How I met my Las Vegas Mama, Susie Isaacs.

This is a post by Michelle Richey a.k.a. Sassy.

I hope your holidays were nothing short of spectacular! Today, I’ve got a feel-good poker story that’s so full of serendipity, you might just shuffle your way into a better mood.

Let’s rewind to early 2008. I had just landed in Las Vegas and was enrolled in poker dealer school. Sounds promising, right? Well, not so much. Somewhere between the chip stacks and all-ins, I realized my math skills might struggle with the lightning-fast calculations required to handle four players going all-in simultaneously. 🤣

So, there I was, brainstorming other career ideas when I had a lightbulb moment: What if I became a personal assistant to a poker player? I mean, Daniel Negreanu had Patty, so why not me? But how does one even find a poker player in need of an assistant? I had no clue. Spoiler alert: The universe was already dealing me a winning hand.

Fast forward to April: Caesars Palace was hosting a WSOP Circuit event, including a $330 Ladies Event. At the time, that buy-in was way out of my league, but I couldn’t resist the challenge. To prepare, I picked up Susie Isaacs’ book, Queens Can Beat Kings, from Barnes & Noble. I devoured the tournament chapter the night before, then read it again that morning. I even brought the book with me to the tournament for extra luck.

Guess what? It worked! I made it to the dinner break - shocking myself - and then the final table! 🎉 I ultimately busted in 9th place (AK vs. 99, ugh), but my Hendon Mob was officially born that day. Oh, and Barbara Enright was at that final table! 🤩

I was so excited about my run that I wanted to thank Susie in person. Fast forward again: It’s Father’s Day, and I find myself seated at the same poker table as the Susie Isaacs! Seizing the moment, I asked her (yes, in front of the whole table!) if she knew any poker players who needed a personal assistant. And just like that, she said, “I do!”😃

That next week, I officially became Susie Isaacs’ personal assistant, and what started as a job turned into something so much more. Susie became my Las Vegas Mama and even gave me the nickname Sassy! 💁🏼‍♀️✨

Though my real estate journey began in 2014 and someone else eventually took over as her assistant, Susie and I have remained close for 16 years. Over the holidays, I got the chance to bring one of Damiano’s colleagues, Melvin, to meet Susie at her house. Seeing Melvin light up meeting her and watching Susie enjoy the moment made my heart so full.

Here’s to 2025 being the year you meet someone who inspires you. May your year be filled with lucky flops, winning hands, and all the good vibes!

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