5. In summer 2013, I saw a dream come true when I brought my critically acclaimed 5-woman stage play First Hand Woman to New York City, to rave reviews (The New York Times, what?)! I started writing this play in 2004, and it quickly became a passion project for me. Having such a long-term project is a great exercise in patience, hard work and perseverance. You can read up on this whirlwind adventure over at FirstHandWoman.com.
4. My favourite behind-the-camera gig.
Creating the concept for and directing an inspiring music video for Canadian hip hop artist Shad was dreamy. The song is called “Keep Shining”, and it is about uplifting women and girls. While Shad is a man, my concept put the lyrics in the hands of ladies of all ages, from different walks of life, coming to life during the song. I love Shad for his incredible humble nature (he makes a small appearance in the video). You can check the video out below:
3. I’m a COMPLETE Star Wars nerd.
Like super big nerd. I own a lightsaber, action figures… My cell phone sounds are all Star Wars based…
Chewbacca’s roar is my text message sound. Oh I could go on and on and on.
And this picture? Yes that is an Oscar from a friend of mine who won it for his astonishing work on the original Star Wars movie (oh yeah, I nerded out typing that last sentence).
2. I LOVE New York.
One of my favourite places in the world is Washington Square Park.
It is this magical place that is ALWAYS alive and moving and changing; filled with creative energy!
Every time I go to NYC I grab my notebook and my camera and I sit myself down by the fountain and take in the stories unfolding around me.
1. I started off in biochemistry in university.
Yep, I originally listened to what my high school mentors were saying I should do with my life, and I was full steam ahead to become a scientist or a doctor.
Then I had the fortunate advice from my dad to let go of that path if it wasn’t making me happy (and it wasn’t). He said that I should find what I love. So began my journey into understanding that I had an artist’s soul.
Thanks Dad!!!
Hi Sarah You video was great. Its only just recently that I have wanted to do an intro video about my site and what it means and what it can offer. Its is something I have put off as I’m nervous in front of any camera and quite a shy person. I have found that it is really hard to convey you passion on a subject in a written form and it only comes out when you talk and people can see you. I have been told that when I talk about my ‘subject’ I come across as passionate and exited and un shutupable (is that a word? my husband says this). Any way you have convinced me to give it a try. I think that I feel that I am just no glamorous enough but hey so what Im not interested in fashion or anything like that. Thanks Sarah.
Hi Moya! I’m sooo excited to hear that you want to do that intro video! Agreed, leave the glamour to people who love the glamour. You bring an intangible quality that only YOU have.
That’s your gold, that’s where you come alive. I’m a natural introvert (who can extrovert herself), but I bring out other parts of myself in my videos (though I still think my shy side can be seen if you’re looking for it). I’ve helped many an introvert find their zone of genius on-camera, and I know it’s completely doable.
You can do it lady!!!!
PS – There were plenty of introverts in that music video too. It was a complete joy bringing out their unique shine! 🙂
Very cute idea! I may have to borrow this one. Thank goodness for your dad! (No offense to any biochemists out there!)
Haha, borrow away Phoebe! And I heartily agree about both my Dad and the biochemists. 🙂 What would your 5 fun facts be?
LOVE this! And nerd it up girl! Everyone has their own thing ;). I think it’s fabulous that your dad didn’t pressure you into being a scientist or doctor. Too many times dads and moms try to force their kids into the ideal of what they want for their children. I’m thankful that, like you, my family is letting me carve my own path (bumps and all). Having that support system makes a world of difference! And that video!!! Wow, love it!
Thanks so much Brianna! And yep, can’t help that nerdy side come out (frequently). lol I just go with it. How Wonderful that your family is supportive as well. It’s so incredibly important. One of my best friends had her first baby recently, and she says that when he grows up, she wants him to find what makes him happy in life and do/be that. Whatever it is.
And Thanks about the video! It was a beautiful shoot. Such a lovely cast, powerful song. Yep, my fave.
Tell me more about your biz lady. What path did you take?
I am a coach to mothers (just starting out) and want to help them relax in this crazy world and know that they can eat healthy, have a home business, a family, and not have to be superwoman (all the time). I’m in the middle of changing websites to reflect this and am super excited (www.briannalnash.com don’t laugh it’s a work in progress haha). It will be like health coaching meets self-care and time management! Nice little neat ball of fun :D!
Sounds absolutely amazing Brianna! Helping new moms create balance? Yep, super great!
What would YOUR 5 fun facts be? 🙂
Oh… put me on the spot!!
Lets see!
1. I have two personalities (introvert and extrovert) and the deciding factor of which shines through is the company I’m around. So crazy!
2. I am a John Wayne FANATIC!!! I have about 3/4 of his movies that I can recite because I love them so much!!
3. My husband and I are going to build a Tumbleweed trailer (look them up they’re awesome) and live in that until we find a place to settle down (which may be never haha).
4. I’m a book junkie, especially cookbooks. I buy at least 3 new books a month!
5. I’m a fashion crisis and have no fashion sense. I would live in yoga pants if it were deemed ok haha.
Those are AWESOME!! Love #5 especially. 🙂
Sarah, I LOVE the video! It’s so great to see some real women in a music video and not just skinny models. Thank you – and Shad – for that.
PS. I’m a Star Wars nerd too. Love it!
Thanks so much Pernille!! Yep, I love taking our images into our hands. May the Force be with you. 🙂
Sarah this is so FUN! I am a Star Wars junkie – I have the light saber app on my iPhone – do you? Super fun at parties;) … or just hanging in the kitchen with the cat lol! Thanks for sharing more about beautiful self – you’re so inspiring! I have to admit I need to get over fear of videos when I look at your work and think, “Oh easy for her to say and do – she is so gorgeous!” but I know I can reach more peeps if I let my fun facts shine too;) Keep rockin’ it!
Oh yes Ana! I have the light saber app! Lol I love when someone else has it so we can duel. Buwahahaha!
And I soooo hear you about the fear of making videos. Let me share a secret with you. As much as it may feel as though it’s about appearance, making videos is about sharing your inner fire, your passion; it’s about uplifting, empowering, educating and entertaining your tribe. That trumps everything else in this landscape.
What I love about entrepreneurs taking videos into their own hands is that we’re redefining what our media actually is. We’re taking it into our own hands and defining our own rules.
You. Can. Do. It. 🙂
You are BEAUTIFUL! I love this idea for a post. It gives your readers a great insight into yourself. I love that your Dad was so supportive. My mom is that for me:)
Thank you so much Candice! I love to hear that your mom is super supportive. Tell me more about your biz lady.
Congrats on following your passions!
Chewbacca’s roar as a text message sound – totally awesome! I’m going to go find that one for myself 🙂
Thanks Beth! Haha yes, Chewbacca rocks the hard jam. lol Let me know if you have some fab text sounds. 🙂