We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Roberta Ventura a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Roberta , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience begins with a woman’s desire to uplift others.
At SEP, that resilience is expressed through a passion to build the skills and capabilities of women — enabling them to shape stronger, more stable homes. The challenges women face in society often inspire a deeper commitment to transforming their family lives. When a mother is empowered, her home becomes a foundation of opportunity and security. True societal change begins there — at the heart of the home.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
At SEP, we don’t just create hand-embroidered pieces — we create dignity, connection, and lasting impact. Our brand was born from a simple but powerful belief: that every woman, no matter her circumstances, holds the potential to lead, to inspire, and to build.
We work with talented women artisans — many of them refugees — who are rewriting their own stories stitch by stitch. Every product we craft carries a narrative of resilience, heritage, and hope. The embroidery techniques used have been passed down through generations, and today, they find new life in timeless, contemporary designs.
What excites us most is watching women step into their power. Through economic independence and creative expression, they’re not just supporting their families — they’re shaping a stronger future for their communities.
As for what’s new: SEP is expanding its design collaborations, bringing in fresh perspectives while staying rooted in tradition. We’re also opening new retail channels and launching limited-edition collections that celebrate cultural craftsmanship on a global stage.
SEP is not fashion for fashion’s sake — it’s fashion with soul, purpose, and legacy.
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, I’d say the three most impactful qualities on my journey have been resilience, cross-cultural empathy, and a long-term mindset.
Resilience was non-negotiable. Building SEP meant navigating unfamiliar terrain — from the fashion world to refugee camps — and often hearing “no” before “yes.” But resilience turns obstacles into fuel. It’s what allows you to keep going, even when the path is unclear. For those early in their journey: embrace the setbacks. They’re part of the story you’re meant to tell.
Cross-cultural empathy has been absolutely vital. SEP is built on the idea of mutual respect — not charity. To work meaningfully across cultures, you must listen first, lead second. That means honoring the voices and traditions of those you work with, and being willing to challenge your own assumptions. My advice? Travel, read, listen, and get comfortable being the outsider. It sharpens your understanding of the world — and of yourself.
Lastly, a long-term mindset has shaped every decision we’ve made. SEP was never about quick wins — it’s about sustainable impact and dignity through business. That requires patience, vision, and the ability to stay grounded in your purpose, even when growth feels slow. If you’re just starting out, build something you believe in so strongly that you’re willing to grow it inch by inch.
Purpose doesn’t rush. But it endures.
How would you describe your ideal client?
They understand that luxury isn’t about excess — it’s about meaning. They choose to wear their values, support ethical business, and believe that dignity is something you can help create through the way you spend.
At SEP, we don’t sell to trends — we connect with individuals who are bold enough to care. Those who see beauty not just in the product, but in the process and the people behind it.
If you believe in elevating artisanship, empowering women, and using your voice — and your wallet — to drive change, then you are already part of the SEP story.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://septhebrand.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/septhebrand/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SEPthebrand
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10783730/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@septhebrand
- Other: Pinterest:
https://pin.it/NhWTgG2mV
Image Credits
Alaa Atwah Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.