Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sandra Braverman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sandra, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I’ve learned that stress can suffocate creativity, so I make it a priority to move regularly, nourish myself with nutrient dense foods, and get proper rest. There’s beauty in routine, so finding what works keeps me grounded and creates a calm, confident mindset where ideas can flow freely.
Creativity thrives on exposure to new perspectives, so immersing myself in various communities is key. Whether it’s joining a run club, hitting the gym, attending comedy shows, or going to concerts, I find that stepping into and photographing different environments sparks new ideas. I look for common threads between these diverse experiences and explore how I can weave them into my art. Beyond that, I love challenging myself to work with different mediums. Photography, graphic design, illustration, video editing, collaging, doodling, and even animating, are all creative outlets I tinker with regularly. It’s one thing to have a creative idea, but having the technical know-how to bring it to life makes all the difference. Being skilled in these areas gives me the confidence to execute my ideas without feeling limited. The more I create, the more I refine these skills, which, in turn, boosts my confidence and inspires me to keep pushing boundaries. It’s a self-sustaining cycle: the better I get at my craft, the more motivated I am to explore new ideas and keep creating.
In short, creativity isn’t just something I chase; it’s something I nurture and keep alive through daily habits and constant curiosity.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m the founder of Sculpt Beyond, a wellness brand dedicated to helping people tap into their physical, mental, and emotional potential through a blend of cultural experiences and curated products. With creativity and self expression at the forefront, what sets Sculpt Beyond apart is our holistic approach to wellness—we focus not just on fitness, but on creating meaningful connections and promoting a lifestyle that encourages transformation and growth.
My personal wellness journey played a huge role in shaping the brand. I lost 75 pounds, which not only transformed my body but also unlocked a deeper sense of resilience and creativity. After immersing myself in various industries and an international community, I’ve been inspired to help others on their own journeys, whether they’re just starting or looking to push themselves further.
The brand launched with a series of PDF guides, which offer practical fitness and nutrition tools for individuals at the early stages of their wellness journey. These guides provide accessible, actionable steps to support anyone looking to build healthier habits and make long-lasting change.
As we head into the holiday season, I’m thrilled to announce the release of Chester the Cheese Loving Cat, a children’s book that encourages young readers to explore the concept of moderation. It’s a whimsical tale about a chubby house cat with a love for cheese, who drifts into a cheesy wonderland – it offers kids a playful but meaningful lesson on balance.
Looking ahead, Sculpt Beyond will continue to expand by offering more educational content, experiences, and original products, catering to people of all ages who are seeking to enhance their wellness toolbox.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Stay Curious
Curiosity has been one of the most impactful qualities in my journey. It’s important to remember that no one is interested in everything, but everyone is interested in something. One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to force an interest or passion on themselves. Without experimenting, you can’t discover what truly resonates with you. Whether you’re on a fitness journey and trying different workouts or meal plans, or you’re an artist struggling to find your medium, the key is to keep exploring. Eventually, something will stick and begin to feel natural. My advice for those just starting out is to remain open-minded. Don’t be afraid to try new things, and don’t worry if something doesn’t click right away—it’s all part of the process.
Embrace the Peaks and Valleys
Another essential skill is understanding the ebbs and flows of any journey. There will be times when things aren’t fun, but those are the moments that require you to push through anyway. The journey will always have ups and downs, and it’s important to recognize that the struggles are necessary for growth. When you hit a milestone—whether it’s completing a project, lifting a new personal best, or finishing your first 5k—the satisfaction is unmatched. These “aha” moments are what make the hard times worth it, reminding you of why you started. My advice here is to focus on the long-term vision, especially when things get tough. The joy you experience at the finish line will be the fuel to keep moving forward.
Master Visualization and Mindset
Finally, mindset and visualization have been game-changers. Once you truly believe that you can achieve something, you start showing up differently. The power of visualization helps you align your actions with your goals, and that shift in energy makes a huge difference. You begin to approach challenges with a sense of purpose and confidence, which leads to better results. Envision the future you want, and show up as if you’re already living it. This mindset will help you stay focused and motivated, even when obstacles arise.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
One of the most impactful things my mom taught me is a saying in Russian that translates to, “you can’t sit on two chairs with one butt.” But growing up, I always misremembered it as “three chairs,” which, honestly, resonates more with me! I’ve always been interested in a variety of disciplines and love juggling multiple projects at once. That saying serves as a constant reminder that I can’t be everywhere, doing everything at once—I’m just one person. My parents taught me the importance of focusing on quality over quantity, that it’s essential to work with ease, and understand that so-called “mistakes” are really just learning experiences that shape us for the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sculptbeyond.co
- Instagram: @sandybrav
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