Discover the INCREDIBLE journeys of the women in our community.

In our Member Stories, we hear from our members about the experiences that have shaped them, the challenges they’ve overcome, and how they are driving impact in their industries and beyond.

Susie Young

Susie Young

Owner

The Little Top Ltd

Susie is the founder of The Little Top, a luxury event company known for creating imaginative, bespoke experiences and events tailored to each client’s personality or brand.
With a natural flair for creativity and a career in fashion design, Susie is also a contemporary artist working on uplifting positive paintnings and commissions.

Share an experience or challenge that has shaped you? An experience that profoundly shaped me was when my second son was born. My first born was only 1 and the healthiest of babies, but Digby, from the moment he emerged, had serious medical issues. We spent a month in intensive care at Great Ormond Street and UCL Hospital, and after coming home, he was in and out of emergency care and hospital stays for 4 years with severe pain, difficulty breathing, repeated pneumonia, collapsed lung, and pleurisy. At just four years old, he underwent a complex 12-hour operation to have a lung removed—all while I was juggling life with another toddler.

Today, at 14, Digby is thriving, running for the county championships, and is an absolute hero. But that experience changed me forever. It made me realize how short life can be and how little we can control, no matter how hard we try. It taught me to embrace the moment, to fill days with fun and happiness for those around me, to make memories, mark occasions, and bring joy wherever I can.

That perspective directly informs my business. Creating events and experiences that connect people, celebrate life, and bring happiness isn’t just my career—it’s a reflection of what I’ve learned to value most.

Best piece of advice you have ever been given? The best advice I’ve ever been given is simple: just have a go. It doesn’t need to be perfect. I’ve always loved trying new things and exploring new ideas, and I’m never afraid to give something a shot. Some things work, some don’t—but you learn from every experience. You never know what might happen or who you might meet along the way.

And above all, be kind. Always try to be kind—there’s no reason not to be.

What advice would you give to your younger self or a woman just starting her career? I’d tell my younger self to believe in herself and trust that she's capable, and be brave enough to stand up and have an opinion that may be different to others.

Don’t try to do everything yourself—bring in experts when you need them. You don’t have to be good at everything, and asking for help doesn’t make you a failure.
I work with children and often meet people who feel bad about their abilities compared to others. I tell them that nobody is brilliant at everything, and everyone is brilliant at something. Focus on that and delegate. Comparing yourself to others is always a slippery slope.

Trust your gut when it comes to people and building a team—it’s usually right.

Make a plan. Keep reviewing it as the world, technology, and your needs change. Without a plan, it’s easy to feel a bit lost.
( I still haven't done that last one).

What does success mean to you? It’s important to work out what success looks like for you, and to keep coming back to that. Everyone has their own goals and priorities. For me, it's about building a business that makes people happy and encourages making memories, while also giving me enough time and financial freedom to enjoy all the things that matter most to me— time with family and friends, travel, good food and wine, nature.

I’ve always been someone who’d rather be there at my children’s sports day than driving a flashy car (luckily), and am driven by creating memories and moments for others. I’m happiest when I’m surrounded by the people I love—those everyday moments, social gatherings, and shared experiences are what really count.

Real success to me is creating a life where I feel balanced and true to who I am.

How do you handle challenges and changes? What's in your toolkit? I can keep calm on the surface, like a swan paddling underwater- in client-facing work, like weddings, it’s all about staying composed while everything is happening around you. 'Smile and wave, boys'.

I’m incredibly lucky to have an amazing network of female friends from all walks of life, ages, and backgrounds. I rely on their advice, thoughts, and perspectives daily. Even my dog walks are a source of inspiration and guidance with a team of loca entrepreneurs! I deeply value the ideas and support they offer—it keeps me creative, resilient, and ready for whatever comes next.

I also make time to recharge—retreats, yoga, wild swimmingweekends of sunshine and rosé—because stepping back helps me stay grounded.

Why is it important to support women in business and women-led business? Supporting women-led businesses is incredibly important to me because I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be. I studied and worked in the fashion industry in the Devil wears Prada era, had an all-girls education, and grew up in an all-male household in the 1980s and 90s—so I’ve experienced my fair share of sexism. I grew up with my dad and 2 brothers, and now live with my husband and 2 sons, so female connection is partictularly important to me - both for myself and to educate my own family.

I’ve seen how competitive behaviors and biases can hold talented women back, and I know how much of a difference support and encouragement can make.

I’m committed to uplifting women in business today. I want to be part of creating change—helping women access opportunities, build confidence, and thrive in their industries. Supporting women-led businesses isn’t just about equality; it’s about celebrating creativity, leadership, and resilience. It’s about building networks where women lift each other up, share knowledge, and open doors that might otherwise stay closed.

60 Seconds with Susie Young

My inspiration is: Making Memories.
I was lucky enough to have a childhood filled with laughter and nonsense, treasure hunts and sandcastles. I'm very aware that is not a given, and so grateful that was my experience. I work hard to keep trying to bring happiness and connection to people.
My greatest fear is: Missing out.
The most courageous thing I have ever done is: The most courageous thing I’ve done...Juggling two toddlers, a job in fashion, a mortgage, work travel, and huge nursery fees, I realised I wasn’t really living the life I wanted. So, I convinced my husband to take a sabbatical, quit my job, sold our house, and we went round the world for three months!

Everyone said we were mad and informed us what could go wrong—but it was incredible. A lot did go wrong to be fair; from being stung by a scorpion in Costa Rica, losing all our luggage in Argentina, having one child in hospital on a Thai island, discovering I was pregnant - and then not- in New Zealand, losing all the luggage again, to a man-of-war sting in Sri Lanka and numerous hours repacking rucksaks—it was chaotic, dramatic, and unforgettable. That trip reminded me that courage isn’t about perfection; it’s about taking the leap, embracing the unknown, and making memories that last a lifetime.

I am most proud of: Obviously, my boys. And the fact that aged 14 and 16, they will still dance with me and let me help them shop for clothes.
Guiltless pleasure: I am OBSESSED with planning holiday and travel itineraries.
Send me your dates and I will book you the perfect trip!
Mantra I live by: If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.
( thanks, nan)
Female role model: Madonna.
She embodies fearlessness, creativity, and reinvention- and stays ahead of the crowd.
She’s a reminder to be bold, speak your mind, take risks, and embrace both your individuality.
Women-led brand I love: Toiletries Amnesty.
I met Karen speaking at a Womens Chapter event and was blown away by her brilliance, humility and the fact that she stumbled into such an unbelievable idea- she has made an easy accessible way to do good on so many levels and change the experience of so many people. A hugely positive force.

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