Meet Sarai Shivana | Business and Brand Developer • Philanthropist • Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarai Shivana and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarai, what’s your definition for success?
Success really is different for everyone. What I consider success, and being successful, will completely be different than the person next to me, and I believe with social media, societal norms, celebrity accolades and achievements, that we have been forced and conditioned to believe that success means having all the money in the world, all of the luxury items, and all of the material things. All of those things definitely have a purpose and fill a void within each of us. However, it’s not the grounding factor of success. You have to really know who you are internally to understand what success means to you. Part of my motivation is if I am able to help better other people around me, and help them dig deep and empower themselves to give their best versions of themselves – that is what drives my success. I am successful in my own definition and then in turn my success overflows my cup to other people, relationships, business ventures and more. Having material things and luxury items is wonderful, I love those perks but it does not define who I am as a woman. My success is heavily correlated with my spiritual journey and connection to the universe.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe it’s really important for people to try new things and not always follow the path that they think that they should. Everyone always talks about finding your passion and sticking with it and you know making a business out of your passion – but if you don’t explore, you’ll never know how to measure your level of passion for each of them.

I am a firm believer in sticking with the thing you keep coming back to. For a long time I have always loved fashion, designers, art, and the business part and I have stepped away from that industry at least five times and I’ve tried to shun it. I tried many other industries and realized this is where I belong.

I had to grow – I had to grow, and I had to evolve and I had to remove certain people and certain companies and politics from my life because it’s not always the best situation.

I have to really understand that this is the thing that I’m really passionate about but through all that what I’m most passionate about is developing people, and in the world of fashion and a level of retail, there is a lot of work to be done.

People need to evolve, be more bold without trying to undercut someone else. People need to remove their egos when they’re leading a team and that’s what I’ve learned in my time in the business, and away from the business. So that’s where I can contribute and really help change the game of that industry.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh how exciting! We would have to plan a few shopping experiences in Soho, UES, and West Village.

A spa experience at AIRE and Fouquets.

Drinks and dinner at The Carlyle, Pastis, MonkeyBar, The Mark, Valerie, Boucherie… the list goes on!

A walk through Central Park, a trip to the MET.

Take a tour of Queens, NY where I grew up and then in LI. A must is to order pizza and Chinese food!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m such a believer, that relationships and collaborations are key in creating any sort of movement in life whether it is to show you how to move forward and outgrow certain situations, and also to step into a environment that you are not particularly comfortable with and that’s the best part, is learning new things.

I have to credit my parents for their insane work ethic. and hustle. They taught me how to switch gears in any field, environment, and break through generational barriers.

My partner/boyfriend for his unbelievable approach to life when it comes to people and patience and overall goodness he exudes.

My public mentors Tony Robbins, Joe Dispenza, Brene Brown.

My sister who has the most creative mind and heart, and is not afraid to express herself in layers that most of us don’t even know how to tap in to.

Throughout my entire career I have to really thank my direct reports,(the great ones and the not so great ones) and my team for supporting me, for challenging me, and for guiding me, and helping me become a better leader.

Website: https://linkfly.to/30108ooSVP5

Instagram: Sarai_Shivana

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarai-sarah-shivana-2990b023