She has a sister called Julie and they were raised in a home with traditional Albanian and Turkish traditions that made them ‘different’ to their neighbours and classmates. She began to play sports including soccer, and soon became an invaluable team member. Year after year she would win ‘best and fairest’ awards nominated by her coaches and peers. For the first time, Susie recognised the level of athleticism she possessed and started to think about taking it to the next level, this time, as an individual. Susie began her search for something that would demand the highest levels of discipline, mental toughness and that would be the most physically challenging for her. She discovered boxing and quickly went professional.