We recently connected with Saskia Fleurentin and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Saskia , thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

The story behind my mission. To change the narrative and stigma and create generational wealth. Starting my business started off as just a hobby. But I learned very quickly that your hobbies stir from your passion and your passion will motivate you to keep elevating to higher levels.

I have 3 businesses. Sassie Sa Entertainment, is a for profit company that host a series of events that allows adults to focus on self care. The events range from game nights that encourages networking and having fun to seminars that discusses the topics that are considered taboo such as Mental Health. Creating this platform, I believe is necessary because as adults we tend to get caught up in the routine of life; kids, word, family, and forget to take care of ourselves and breathe. These events allow us to have fun and have unfiltered conversations that may be beneficial to the person next to you that is scared of being judged.

Hussle Up Inc. is a non profit organization that caters to well being of young boys in underserved communities. This organization provides mentorship, and guidance to these young individuals to prevent them from being a statistic and falling into the stigma that they can overcome their circumstances. Yearly, we have an award ceremony that honors men of color in the communities so they can see that their goals are attainable by hearing the stories of men who over came the odds.

Lastly, I have an event space. It only makes sense to own your own venue when everything is based around gathering people together for events,

The story, I saw a need and decided to fulfil it. Growing up, I was use to hearing “because I said so.” The “why” is so important because it provides definitions that can have a huge impact on a wise vs a poor decision.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a mother first and foremost and after that i am an entrepreneur. Crazy thing is, I started my journey at one of the hardest times in my life. I needed an outlet that allowed me to stay busy and focused. From one business to another, my passion grew and I was motivated to do more. Getting into the business wasn’t easy because it required support, networking, and funds. Support was low because I didn’t know that many people. Networking was hard because at the time I was a single mom. Funds were low because of all of life’s responsibilities. However, believing in yourself will get your farther then you think, persistence will keep you from giving up and patience will keep you in the game.

I am proud of all my accomplishments because if you asked me if I saw myself in this lane 6 years ago, my answer would of been no. Sometimes, the walk was lonely and long but I made it work regardless. Today, I am able to give back to my community, and be a change agent one event at a time and it is truly a blessing.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn that support would come from the people you knew. In fact, its the exact opposite. Support comes from those who don’t know you. A sa small business owner, our businesses thrive on support and word of mouth. I had to learn real quick that networking is key, putting yourself out there is crucial and posting regularly even if its just one like is important. Its super easy to get discouraged but its a race not a marathon and consistency is key. If you brand yourself accordingly the support will come in seamlessly.

My first couple of events the room was filled with people I knew, by my third event it was the exact opposite. At first i took it personally but in the business you learn real quick to keep your feelings out of it and keep it cute. Not everyone is for you and not everyone is going to support you, but the right ones will and those are the ones who matter.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think for me, what builds my reputation is. what you see if what you get. A lot of people paint a picture for social media and then there is real life. If you know me in any capacity its all the same. I think people appreciate authenticity. I use to be embarrassed of my back story and my journey, now I speak freely knowing that it can help someone else on their journey.

No one wants a fraud or a façade, people appreciate the real you and that is what I give my followers, my family and friends.

Contact Info:

• Website: lafleureventsnyc.com
• Instagram: @lafleurevents_

Image Credits
Shane Dennis EsDefinitions