Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Caroline Saab. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Caroline, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
My generosity stems from a deep-rooted sense of gratitude and a strong desire to give back to the community, which has been inspired by the strong women in my life. Growing up in Brazil, a country marked by socioeconomic disparities, I was fortunate to be born into a family with good economic conditions that provided me with access to the opportunities and resources needed to lead a privileged life. My mother and sister, who are incredibly strong women, have always been a source of inspiration for me, constantly reminding me to appreciate the opportunities I have been given.
Their unwavering strength and resilience have instilled in me a profound understanding of the challenges faced by women, particularly in developing countries. Witnessing their determination and the barriers they overcame, I developed a heartfelt commitment to empower women and foster inclusivity.
As a result, the founding purpose of my brand, Sambboho, has always been centered around women’s empowerment. We strive to create opportunities for women who face various obstacles such as limited access to resources, societal biases, or disadvantaged circumstances. By providing them with a voice and the necessary resources, we aim to help them achieve autonomy, dignity, and a better quality of life.
Our success and achievements would not be possible without the remarkable female artisans who have been with us since the beginning. Their talent, resilience, and unwavering commitment have shaped our brand and transformed the lives of 57 artisan women, thanks to the trust and support of our customers. Together, we have worked towards recognizing their contributions, boosting their self-esteem, and enabling their financial independence.
In summary, my generosity is rooted in a deep appreciation for the opportunities I have been given, as well as the influence of strong women in my life. Through my brand, Sambboho, we strive to empower women facing diverse challenges, providing them with a platform to thrive and create a better future for themselves and their families.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My journey began in São Paulo, Brazil, where I was born. In 2013, I embarked on a new chapter in my life by moving to the United States to pursue my college education. I studied Communications in beautiful Santa Barbara , but in 2016, I was accepted into the Economics program at San Diego State University, which led me to San Diego and it was during my time at SDSU that my story intertwined my business partner and dear friend, Antonin. Our connection went beyond our studies as we both had an entrepreneurial spirit and a yearning for something that truly fulfilled our hearts.
After graduating from university, we spent two years exploring different paths and searching for a venture that would ignite our passion. It was during this time that the idea of Sambboho took shape. Inspired by my sister’s brilliant idea.
She asked our aunt to create a custom, handmade dog collar for her dog, Walter. The collar, crafted with exquisite beadwork and fine leather, captured the attention of everyone who saw it.
With my entrepreneurial spirit ignited and my sister support I saw an opportunity to turn this unique collar concept into a thriving business. Antonin shared my passion and we embarked on the journey of creating Sambboho. While Antonin focused on the marketing and e-commerce aspects of the business, I took on the role of creating the collections and products with my aunt and collaborating closely with the skilled artisan women from Araxa, Brazil. Together, we created a fusion of bohemian fashion and traditional techniques, resulting in beautiful and meaningful pieces. In 2018, armed with our drive and determination, we founded Sambboho.
The road to success wasn’t without its challenges. We encountered difficulties in scaling our operations as well as buying resources specially during the pandemic, particularly as all our beads are sourced from Europe. With restrictions and delays in international shipping, it became a challenge to ensure a steady supply of materials. However, we remained resilient and resourceful and it was through these challenges that we grew and strengthened our business. During the pandemic, we faced unprecedented challenges. However, we also discovered unexpected opportunities.
As people started to shop more online, the demand for pet products grew, and our business flourished.
This period allowed us to not only support the artisanal community of women in Araxa but also keep them safe and financially stable during a time of extreme difficulty. It was a gratifying experience to witness how our business could make a positive impact on the lives of these women and their families.
Our mission at Sambboho extends beyond empowering women; we are also passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of dogs. As pet lovers ourselves, we believe in the importance of animal welfare and ethical practices. That’s why we have incorporated a special aspect to our business. We donate a portion of our profits to various rescues, and we are proud to have a dog collar line where 40% of the purchase price from each collar goes directly to a Los Angeles-based nonprofit called Love Leo Rescue. This allows us to support their efforts in rescuing and providing care for dogs in need.
As we move forward, we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and creativity in our designs. We continuously explore new styles, materials, and trends, while staying true to our core values of empowerment, inclusivity, and sustainability. Our fashion sensibilities guide us in crafting products that not only make a statement but also reflect the unique stories and experiences of the women artisans we work with.
Through our shared passion for fashion and design, we aim to create products that not only enhance the bond between pets and their owners but also serve as expressions of personal style and individuality. We believe that every dog and their human companion deserve to feel confident, stylish, and connected through the beautiful pieces we create.
Together with our talented artisans and the support of our customers, we continue to evolve and elevate our fashion sensibilities, ensuring that Sambboho remains at the forefront of the intersection between fashion, art, and compassion.
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 at my journey, there were three life skills that truly made a difference for me.
Resilience: Building a business is not without its challenges and setbacks. But what I’ve learned is that resilience is the key to pushing through. It’s about bouncing back from failures, adapting to unexpected circumstances, and keeping a positive outlook. For me, resilience was nurtured by surrounding myself with a supportive network and like-minded individuals who believed in me and encouraged me to persevere during good and hard days.
Adaptability: In the entrepreneurial journey, adaptability is essential. It’s about being flexible, open-minded, and willing to pivot when needed. Setbacks and difficult times will inevitably arise, and it’s during these moments that the ability to adapt becomes crucial. Being hands-on and adaptive allows you to find solutions, make tough decisions, and navigate through the challenges that come your way.
Patience: Ah, patience—a quality I had to develop along the way. As an entrepreneur, I pushed myself to rush things and expected instant results. However, the journey taught me that success takes time. It’s about trusting the process, allowing things to unfold naturally, and appreciating the small victories along the way. Patience has been a guiding force in navigating challenges and making wise decisions.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most important thing my parents did for me was to provide me with a strong foundation of love, support, and guidance. They believed im me and supported my dreams and aspirations. My mom, in particular, is a remarkable woman who I have always looked up to. Her strength, resilience, and determination have always inspired me and served as a constant reminder that I can overcome any obstacles that come my way.
My parents taught me invaluable values and life lessons. They showed me the importance of appreciating the small things and finding joy in everyday moments. Showed me the significance of seeking a higher purpose and living with integrity. They taught me to prioritize compassion, empathy, and service to others. They reminded me that in times of challenges and uncertainties, faith provides strength, hope, and a sense of peace.
Their teachings have helped shape my perspective on success and happiness. I have come to understand that true fulfillment lies in making a positive impact on the lives of others and living a life that reflects my values and beliefs. Material possessions may bring temporary joy, but the lasting fulfillment comes from living a purpose-driven life centered around faith, love, and compassion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sambbohoshop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolsaab/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTmMRhmY-1Xm7oq2KBhAg3A
