When Susi Beatty was hit with the idea of creating Angie the Ant ®, she had no clue where it would lead. At first, Angie was created to be a mascot for protecting children from abuse. Starring in Susi's first children's book, "Angie the Ant ® and The Bumblebee Tree," Angie hit the big time. Almost overnight, Angie was signed as the official mascot for Prevent Child Abuse America, the largest child abuse prevention organization in the US. Susi agreed to donate 50% of all profits from the sale of the book directly to the cause, and has spent the last two years supporting their efforts in every way possible. While the book is purely a fantasy adventure and is not connected to the cause, Angie has made an impact and has garnered national recognition.

Today, Susi has Angie the Ant ® positioned to make even more of a difference. Angie the Ant ® is one of the nations' fastest rising stars in the children's entertainment industry. Susi's company, Susi B. Marketing, has entered the licensing arena and is currently negotiating deals with several domestic and international companies. Angie has already agreed to star in a Christmas Special to air in 2010.

Susi has a diverse background and education, spanning from international recording artist, musician, and professional songwriter, to business entrepreneur and real estate investor. She holds a business degree from the College of Charleston, SC and later in life went back to school to earn an MA in Clinical Counseling from Webster University. "I realized while doing my internship that I could not be a therapist," Susi said. "I was taking my work home with me. I was not able to separate myself from my patients."

So, in 2005, Susi B. Marketing, Inc. was established with the goal of developing wholesome entertainment properties that would positively affect the lives of children. "This way I could give back to society, primarily children and families, and nurture my creative drive," she continued. "I love what I do every day. It's so rewarding to see those little faces light up when they see Angie the Ant ®."

Starting a new business definitely has its challenges. "For the past several years, I've had to do a lot of the work myself," Susi tells. "I've had some help along the way, but I now have a team of very talented and capable individuals who are specialists in their respective fields. Believing in the project is important, but you have to be able to turn that into a success story. I am now surrounded by a team of people who know how to take Angie the Ant ® all the way to the top."

So, Susi is not just an author. She is an entrepreneur who has the vision to enact social change. "This project is about doing something worthwhile. Angie the Ant ® makes the world a better place," Susi says. "I look forward to writing every day, and hope that the stories I write make a positive difference in the lives of children, young and old."

Susi works in a home office with her four dogs, Summer, Sunshine, Selah & Luke.