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A laughing monk named Syd is waiting for you.

Syd is here to touch your heart with a dash of magic.
Syd’s thumbs-up is a universal symbol of hope and joy.
Syd’s smiling eyes and happy face remind you that life is full of infinite possibilities.

Each color and size of Syd has its own special form of magic to brighten your world.

Choose a Syd NowChoose a Syd NowPlay Syd ForwardPlay Syd Forward

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go and do that. Because what the world needs is more people who have come alive.”

Howard Washington Thurman

Hi! I’m Ellen Atkins, Founder & CEO of The Suburban Monk.

The inspiration for The Suburban Monk came from a time of major transition in my life, where the past was gone . . . but I wasn’t quite sure what the future held. That void can be so uncomfortable.

I led a “normal” suburban life. I married a great guy who is still my husband 28 years later, have 3 kids and the adorable family dog, Murphy.

The Corporate world was where I lived for 30 years. Yes, I had the perfect job. Great money. Well respected. The day flew by.

So, what made me turn my perfect life upside down?

Find out HereFind out Here

Featured Posts by Ellen

September 11, 2023 in Featured, Giving Back, Inspiration, Love

My Birthday Wish

I am shy about the attention, but it's my birthday today. September 11, and my birthday wish is the same as my wish for humanity: more hope and joy. More…
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August 7, 2023 in Entrepreneurship, Featured, Inspiration, Love

Trailblazing with Syd

Hi Magical People, Heading to the NYNOW Tradeshow August 13-16 at the Javits Center, I’m celebrating how much of a community The Suburban Monk really is, and I can't wait for it to…
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August 1, 2023 in Entrepreneurship, Featured, Inspiration, Love

Coming Alive with Big Syd

Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go and do that. Because what the world needs is more people who have…
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July 18, 2023 in Featured, Inspiration, Love

Your Syd Stories are on Fire!

Hey Magical People, It's so hot this summer (in more ways than one!), I decided that I’d rather cold plunge for two minutes than make a video of myself, but…
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Stories of Syd Sharing Hope & Joy Around the World