I met Sarah Akiba for the first time after she had posted on her Instagram in search of an intern for her creative brands. I tried to contain my excitement about the opportunity and play it cool, but the truth is I knew exactly who Sarah was. As we sat down she said, “Let me start by explaining my different brands” to which I responded, totally not playing it cool, “You don’t have to explain, I’ve been following your work for years.”
It was during my Junior year of high school that I stumbled upon Sarah’s clothing brand AWOM Club, which instantly captivated my attention for its beautiful art direction and core message of promoting female empowerment. Two years later I began school in Miami, learning of Sarah’s extensive community involvement. I don’t think I truly appreciated the impact of her work though until I was given the privilege of working directly alongside Sarah, seeing her creative and empowering visions through.
Today, at just twenty-six, Sarah’s ventures extend across a multitude of industries, including her female co-working space, AWOM Lab, her work as a stylist, hosting monthly Influential Women’s Dinners, and on top of all that, Sarah runs a mentorship program for middle school girls; all of which are part of her greater mission to cultivate a community that encourages women of all ages to be the best versions of themselves.
This is Sarah Akiba’s journey to twenty-six. This is twenty:
Who were you at twenty?
Twenty year-old Sarah Akiba was extremely vibrant, free, and fearless. That may have been because I was abroad in Israel and the only thing I cared about was lounging on the beach, where we were going out that night, and eating lots of shawarma when I wasn’t saving my pennies to get a new outfit from Zara for the night out! Twenty was probably the year where work didn’t matter. I was at the University of Miami, was in a serious relationship, but it was all happening abroad. I was living a dream waking up to gorgeous sunrises, going to class (but not really), and just walking and roaming the streets of Tel Aviv. CARE FREE Sarah. No bills, family life was great, love life was better, and honestly I may have been a little bratty. I guess self care and self everything was my life at 20, but it was probably one of the best years to date.
How have you evolved since?
Evolving is a beautiful thing and 6 years into my twenties I can honestly say that I am a totally different person. My perspective on life is different, I am much more fearful of many things (like the ocean and diseases), I put other people first but because it fulfills me to do good and be a good person. I try very hard not to be wasteful, I care very much about the environment and my surroundings, I think of the bigger picture for the world, not just for me. I have experienced loss, love, growth, being a young entrepreneur and philanthropist. At 20 I can honestly say I never thought I would be here and what it took me to get here, but I’m here now and I’m proud of the 26 year old me... just gotta get the fearless 20 year old back.
What advice would you give yourself at twenty?
“Keep doing what you’re doing. Live your life to the very fullest as you are.” My 20 year-old self was a moment and year I needed with what was about to transpire at 21 with the loss of my dad, I grew up very quickly. I’m proud of 20 year old me and wouldn’t change it for the world.
learn more about Sarah and her work here