New in town: Suzi Havens

Status:

Single.

Current location:

Mount Pleasant, SC.

Moved from:

Scottsdale, AZ.

Rent or own?

Rent. I first visited the Charleston area in September 2025 and was having lunch at Saltwater Cowboys on Shem Creek when I struck up a conversation with two locals. They told me I would love living in Mount Pleasant and recommended a rental community called the Haven at Indigo Square. Since my last name is Havens, it felt like a sign. Two months later, here I am.

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What made you move to the area?

It was truly time for a life shift. I have a son in Miami, one in the Philly area and another in Heaven. I felt disconnected in Arizona and knew it was time to build a new future somewhere closer to family and near the beach. The Charleston area felt like the right place to start that next chapter.

Was this move planned or spontaneous?

It was more spontaneous. I stayed in Arizona for about a year after my son Andrew passed away. I wasn’t sure where – or even if – I would relocate until I visited Charleston. Once I experienced the area, it felt right.

Did you know anyone in town before moving? Were you able to make new friends?

I didn’t know anyone except the leasing agents. I moved here in November 2025 and I’ve made some great new friends through pickleball, Seacoast Church and people I’ve met in my apartment community.

Cost of living here compared to your previous location:

It feels about the same to me. Mount Pleasant is fairly comparable to North Scottsdale in terms of overall cost of living.

Community and culture here compared to your previous location:

The community here feels very warm and welcoming. With so many activities and outdoor opportunities, people naturally come together and build connections.

Traffic situation:

Scottsdale has experienced the same thing. As both areas continue to grow, increased traffic is part of that growth, so it feels similar. I remind myself that I’m here to enjoy and that every rose has a thorn.

One thing you wish someone had told you before moving:

Probably the alligators! I have a Siberian Husky named Moon and we love exploring nature together. I quickly learned that I have to be careful around the water because there are actually three gators lying behind my place.

Advice for the town mayor:

As the area continues to grow, I would focus on thoughtful planning around traffic, infrastructure, while preserving the natural beauty that makes this community so special

What/who would you bring from your old town?

I’m not missing a thing here – although I haven’t experienced the full summer humidity yet!

Do you call this place home?

Yes, it truly feels like my new home. I’ve created a peaceful space for myself here and the community has been incredibly welcoming.

Favorite restaurants:

I enjoy the rooftop spots in downtown Charleston, oyster happy hour at The Darling, and live music at Henry’s. I’m also looking forward to spending more time at Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island this spring and summer.

Hobbies:

My passion is pickleball. I play almost daily. I also host pickleball clinics to help others learn the game. I don’t read as much as I used to, but I listen to a lot of podcasts and Mel Robbins is currently one of my favorites.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

I’ve lived in several places throughout my life. I finished college in Massachusetts, was based in Chicago as a flight attendant for American Airlines, and traveled extensively. Of all the cities I’ve experienced, Mount Pleasant and Charleston top the list.

What do you do for a living?

I’m the owner of Creative Fitness, LLC and the inventor of the Total Body Mat. I’m a fitness and pickleball coach. I love helping people get stronger, move better, and have fun being active in their own communities.

How did you get into fitness?

I earned my degree in exercise physiology over 30 years ago and consider myself somewhat of a pioneer in the industry. Fitness has always been a lifestyle for me and I’m passionate about showing people how simple it can be to build a strong fitness foundation – often in as little as 7 minutes a day.

What does your typical day look like?

My first breath of the day is taken outdoors with my dog Moon – we go for a walk and look for squirrels. I move everyday without question. I use my own equipment at home to keep my muscles stretched and toned. I also enjoy the gym in my complex and have a ClassPass membership, which lets me explore yoga, strength training and cycling classes around town. I try to keep my nutrition fairly balanced, though I’m not perfect – I just focus on having enough energy to support my active lifestyle.

Tell us about your seven-minute routines:

I developed the seven-minute routines over many years of training clients who felt they didn’t have time to exercise. I realized that short, focused workouts done consistently can be incredibly efficient and effective. The routines combine resistance, core strength, mobility, and balance to activate the entire body. Over the years, I’ve proved that even a few focused minutes of movement each day can make a real difference.

How has the fitness industry changed since you started, and what’s stayed the same?

The industry has definitely evolved with things like weight-loss medications, online workouts, and flexible schedules. But some challenges remain the same, or have even increased. For example, many gyms no longer offer childcare, which can make it harder for parents to work out. At the same time people are still busy and need motivation, education, and accountability. What hasn’t changed is the desire to feel strong, healthy, and confident.

How does fitness tie into nutrition and eating habits?

Regular exercise naturally increases endorphins and helps stabilize mood which often reduces emotional eating and mindless snacking. I encourage simple, balanced habits, and when people need more structured support, I work with dietitians.

What got you into pickleball, and why do you think it’s taken off the way it has?

I started playing during COVID. To me, pickleball feels like adult recess – it gives people a chance to step away from everyday life and just play. One of the reasons it’s become so popular is that you don’t necessarily need a partner. Most places allow you to show up solo and jump into a game. It’s a bit like a cross between ping-pong and tennis, and it’s a great way to meet people. It also stimulates the brain because you’re constantly moving, reacting, and thinking, which supports neuroplasticity and keeps the mind sharp.

Dish you’d eat endlessly if calories didn’t count:

Nachos!

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