We recently connected with SaraBella Abdulkader and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, SaraBella thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

As a young Black girl growing up in Brooklyn, NY. I had plenty of big dreams. Dreams of being a household name. Visions of inspiring black girls to follow their Dreams. I decided to follow my faith. The biggest risk I took was moving cross country from New York to Los Angeles. I was only in my 20s. It was a life-changing risk. All I had was my faith. I knew I had to trust in God. I landed in Los Angeles CA, Within the first few months I was cast for a Reality TV show, I then relaunched my Jewelry Business and got opportunities to style people I never thought I’ll be able to style. Looking back, I didn’t know the journey Los Angeles had for me but I knew it was the one I wanted ever since I was a little girl in Brooklyn.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My name is Sara Bella, A Creative at heart, entrepreneur, and fashion stylist. All around Boss-Lady. I’m navigating today’s culture with my passion for style, business, and creativity. I started my journey as a fashion stylist back in 2016. I was working out of an NYC bouquet. When I was discovered by a customer who needed a fabulous outfit. Not thinking anything of it, I styled her as if she was my homegirl. I picked pieces she normally wouldn’t. She gave me plenty of push back but with my grace, she trusted me. She ended up purchasing everything I recommend and most importantly she felt CONFIDENT. I knew I did my job. She looked over at me and said ” Your way more than this place”. I was young and thought I was good at my job. She kept expressing to take styling more seriously. I remember feeling worthy and worthless all at the same time. Looking back it’s like it was divine timing. she invited me out for a women empowerment dinner with a few of her friends. I was sitting among women who were established and well-respected in their careers. Leaving dinner that night I landed an opportunity at ELLE Magazine. A few months later, I was asked to stay for an internship. This is when I truly began my journey. I was put in rooms from Michelle Obama, to styling grammy winning singer “H.E.R” and Megan thee stallion and numerous more. When I graduated college in business, my internship was over. I decided to start my own business. I love accessories, so I started SB.NEWYORK. a digital retailer that sells high-quality jewelry/ accessories that are affordable. I started SB.NEWYORK to showcase the elegance and boldness in everyone. I was surprised by how many people supported me. I’m excited to see how big SB.NEWYORK will get especially because it’s my baby and I set LOTS of work and time into it.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn was thinking I can do things alone. As I evolve I realize I’m nothing without God and the people who support me. I had to learn how to ask for help. I’m someone who likes to take control and get things done, often that means doing it yourself but that’s not true. I think it’s more challenging to do it alone than to ask for help. I believe if I didn’t have faith and support I wouldn’t be able to accomplish half of the things I did.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

This is such a great question! I believe in the business you’re often tested. a business school teaches you about high morale but you don’t truly comprehend it until you put it to the test. Customer service is one big part of my business and when you are the “founder, CEO, manager” you have to set the tone. This comes with being a leader, You simply have to lead. I think the biggest piece of advice will be to treat people how you want to be treated. also, try to seek how you can ADD value. I always want people in my team to feel like they can communicate with me and most importantly Learn from me. If they have hopes of opening up a store, building a business, or creating something I want to share my knowledge too.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://sbnewyork.com/
• Instagram: @sb.newyork
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090068317017

Image Credits
Images by – Simmy Hendrix, Tony Bowen