We were lucky to catch up with Rebekah Jensen recently and have shared our conversation below.
Rebekah, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My wellspring of resilience flows from the deep currents of my family’s history. We are the proud descendants of migrant farm workers, who found themselves straddling two worlds as the United States borders solidified. Their journey was one of relentless determination, born out of necessity in the face of adversity. Generation after generation, we’ve been the torchbearers of tenacity, forever seeking solid ground within the confines of a modest economic status.
My parents, true to this legacy, were tireless laborers. Armed with limited resources and a surplus of resolve, my father defied expectations, purchasing a home with just an 8th-grade education. Meanwhile, my mother embarked on an inspiring path, earning her bachelor’s degree when I was a mere 5 years old. Her indomitable spirit continued to shine as she earned her master’s degree at the remarkable age of 55.
This tapestry of triumphs and struggles has woven into my very being a resilience that stands unwavering. The stories of my ancestors’ unwavering persistence, my parents’ relentless pursuit of progress, and my mother’s late-blooming educational achievements have become the foundation of my own determination. From this lineage, I draw the strength to confront challenges head-on, to transform setbacks into steppingstones, and to continue carving my path forward with the same unyielding spirit that has defined my family for generations.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Sanara: Bridging Tradition and Innovation for a Brighter Future
At Sanara, I pride myself on creating a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, crafting products that resonate with my rich heritage while pushing the boundaries of creativity. My brand stands as a testament to my unwavering commitment to quality, authenticity, and a vision of a brighter future.
What We Do:
Sanara is a lifestyle brand that transcends the conventional. We specialize in curating and producing a range of products that reflect the essence of our cultural roots while infusing them with contemporary relevance. Our offerings encompass a diverse array of art, craftsmanship, and lifestyle products, each intricately designed to tell a story, evoke emotions, and spark conversations.
The Essence of Sanara:
What truly sets Sanara apart is our ability to capture the essence of tradition in a way that resonates with the modern world. We believe that our heritage is not static; it’s a dynamic force that can shape the present and inspire the future. Our products pay homage to our heritage, yet they are not confined by it. We harness the wisdom of the past to create innovative, meaningful products that cater to the discerning tastes of today’s consumers.
What Excites Us:
The most exciting and special aspect of Sanara is the journey we embark on with each creation. We fuse age-old techniques with contemporary design to produce items that are not just products but vessels of storytelling. Every Sanara product carries with it the spirit of resilience, creativity, and authenticity.
What You Should Know About Sanara:
Sanara is not just a brand; it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. My commitment to sustainability and ethical practices underpins everything I do. Each purchase you make supports local artisans, empowers communities, and contributes to the preservation of my cultural heritage.
What’s New:
I’m thrilled to share that Sanara is on the cusp of exciting new developments. As I continue to grow, within the spa market, Sanara is now an international brand, landing my first spa outside the U.S. in Punta de Mita, MX with the prestigious Auberge hotel. I’m now also in my first Texas hotel which is special to me since I am born and raised Texan, an Omni hotel, Mokara in San Antonio, TX just off the riverwalk. So, I am currently at 3 Four Seasons locations, Omni and Auberge, a feat I’m proud of considering the spa/hospitality market took a 70% downturn during the pandemic and I started at 0 when it started.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, I’ve identified three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have had the most profound impact on my path: grit, the wisdom of following omens as espoused in “The Alchemist,” and the pursuit of knowledge in areas where I lacked expertise. Here’s my advice for those who are just starting out on their journey:
1. **Grit:**
Grit is the unwavering determination and resilience that keeps you pushing forward even when obstacles seem insurmountable. This quality has been a cornerstone of my journey. It’s essential to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and not be discouraged by setbacks. To develop grit, remember that setbacks are just temporary roadblocks, and your willingness to persevere will ultimately define your success.
2. **Following Your Omens:**
“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho beautifully illustrates the concept of following omens or signs that life presents you. Trusting your intuition and recognizing opportunities that may seem small but hold significance can lead to unexpected and transformative experiences. To cultivate this skill, practice mindfulness and active observation of your surroundings. Listen to your inner voice and be open to the messages life is trying to convey.
3. **Gaining Knowledge:**
A thirst for knowledge, particularly in areas where you lack expertise, can be a game-changer. Embrace continuous learning as a means to fill gaps in your understanding and broaden your horizons. Whether through formal education, self-study, or seeking advice from mentors, accumulating knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions. Remember, every new skill or piece of information you acquire is an investment in your personal and professional growth.
**Advice for Early Journeyers:**
For those at the outset of their journey, my advice is as follows:
– **Gain Knowledge:** Education is your ally. Don’t hesitate to immerse yourself in subjects you’re unfamiliar with. The pursuit of knowledge is an ongoing journey that will equip you with the tools needed to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
– **Resist Fear:** Fear of the unknown or failure can paralyze progress. Embrace fear as a natural part of growth, and don’t let it hold you back. Embrace discomfort, because often, breakthroughs happen just beyond your comfort zone.
– **Initiate and Take Your Time:** Initiation means taking the first step. Even when the path ahead seems daunting, taking that initial action sets the wheels in motion. Additionally, remember that meaningful progress takes time. Be patient with yourself and your journey. New endeavors, especially those outside your comfort zone, often require more time and effort than you might expect.
In summary, the triumvirate of grit, the ability to recognize and follow omens, and the pursuit of knowledge have been pivotal in my journey. To those embarking on their own paths, remember that each step you take, no matter how small, is part of a transformative process. Embrace challenges, trust your intuition, and equip yourself with knowledge as you move forward. Your journey is a tapestry woven with determination, opportunity, and growth.
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’m on the lookout for fellow thought leaders, change-makers, and trailblazers who are as passionate about the health and wellness space as I am. As an ambitious woman who has immersed herself in the world of entrepreneurship and resilience, I’ve walked the path of becoming a product-based entrepreneur, overcoming obstacles, and crafting an internationally recognized brand. Now, I’m excited to connect and collaborate with individuals who share a similar drive for excellence and a commitment to making a lasting impact.
My journey has been marked by two battles with breast cancer, and the fortitude that these challenges have instilled in me has been pivotal in building my brand. If you’re someone who believes in the power of personal narratives to inspire change, I invite you to join me in fostering a community of strength, resilience, and triumph. Together, we can amplify our voices and experiences to drive positive transformations in the health and wellness landscape.
Here’s who I’m looking to collaborate with:
1. **Fellow Thought Leaders:** If you’re a thought leader, influencer, or expert in health, wellness and the power of intuition, I invite you to engage in a dialogue that shapes the future of our industry. Your unique insights and perspectives can catalyze meaningful change, and together, we can bridge the gap between personal stories and cutting-edge innovations.
2. **Innovators in Health and Wellness:** Whether you’re a product creator, researcher, or technologist, if you’re at the forefront of developing solutions that enhance well-being, I’m eager to connect. Let’s merge our experiences to pioneer new avenues that empower individuals to live healthier lives.
3. **Survivors and Advocates:** If you’ve faced adversity and triumphed, particularly in the realm of health and wellness, your journey is a testament to resilience. Let’s unite our stories to inspire others, showing them that challenges can be transformed into stepping stones.
4. **Entrepreneurs with a Day Job:** If you’re familiar with the balancing act of building a brand while navigating a day job, I believe our experiences can resonate strongly. Let’s share insights on time management, prioritization, and the art of pursuing passions outside the confines of a 9-to-5 routine.
In this era of collaboration and collective growth, let’s harness our collective wisdom to drive meaningful change. If you resonate with my journey and vision, and if you’re excited to share your expertise while learning from others, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can amplify our voices, elevate the health and wellness conversation, and create a ripple effect of positive transformation.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sanaraskincare.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanaraskincare
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanaraskincare
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebekah-jasso-jensen-57a167153/
