We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sarah Iverson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sarah, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
As a Black Woman Entrepreneur in Colorado, I am often the only one in the room, unless that room was specifically created for people like me. What I have realized is that since the attention is already on me, I have leverage to make a lasting impression. With that, I show up as authentically as possible because watering myself down is only a disservice to me. The preconceived notions are already there, now it becomes a matter of shaking up others’ perceptions. That is where the fun begins because there is power in being the only one, the spotlight is always on you. Easier said than done, of course. But I think that as an entrepreneur in the play “industry”, I have the opportunity to challenge the status quo through embodying a playful state of mind to break us out of our “matrix” autopilot perception of life.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I consider myself a play alchemist, bringing elements of play and joy into wellness and spirituality! Following divinity, this ultimately brought me to Naropa University where I received an M.A. in Environmental Leadership. As a Black entrepreneur in my 30’s, I bring that childlike curiosity to my healing work to help others tap back into their own playful curiosity and imagination. I hold a strong passion for my work because play is a vital component to our wellness. I believe that when we allow ourselves to tap into a playful state of mind, we elevate our consciousness and raise our vibration because play is love.
I have a “toy chest” full of tools and magical techniques including reiki healing, herbalism, meditation, art/design, puzzle crafting and sacred clowning. I express these passions through my personal brand, Sarah’s Kaleidoscope Playhouse and my wellness company, Curious Sunshine. In these brands I offer classes, workshops, coaching, presentations, book publishing assistance, puzzle quest designs, branding development and so much more.
This year I am hosting various play-based workshops and immersive activations including spoon bending and gamified goal-setting workshops. I have a few more tricks up my sleeve for this year!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three qualities that are most impactful on my journey are ingenuity, tenacity and vivacity. Ingenuity is so vital for my creative and entrepreneurial journey because we live in a society full of restrictive thinking. Every time I hear, “that’s just the way it’s always been done” or “that’s just how the world works”, I challenge it because I know there are innumerous ways to accomplish a task. That creative dexterity helps me view any obstacle as a puzzle waiting to be solved while reminding me of the power of freethinking. Without tenacity, my endeavors wouldn’t be at the level they are at currently. No matter the obstacles, nay-sayers and restrictive thinking, I know in my heart the work I am doing is important and it’s my duty to see it through. I spend my free time diving into projects, inventing new things and channeling my hyperfocus into meaningful work that can benefit others. Even if my free time is only for 30 minutes. This is free time outside time I carve to rest and play. Vivacity is what gets my work noticed. I naturally have a bubbly personality, but mixed with my passion for play, I bring a lot of zeal to the conversations I have. People can tell when you’re authentically excited about your work and when you’re just trying to make a sale.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I love to collaborate! There is something so magical about two minds coming together to create a one-of-a-kind experience. I want to collaborate with those who are looking for playful and innovative approaches to their work or personal life. I help non-profits, schools and corporate entities through my Curious Sunshine workshops. These workshops go over how mindfulness, curiosity, imagination and play can inspire more holistic joy and creative thinking. I have tons of ideas to bring play to the communities through programming, art/beautification activations and games. With that, I would love to partner up with folks who have funding and/or space and are looking for an idea to fund that will bring more color and joy to their community. Of course, I am open to anyone looking for unconventional and innovative approaches to life!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sarahskph.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playfullysarah/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-iverson-456a3252
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@playfullysarah
- Other: https://www.curioussunshine.com/
Image Credits
B. Colby Photography
