Sally Huss Episode
In the latest episode of the Empowerography Podcast, my guest is Sally Huss. Sally is an author/painter/illustrator of children’s books. In this episode we discuss tennis and Wimbledon to Dr Seuss to rubbing elbows with the Hollywood elite to being an author/illustrator/painter.
"Bright and happy," "light and whimsical" have been the catch phrases attached to the writing and art of Sally Huss for over 40 years. Sweet images dance across all of Sally's creations, whether in the form of children's books, paintings, wallpaper, clothing, ceramics, baby bibs, greeting cards, purses, or her King Features Syndicated newspaper panel "Happy Musings."
Before graduating from USC with a degree in Fine Art in the 60's, Sally had already become a champion tennis player, having won the Wimbledon and U.S. Junior titles and been a Wimbledon semi-finalist in the Women's Division in both singles and doubles. Through her tennis connections she ended up working in television for Ralph Story, and then in film for Samuel Goldwyn, Jr. Eventually, she transitioned into managing Paul Simon’s music publishing company, Charing Cross, in Beverly Hills.
Keeping her hands on her tennis rackets, along with her brushes and pen, Sally operated in two arenas. She created a unique method of playing and teaching tennis based on relaxation. It was highly embraced by creative people of all kinds and her roster of students included: Larry Hagman, Joel Grey, Barbra Streisand, Jill St. John, Helen Reddy, Milos Forman, Jack Jones. She eventually wrote a book on this “Zen-like” approach endorsed by Billie Jean King, Mary Carrillo, and Dick Enberg (Eight Golden Rules for How to Play Your Best Tennis.)
With her husband Marv Huss, former head of Advertising and Promotion for Hallmark Cards, they developed the renowned Aspen Club in Colorado, a luxury health spa and tennis facility.
Returning to California in the 80’s, the Husses embarked on building a string of 26 Sally Huss Galleries across the country (also one in Switzerland and another in Tokyo) offering Sally's art, writings, and licensed products. Through the galleries, Sally's creations have found their way into millions of offices, hotels, and homes, including those of Clint Eastwood, Kirk Douglas, Joel Gray, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Mitt Romney.
Sally has also been inducted into the Kern County Sports Hall of Fame and the Occidental College’s Sports Hall of Fame.
Presently the Husses reside in Colorado Springs, where Sally continues to play social tennis, but spends most of her time writing and illustrating her own books. Her collection of books now numbers over 100 and many have become top-sellers on Amazon. The majority of her books are for children, while others touch on her expertise as a tennis champion, and still others reveal her positive philosophy of life (The Importance of Living Happy.) Her creations remain "bright and happy, light and whimsical" after all these years!
Website - https://www.sallyhuss.com