat gradual. As soon as I started my own company, I knew I wanted to create my own brand, which led us to eventually launch Gibsonlook.

2. What's the best part of being a founder?
Working with others to build a company that reflects our innovative values and seeing our ideas and vision come to life inspires and empowers everyone who wants to do their own thing.

3. What has been your proudest moment since founding Gibsonlook?
I recently spent time with our customers and started reading a lot of reviews, which led to managing customer service for a few days. I revel in the comments and reviews, which help us know we're on the right track and we’re bringing the vision to life.

4. What's one goal you're working toward?
Expanding Gibsonlook into new product categories and retailers while maintaining our specialty brand integrity.

5. What has been the most unexpected lesson you've learned as a founder?
The realization that not every decision will be ideal, and mistakes are an opportunity to create change. I also didn’t anticipate how personal my own brand would become for me.

6. What’s one risk you took that paid off in a big way?
Investing in and developing influencer collections in 2017 without any proof they would work. These collaborations became ongoing and complemented everything I love doing and believe in.

7. How did you come up with the idea for the Notch Collar Blazer?
I wanted to create a piece that was versatile, timeless, and elevated, and something to go with every outfit. The design was inspired by a wish list for my own closet—I wanted something polished but super soft and knit that still felt elevated.

8. Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your career?
My early mentors and experience in the fashion industry inspired me to pursue new interests, but my husband and family have been my biggest supporters. My husband has always been my sounding board and partner in both business and life. His belief in me has kept me going through the toughest moments, and our kids constantly inspire me to push forward and think creatively.

9. What's one piece of advice you'd give to aspiring female entrepreneurs?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Stay in a state of constant learning and adapting. Be persistent and resilient—it will define your success.

10. What's something you wish you knew when you first started your business?
It won’t be what you expect, but it will likely teach you more than you imagined.

11. What's the best advice you've ever received?
Trust the process—great things take time to build. Focus on the long-term and don’t get discouraged by short-term setbacks.

12. How do you stay motivated?
I’m a goal-setter. I love driving new ideas, both big and small, which also keeps me focused and excited about what’s next.

13. What's your go-to for sparking creativity?
Stepping away from the day-to-day and having creative conversations does wonders for me and clears room to ideate. I love anything that involves a little risk and intention - hiking, skiing. I also love watching past and current fashion shows and a good magazine moment! We have an archive of past magazines, designs, and best bestsellers, which I go through every year to find ideas for the next best.

14. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance with such a demanding role?
I’m not sure I always maintain it, but I trust my gut and give attention to what’s needed. I try to be intuitive about what I’m feeling I need, and the balance works itself out. I want meaningful experiences with family, and friends, and I want success for our business so I try to stay mindful of what isn’t getting enough attention.

15. What's one habit or routine that you believe has contributed to your success?
I make time each morning to reflect, set intentions, and focus on what is important—not just urgent. This has helped me manage expectations without burning out. I recharge by being alone even if it’s just a morning silent walk or time to reset and I’m pretty intent on getting this time.

16. What’s your favorite memory from the past year?
I spent time with family and friends over the summer, and helped at a camp. It had been a while since I had been somewhere doing something that wasn’t for my own projects so it was very rewarding.

17. What’s one book that's had a big impact on you?
I’m a fan of Brené Brown. Her book, Dare to Lead taught me the significance of vulnerability and courage during the pivot of Gibsonlook throughout 2020-2023.

18. How would you describe your personal style in one word?
Chic and stylish but effortless—I like to look put together and interesting without trying too hard.

19. What’s your current go-to outfit?
Of course a constructed layering piece; blazer, topper, trench with high-waisted stovepipe or extra wide-leg jeans, or knit pant with an elevated tee.

20. Favorite fashion era?
I'm a 1980's Ralph Lauren and original Donna Karen girl at heart.

21. Who’s your ultimate style icon?
Refer to last comment --maybe Carolyn Bassette - she did 1990’s clean and elevated style beautifully.

22. What’s one fashion trend you’ll never get tired of?
Minimalist, monochrome dressing—clean lines and simple colors always look polished.

23. What's your must-have accessory?
Sunglasses—and more sunglasses!

24. Heels or sneakers?
I rarely pass up the opportunity to wear cool sneakers, but ballet flats are taking over my closet.

25. Gold or silver jewelry?
I love both, but lately, I’ve been more into gold.

26. What’s the most worn item in your closet?
My knit wide-leg pants from 2009—we should recreate and make new ones!

27. What's your favorite Gibsonlook item at the moment?
Our new Notch Collar Topper is on repeat—it elevates even my morning coffee run. I also love our Demi-flare denim in black—it’s soft, stretchy, and super versatile.

28. One color you'd never wear?
Chartreuse. I wish I could wear it, but I always end up returning anything I buy in that color. Though I have a dress I can’t part with. Never say never!

29. What’s one fashion rule you don’t follow?
I like Black with Navy. I like sheer black with Navy or Navy trimmed with black, so while I sometimes question it when I do it, I always end up doing it anyway! I also think white after Labor Day isn't realistic; it's 100 degrees until October, so I say extend summer and call it winter white.

30. What’s your favorite way to dress up a casual outfit?
A blazer or jacket!

31. Statement piece or basics?
I lean toward classics with a surprise twist—sounds like a good drink!

32. What's one thing that sets Gibsonlook apart from others in the industry?
We listen to our customers and refine our designs based on their feedback. We're a brand created by women for women, and that’s reflected in every detail, from fit to fabric.

33. What’s a fun fact that someone may not know about you?
I wanted to be an FBI agent or spy!

34. What's your go-to movie or TV show at the moment?
I love spy stories, so Slow Horses has been my favorite. I also just watched Perfect Couple, which was fun but not a go-to. Or the wedding documentary of John Kennedy and Carolyn Bassett. I feel predictable.

35. What’s your favorite travel destination and why?
Hawaii. It’s been our escape for the last four years—and a welcomed place to recharge.

36. If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would they be and why? Carol Burnett, Louis Armstrong, and my grandma—it would be entertaining, comical, and nostalgic.

37. What’s your guilty pleasure when it comes to shopping?
Anything soft, luxurious, and cozy. Cashmere is a weakness, which is why we created our super soft knits that feel like cashmere!

38. What’s your favorite way to add personality to an outfit?
A third piece—have I mentioned that too many times? I guess we know why the Notch Collar Blazer is our hit item!

39. Favorite song at the moment?
Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish and El Condor Pasa (If I Could) by Simon and Garfunkel – I must be having a bird moment

40. If you could describe your journey in three words, what would they be?
Creative, resilient, optimistic.

To keep the celebration going and in honor of this award, we are also offering a special discount code on our infamous and Founder-Favorite Notch Collar Blazers this weekend only! Use code FOUNDER30 at checkout!

We hope you enjoyed getting a closer look at Suzie and enjoy your weekend with our special promo!

Best,
The Gibsonlook Team xo