Sue Parker
NYMAN JEWELERS, ESCANABA, MI

Sue Parker was born into the jewelry business. Her parents opened Nyman Jewelers in Escanaba, Michigan, in 1968, when Sue was just 3 years old. Fifty-seven years later, she’s still there, having learned bench repair from her father and older sister in high school and never looked back. Today she runs the store alongside her daughter-in-law, while her 93-year-old father still comes in every day. Sue has weathered loss — her mother to cancer, her own cancer diagnosis — and emerged with a clear philosophy: life is short, community matters, and you take what the good Lord gives you and keep going.

Online Exclusive Q&A with Sue Parker

How did you get into the jewelry business?

My parents started the store when I was 3 years old in 1968. I went to work with mom and dad. 57 years later, I’m still here! I never wanted to be anything else; I wanted to work in the jewelry store. I started in high school doing repair work. My dad taught me, and my older sister who was doing bench repair taught me as well.

What do you love about owning a jewelry store?

It’s always something different. Nothing stays the same in the store. Plus you get to get in on all the good stuff: people are getting engaged, milestones, things like that.

Do you volunteer in your community?

I’m on the Downtown Development Authority Board. I’m very active in our downtown partners group putting on promotions for our downtown. Last summer I was on the committee that put together a music festival downtown.

What does your family life look like?

I have two grown children, a son and a daughter. I have four grandkids from 3 months to 8 years old, two boys and two girls. My daughter worked in the store, but after having three children, she took a step back. She’s busy being a mom. My daughter-in-law works with me here. And my dad still comes in every day, he’s 93 now.

Do you have any pets?

I have my dogs. I have two Boston terriers. I do agility trials with them where they run through the tunnels and jump the A-frame, thins like that. I’m active with our kennel club. I co-teach the Star Puppy class, a teach the Basic Obedience class and I assist with the Intermeditate Obedience class. They come to work with me. Opal and Ringo are their names. Opal is black-and white Boston, Ringo is a blue.

What are your hobbies when you’re not working?

I love to go to concerts. I follow the Avett Brothers out of North Carolina, I’ve seen them about 60 times. I’ve met so many wonderful people traveling to the shows. It’s as much fun seeing the people I’ve met along the way. One year I saw them 10 times. I usually do about five or six shows a year. I see other bands too. I love live music. For Christmas, I bought my husband tickets to see April Wine and Triumph. I surprised him with Rolling Stones tickets our first year together. Last year, we saw AC/DC.

What else do you do when you have time off?

We’re in the UP [Upper Peninsula of Michigan]. We’re on a bay right off of Lake Michigan. We have a pontoon boat and a pair of jet skis. In summertime, I’m floating. I like to read “fluff and tough” books. Spending time with my dogs and family, that’s relaxing.

What inspires you?

This past January 15th was my 12-year cancer anniversary. I’ve learned life is short. My dad inspires me. He’s just been a workhorse. We lost my mom to cancer 19 years ago, and he just says, “I take what the good Lord gives me and keep going.”

What’s your favorite meal?

I’m a meat-and-potatoes kind of gal.

Where is your favorite place to travel?

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater in Colorado is my favorite place to visit. I’ve been there twice but for three nights each time. Me and about 9500 of my closest friends!

What else should we know about you?

I like to volunteer. It’s very important to do that in your community. Whether I’m on the DDA board or mentoring someone or helping other business downtown. I used to volunteer at my kids’ school functions. Volunteers hold a community together.