We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sarah Akiba a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sarah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us a story about a time you failed?

My most significant setback in life occurred with the loss of my father. I hesitate to label it as a failure; rather, it stands as a transformative experience—an unexpected twist in the narrative, akin to turning sour lemons into sweet lemonade. I firmly believe that one’s struggles can be harnessed as a superpower; it all boils down to how one chooses to wield it. In essence, a setback serves as the groundwork for a triumphant comeback.

I’ve encountered failures across various realms—be it in design, leadership, navigating employee separations I should have handled differently, or ending partnerships prematurely. Yet, each misstep contributes to the rich tapestry of my story, a crucial segment of my journey, and, above all, a catalyst for personal growth. Such is the essence of business.

Additionally, the perceived failure of being overly generous—while some may see it as a shortcoming, I consider it one of my most admirable qualities. Though it may not make me materially richer, it undeniably enriches my soul. Life is a series of choices, and to me, success lies in making the world slightly better, setting off a positive chain reaction—a world I wholeheartedly wish to be part of.

The term “failure,” in its conventional sense, inadequately encapsulates the essence of growth and the inherent beauty that emerges on the other side. In truth, these experiences paved the way for my success—a wealth measured in family bonds, the quality of my relationships, the environments I’ve crafted, and the profound appreciation I hold for life.

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.

For those unacquainted, I am Sarah Akiba—a daughter, sister, aunt to eight, and an unwavering advocate for family bonds. My commitment to these roles is paramount, and I diligently ensure that nothing eclipses their significance, especially my other professional titles.

In the realm of my career, I am renowned as a life stylist. Whether it’s crafting styles for celebrities, designing spaces, creatively directing music videos or photoshoots, or curating a captivating dinner table, these endeavors are all intricately woven with my passion for community service.

I am the visionary behind So Akiba, an encompassing entity that encompasses The Lab, The Pull, and AWOM Foundation.

I devote my time to bringing people’s visions to life or assisting them in conceiving a vision at all. This unfolds within my space, The Lab—a natural light photo studio and event venue. The Pull comprises a curated collection of clothing and accessories sourced globally, available for people to utilize and rent. AWOM, an acronym for “Angel Watching Over Me,” serves as a haven where I contribute to the joy and well-being of others. This includes initiatives such as our girls’ club, mentorship program, Halloween festivities for the kids at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, or acting as an angel to those facing dire circumstances—sometimes as simple as covering their rent to keep them off the streets.

What brings me immense pride is that none of this feels like work; it’s an embodiment of my passion. Every day is a new canvas, a fresh project with a grander purpose, all centered around building a resilient community. I take pride in this meaningful work and the profound relationships it has fostered—a testament I aspire to set for the younger generation.

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

A lesson I had to unlearn was that you need to be tough and mean to your employees to get messages through. I remember in the beginning of having employees I would get angry, sometimes even talk down to some to get my point across that they did something wrong. I had to unlearn this in the way that comfortable communication and open communication is the best way to keep your team happy. You align better with an open table and that way you feel better, and so do those that work alongside you.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I have had to pivot so many different times in my career. When I started my natural light studio it was not that at all. I wanted it to be a female co working space where women could connect. It quickly changed when people started to ask if they could shoot content in the space. Once I started seeing the demand in that I quickly began to shift gears and just roll with what was working. The Lab is now a fully functioning photo and event studio and curated as such. Its the perfect aesthetically pleasing space. That is just one business, but this happens constantly when Im styling my clients for music videos or editorials. When we think a look will work, but it doesn’t at all and you have to improvise and get creative to make sure both the client and directors visions come to life. This is the perfect example of “God laughs when you plan.” You have to just ride the wave.

Contact Info:

• http://www.awom.org/
• Website: awomlab.com
• Instagram: @soakiba @thelab______ @awom
• Linkedin: Sarah Akiba

Image Credits
PRODUCED BY @THELAB______