Like “a Light in the Dark”
For 20 years, Susan worked as a freelance writer in the video game industry, helping craft stories for major titles. However, the freelance lifestyle came with its own challenges. “I thought I was building a career, but in reality, I was just a gun for hire,” she says. “There was no stability, no safety net.”
Then Susan got into a major Vespa accident. “I was riding my Vespa, then I crashed, and everything I landed on broke. My shoulder shattered and my lower right leg was wrecked,“ she shares.
She had multiple surgeries, months of recovery, and needed to learn to walk again. Aside from the physical toll, the accident revealed the financial vulnerability of her freelancing career. “I couldn’t work for a year, and as a freelancer, that’s a nightmare. I had no backup plan,” she shares.
During her recovery, Susan discovered ACES – Mirasee’s most high-level business coaching program – and quickly realized the depth of knowledge and support the community offered. “It was like finding a light in the dark,” she says.
Money in the Door
Susan was ready to make a change. However, she says, “When I first heard about ACES, I thought, ‘There’s no way I can afford this.’”
But a conversation with Mirasee’s founder and CEO, Danny Iny, helped her see the program as an investment in herself and her future. “Danny didn’t give me a hard sell – he helped me understand what was possible if I committed to this path. Then, I talked about it with my partner. My partner has less issues around money than I do and encouraged me to do it,” Susan shares.
Susan’s first 90-day sprint in ACES focused on immediate revenue generation, which was a challenging but essential step. “My coach made it clear: before anything else, we need to get money in the door,” she explains. So despite her doubts, Susan leaned into the process, creating practical solutions to build financial stability.
Within her second sprint, Susan recouped her investment in ACES and she also started building momentum toward a sustainable business model.
Helping Other Creatives Succeed
Today, Susan runs a thriving business that’s centered on empowering writers – particularly women in the video game industry. Her company, The Narrative Department, offers programs that help writers develop skills and confidence to pursue their creative dreams.
“What really gets me out of bed in the morning is the thought of helping other creatives succeed,” Susan says. “I know what it’s like to feel stuck, and now I can help others find their way.”
Her business has generated over $300,000 in revenue over the last year, and continues to steadily grow.
Susan is also expanding her vision, partnering with game studios and publishers to bridge the gap between industry needs and writing talent. “I want my company to be a pipeline for empowering writers, while making the industry more inclusive and innovative,” she shares.
Dreaming Bigger and Building
A Legacy of Empowerment
Today, Susan’s goals go far beyond financial success.
She’s deeply committed to creating a legacy of empowerment. “For years, I worked on projects that didn’t reflect my values,” she says. “Now, I’m focused on creating opportunities for women and championing diversity in storytelling.”
Her vision extends globally, with aspirations to use her business’s success to support education initiatives for women around the world. “I’m inspired by leaders like Melinda French Gates. They show what’s possible when you use your platform for good,” Susan shares.
Susan’s newfound financial stability also allows her to dream bigger for herself, as she explores opportunities to live and work overseas while continuing to grow her business. “Mirasee gave me the freedom to think beyond survival. It helped me see what’s truly possible,” she says.
For those considering ACES, Susan’s advice is simple: “Take the leap. If you’re willing to do the work, [ACES] provides the tools and support you need to succeed.”
She also emphasizes the importance of mindset. “You don’t have to fit into the traditional idea of a ‘businessperson.’ ACES taught me that business is just a tool – one you can use to make an impact aligned with your values.”
With guidance inside ACES, Susan transformed her freelance career into a mission-driven business that not only supports her creative aspirations, but also creates a legacy that reflects her values and impacts the world for the better.