Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sabrina Mar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sabrina, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
At the start of my career in television, I didn’t know many other AAPI producers and I didn’t think much about being the “only one in the room”. Up to that point, my super power had always been a strong work ethic. But over many years in entertainment, I realized that just working hard and leading by example wasn’t enough to make me feel truly successful. As part of an underrepresented group in my industry, I wanted to provide opportunities for others like myself. I strongly believe that a successful leader is inclusive and provides a diverse work environment. Representation matters behind the cameras, as well as in front of, and makes for better content and productivity.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’ve lived so many lives already! I was a gymnast on the US National team, I worked as a certified athletic trainer, an animator on the South Park animated series, and now I’m a freelance television producer. Many years ago, I discovered woodworking while working on a home improvement reality show called Extreme Makeover Home Edition. After several seasons, I fell in love with building and construction and enrolled as a student in the El Camino College Furniture and Cabinetmaking program. I learned to build furniture and some years later, I added woodturning to my skills and joined the El Camino Woodturners Guild- a wonderfully supportive group of like-minded wood aficionados. I would’ve never guessed that woodworking would become my life’s passion.
Today, I have a small Etsy shop called Park Street Goods and stock it with handmade pieces. Everything I make is a labor of love and gives me great joy to create beautiful pieces from wood; oftentimes from recycled or repurposed material.
I still love working in tv and thankfully the nature of freelance production allows for extended breaks between shows, and time in the woodshop. It’s my home away from home and the perfect respite from the high stress environment of tv production.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three things that were most impactful are:
1) Self Discipline/Persistence- I often have to remind myself that it’s ok to fail if you learn from your mistakes, that obstacles will occur, and it’s about the long game. Setbacks are temporary.
2) Commitment to a lifetime of learning/constant improvement/self-reflection- Acknowledging that you can’t know everything and making a commitment to be a lifelong student helps you constantly evolve and improve your craft.
3) Developing lifelong meaningful relationships- the relationships I’ve built over the years have helped open the door to opportunity and resources in my personal and professional life.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
One of my biggest areas of growth has been realizing that I have room in my life for more than one passion. I can be committed to my life as a television producer and also as a woodworker. I don’t have to choose because there’s plenty of time for both. Initially, it was a struggle balancing work with my other creative interests because I was so intent on advancing my professional career. Today, I’ve finally settled into a balanced work/life schedule where I’m able to take fewer jobs during the year, allowing me more time to woodwork between jobs. It keeps me creatively fulfilled and refreshed when I return to my production life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ParkStreetGoods
- Instagram: @parkstreetgoods
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinam88/
Image Credits
All photos owned by Sabrina Mar/Park Street Goods
