We were lucky to catch up with Satwika Sabal recently and have shared our conversation below.

Satwika, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I took the risk of leaving a stable corporate job to pursue a largely creative life. I also figured out my calling in this process which is “Storytelling through Food”, so I would say this risk turned out pretty good for me. I am still figuring out many things but at least I know the direction now. I finally have clarity and it was a crazy path to realise it but I am absolutely ready to take it further no matter how much more difficult the path gets. I love food and my education (MBAs in Brand Management) helped me start a small business called “The Brand Maker” via which I help restaurants with their branding. This way I am making the most of my calling and my education. My creative pursuits are in acting, writing, food vlogging and podcasting. The number of hours I work in a week have increased but my stress has decreased. Although I need to work harder than I ever have but at least I am spending most of my time doing what I truly want to do. This lifestyle might not be sustainable long term but this is what my 2025 looks like and I am very happy!

I have an agent in CO so I get to audition. My first book, a novel, tentative title, “Denver Goes To India” is going to be published this year. I have started two Youtube channels with one video per month each, for my food vlogs @SabalEats and podcasts on @TheSabalShow. I share all of this stuff on my Instagram too (@satwika_sabal).

I am currently working with one of the best Mediterranean Restaurants in Denver called Shondiz. My company, The Brand Maker, helps them with their branding. I am including more clients to my portfolio. It makes me happy to help people with something I know and have learnt overtime. The knack of understanding food and the best way to present it to the world has come naturally and the marketing knowledge comes from my extensive education in Brand Management and more than 5 years of work experience.

I am in the middle of this risk and I know I am punching above my weight, I always do so sometimes, to be honest, there are good days and bad. I took the risk of quitting my cushiony 9 to 5 job because I was not able to make time for things I actually wanted to do with my life. Also, one of the things I always wanted was not to suffer through the weekdays to get some respite on the weekends and repeat that process till the end of my life. Sunday Scaries or Monday Blues are such common phrases which makes me a little sad. We were not born to just pay the bills and die one day. Having said that, I completely understand when one simply has no other option. I have been there and also there are people who genuinely enjoy the corporate job way of life. My husband, Adi, is one of them and to be honest if he did not have a stable job, it would have been impossible for me to even try something new, forget about full blown, nerve racking risks. One day soon I hope, I am at a place where he can take at least a year long sabbbatical to do whatever he wants to with his life :)

Satwika, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Currently I am living my best life and also my most busy one. I take solace in the fact that I am not mindlessly busy. And I take the time to pause and smell a flower.

There is this happy urgency because at some point when something is not working out, one needs to move on. And I am trying my best for my most desired pursuits to work out.

As mentioned in detail in my previous answer, my 2025 has me hooked to:

1) My Business – The Brand Maker which combines the best of my MBAs in Brand Management and my Calling, “Storytelling through Food”. I help restaurants with their entire branding.

2) Acting – I have an agent and I audition for as many projects I get. I share some of it on my Instagram. I go for a weekly acting class and join workshops when I can.

3) Writing – My book, tentative title, “Denver Goes To India” will get launched this year. Something I have been working on for more than two years. I write songs too and dabbing with some screenwriting, a Christmas Movie, this year.

4) Food Vlogging – I am loving sharing my amazing food experiences and escapades on Instagram and my Youtube (@SabalEats). I believe good food guarantees happiness every single day!

5) Podcasting – I love meeting new interesting people and talking to them. Trying to capture the essence of this on Insta and Youtube (@TheSabalShow

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

All of us, with no exception, whether we are 16 or 60 have things we want to do or have always wanted to do. So, as a society we can remember to be kind when we see someone trying. By being kind, I don’t mean suffer through a book or a movie you are not enjoying. What I mean is do not discourage or be mean and absolutely no negativity!

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

NFTs are wonderful. Has completely transparency without compromising on rightful ownership.
The creators can easily buy or sell and there is significant reduction in fraud. Whats not to like?

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/satwika_sabal/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesabalshow ; https://www.youtube.com/@SabalEats
• Other: Short Film

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-39JIlZ-1gA&t=3s

Image Credits

Risa Scott

https://risascottphoto.com/