Sussy Palma

August 2026 Issue

by Edwina Hoyle
Photography by Cassidy Dunn Photography

 

Sussy (pronounced Suzy) Palma describes herself as an entrepreneur and a hard worker. Entrepreneurship runs in her family and is a big part of who she is today. Her father owns a large party supply company and a well-known high-end restaurant in Costa Rica. Growing up in a self-employed family, Sussy developed a savvy business mind and strong work ethic. So, naturally, she has spent her career pursuing her own business ventures. But this isn’t just another story of a businesswoman whose biggest success is the companies she’s built—it’s about the heart that guides them.

“I’m fortunate to have my family because they helped shape the person I became,” Sussy said. “All of my brothers and nephews have their own businesses, but my biggest influence was my dad.”

Sussy came to America for a college internship twenty-six years ago and studied business administration, marketing, and advertising. At 22 years old, she opened a spray tanning business called Fantasy Tan, which became a leader in the market. “I took my products to Central and South America and became the number one distributor,” Sussy said.

Sussy now runs a wrought iron company that manufactures gates, handrails, railings, and structural beams. She also owns a party supply distribution business in Costa Rica and a real estate rental business in the United States.

But it’s her latest endeavor that fulfills a long-held dream. Sussy grew up in her father’s restaurant. “I always wanted to have a restaurant with a beach vibe. I kept talking about it, and when the perfect building became available, I knew it was time,” Sussy said.

“I had just lost my dog, Nala. I adopted her when she was three months old, and she was with me for 12 years. Nala was one of a kind. She was incredibly smart, loving, and loyal. She loved to run on the beach and brought joy to everyone around her. She was the ‘mama’ to all my pets—two cats and three dogs. Losing her was heartbreaking, but my daughter and I knew we had to find a way to move forward.”

In the midst of grieving the loss of Nala, the mother-daughter team focused their energy on finally opening their own restaurant. They closed on the property on May 28, 2025, and opened Nala’s Beach Bar and Grill on June 28. Sussy named the restaurant in honor of Nala—Nala’s Beach Bar and Grill. 

Opening Nala’s was more than starting a new business—it was an opportunity for Sussy and Val to share a piece of their heritage with the Lowcountry.

“In Costa Rica, we grew up enjoying fresh, healthy food made with quality ingredients,” Sussy said. “We wanted to bring a taste of our roots while embracing the culture of Hilton Head. Our menu blends American cuisine with Caribbean influences, creating flavors that are both familiar and unique,” she explained.

“Our chef, who is from Venezuela, brings authentic South American flavors to the menu, allowing us to offer a variety of traditional dishes alongside our American and Caribbean-inspired cuisine. We want every guest to feel at home, enjoy fresh, flavorful food, and experience the warmth of our culture.”

For Sussy, the restaurant is more than a place to eat—it’s a gathering place where family, friends, and visitors can enjoy great food, genuine hospitality, and the vibrant traditions that have shaped her life, and they can bring their pets to enjoy it as well.

Soccer has always been a big part of Sussy’s life. She and her entire family are passionate FIFA World Cup fans, so last month the restaurant was amped-up for the thrill of the competition. Nala’s became the kinetic unofficial headquarters of the Cup, where fans gathered to cheer on their favorite teams and enjoy the excitement of the matches on the restaurant’s big screen. “It was an amazing experience! Every match was filled with excitement, laughter, and unforgettable memories. We celebrated every goal, every victory, and every moment together. That’s what the World Cup is all about—bringing people together,” she said. And that’s what Nala’s Beach Bar is about, too.

Sussy’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: “Set your goals and don’t be afraid to try. Everything comes with risks, but every challenge is a new opportunity. Every goal and every dream matters. Work hard, make sacrifices, and stay committed. It will pay off and help make your dreams come true. Start small and build from there; stay focused and let your business grow one step at a time.

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Up Close:

• Sussy takes a few trips each year, including visits to Costa Rica, where all of her family lives. “My favorite part of traveling is seeing different cultures, languages, and food. Every place has its own beauty—it’s just different.”

• Hilton Head Island is the place she proudly calls home. “I’ve traveled all over the U.S. and have never found a place like Hilton Head Island. That’s why I stay.”

• Throughout her life, Sussy has adopted several rescue animals. She now shares her home with Kyra, a Great Pyrenees; Ryder, a Bernese Mountain Dog; Sol, a German Shepherd; and two cats, Chloe and Comet—all adopted!

• It’s important to Sussy to dedicate time to supporting her favorite foundations and charitable organizations across the island. “My parents raised us to be good to others. We would go to the kid’s hospital in Costa Rica and throw them a parties. We would hold five parties in five communities, and we’d buy all the gifts for Christmas. We always helped poor kids and the ones in need.”