We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sienna Grant Mitsak a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sienna, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Being the youngest woman in the room—and an ethnic woman at that—can definitely come with its challenges, but I’ve learned to embrace it as an opportunity rather than a setback. As the founder of Flourish By Sage, I’ve had to walk into spaces where I might be the only one who looks like me, and at first, that felt intimidating. But over time, I’ve realized that my perspective, my experiences, and the uniqueness I bring to the table are what make me stand out in the best way.
When you’re different, people might not expect much from you, but I’ve learned that showing up with confidence and being well-prepared is key. I’ve made sure that I’m always ready to speak to my vision, my brand, and the expertise I’ve gained along the way. I don’t need to shrink to fit in; I show up as myself—unapologetically.
A huge part of this journey has been finding mentors and creating a network of people who get it. I’ve surrounded myself with folks who support me and understand my hustle, whether they look like me or not. Having that support system has been a game-changer when it comes to navigating rooms where I may be the only one who shares my background.
I also believe in adaptability, especially when it comes to communication. I know when to be bold, when to educate, and when to let the work I’ve put in speak for itself. It’s about being authentic in every interaction, but also being smart about how I navigate different situations.
And honestly, I don’t want to be the only one. Flourish By Sage isn’t just about creating amazing hair products—it’s about representation and creating space for others who look like me to rise. I’m passionate about showing other young women of color that they can own these spaces too, because it’s not just about breaking barriers; it’s about opening doors for the next generation.
So, being the youngest woman in the room doesn’t hold me back. It’s actually what pushes me forward—because I’m here to make waves, not just fit in.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
At Flourish By Sage, I’m building a brand rooted in my faith and a deep belief in the power of natural beauty. Our mission is to celebrate and empower people to embrace their curls, kinks, and coils with products that nourish, hydrate, and define textured hair. It’s not just about hair—it’s about confidence, identity, and self-love. The most exciting part of what I do is seeing the transformation in our customers, knowing that our products are helping them feel more confident and connected to their natural beauty.
What makes Flourish By Sage truly special is the heart behind it. The journey has always been about more than just creating products—it’s about building a community where people feel seen, heard, and supported. I started Flourish By Sage after conducting a customer discovery survey that gave me a real understanding of the needs and wants of the textured hair community. This insight, combined with my faith and a desire to make a positive impact, inspired me to create solutions that people can trust.
My journey to full-time entrepreneurship wasn’t an overnight decision. In college, I won two pitch competitions, which gave me the confidence and resources to pursue my dream of running Flourish By Sage full-time. Winning those competitions showed me that I had the ability to turn my vision into reality, and I knew that I had to give it my all. My faith played a huge role in that decision—it gave me the courage to step out in faith and trust that I was being guided toward something bigger than myself.
In addition to my business, I’m deeply active in my community, using my voice to inspire others to embrace their natural beauty and pursue their own passions. I believe that success is not just about personal achievement—it’s about uplifting others along the way. Through Flourish By Sage, I’m committed to creating opportunities for women, especially women of color, to thrive in both the beauty and business spaces. I want to be a resource, a mentor, and a source of inspiration for those who are looking to break barriers and chase their dreams, just as I am striving to do.
Right now, we’re still in the startup stage, but we’re growing and laying the foundation for something bigger. We’re expanding our product line, strengthening our e-commerce presence, and working toward future retail partnerships with brands like Sephora. There’s so much ahead, and I’m excited about what’s to come as we continue to build Flourish By Sage into a brand that truly reflects the values of faith, community, and empowerment.
I’m just getting started, and I believe that the best is yet to come. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us as we grow and continue to make a difference.
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?
Looking back on my journey, there are three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that continue to have the most impact on my success. The first is time management and organization. I’m constantly creating daily time blocks and setting achievable tasks to stay focused on my bigger goals. Breaking down large goals into smaller, actionable steps keeps me on track and moving forward—It won’t be perfect at first, but create a daily routine with specific time blocks and dedicate yourself to staying consistent, even when things get tough. Lord knows I still am.
The second is networking intentionally. I truly believe that your network is your net worth. Surrounding myself with the right people has opened doors and provided opportunities I wouldn’t have had access to otherwise. Right now, I’m always attending networking events, approaching people with genuine curiosity, and sharing my vision. I’m not afraid to be myself, and I make sure to exchange contact information and follow up—Networking is not just about showing up, it’s about building relationships, and trusting that connections will lead to amazing opportunities. Keep building and stay in touch, and watch how your network grows over time.
The third, and most important, is my faith in God. My faith is the foundation that guides me and keeps me going, especially during tough moments, setbacks, or periods of stagnant growth. It reminds me that every challenge is part of a bigger picture and gives me the strength and resilience to push forward when things aren’t moving as quickly as I’d like—Trust in the process and remember, no matter how hard it gets, faith will keep you grounded. Sometimes it feels like nothing is happening, but God is always working behind the scenes.
One of the things I’m doing right now that has been a game-changer for me is reading The Miracle Morning for Entrepreneurs. It’s a life-changing practice. I wake up an hour earlier each day to focus on myself first, filling my cup so I can pour into my work with clarity and productivity. I’ve found that this simple habit sets the tone for my day—Wake up early, fill your cup first, and pour into your work with intention. It won’t be easy, but give yourself grace as you build this habit over time.
I also have a growth plan for the next three years and I’m working backward to identify the milestones I need to hit. I’m continuously refining my daily tasks to help me move closer to those milestones—Plan your growth, set your milestones, and trust the process, even when it feels like it’s moving slowly. Just keep going, and always be flexible in adjusting as needed.
At the end of the day, it’s about growth, building connections, and trusting my faith. I know what I’m doing is part of a much bigger purpose, and I’m driven by the belief that it’s not just for me, but for something much greater. I keep going, learning, and believing that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be—Stay focused on your mission, trust the bigger picture, and remember that every step you take is part of something greater than you.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, we are definitely looking for folks to partner and collaborate with! At Flourish By Sage, we’re all about building relationships with like-minded individuals and brands who are passionate about empowering people, especially in the natural hair and beauty space. Here’s who we’re looking to collaborate with:
Influencers and Content Creators: If you’re passionate about natural hair and beauty and have an engaged following, we’d love to work together! Whether it’s through product reviews, co-hosting live sessions, or creating content that highlights how Flourish By Sage products fit into everyday hair care routines, we’re all for it.
Retail Partners: As we continue to grow, we’re looking to expand into more retail spaces. If you’re a retailer who believes in the power of natural beauty and wants to offer a trusted brand that aligns with values of inclusivity and self-care, we’d love to explore partnership opportunities.
Event Planners and Hosts: We’ve been fortunate to participate in amazing events like Hue Affair and the World Natural Hair Show, and we’re always open to collaborating with those organizing events that empower people, especially women of color, in beauty and business. If you’re planning an event and want Flourish By Sage to be a part of it, let’s connect!
Other Small Business Owners: Collaboration is key in growing together! Whether it’s sharing knowledge, co-hosting workshops, or doing joint campaigns, we’re passionate about supporting other entrepreneurs who align with our mission.
Additionally, we are excited to announce our Affiliate Program for those who absolutely love Flourish By Sage and want to share their passion with others. If you’ve been using our products and can’t stop talking about how they’re transforming your natural hair, why not get rewarded for it? With our affiliate program, you can earn commissions for every sale made through your unique referral link.
We’re showing all the love right back by compensating you for spreading the word about Flourish By Sage!
Transparency: As we are in the bootstrapping/startup stage, our budget for collaborations and partnerships is currently limited. However, we do have a micro-influencer program that offers a great opportunity for content creators with smaller but highly engaged followings. This program is designed to build meaningful, long-term relationships with people who genuinely love our products and want to spread the word. It’s a perfect fit for those who are starting out and want to collaborate with a growing brand while also benefiting from the partnership.
If you’re interested in our micro-influencer program or any other collaboration opportunities, simply reach out to us at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram @FlourishBySage. We’d love to connect, get creative, and find ways to work together.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://flourishbysage.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishbysage/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sienna-grant-mitsak-ba3a9522b/
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