We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sabrina Woods a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sabrina, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
[Real Answer] lol
Growing up, my life felt akin to the movie Matilda. I lived in my own creative world, largely oblivious to the opposing forces around me. As I grew older, I realized that these forces were often my own family. Despite being sabotaged and undercut frequently, I continued to rise, because for me, there was no other direction but up.
I see life through what I like to call an “infinity glass”—always full and overflowing, with a self-sustaining pump that’s crystal clear. I manifest anything I desire; I visualize it, and then I make it happen. My love for life is expansive, and I am passionate about sharing this zest with others. I encourage and motivate everyone in my circle, and nothing brings me more joy than seeing others succeed.
My baseline outlook on life is extraordinarily positive. Even on my deathbed, I’d likely be complimenting the nurse’s hair. I delight in the small things—taking photos of flowers, appreciating the beauty in the mundane. I believe no detail is too small to be appreciated.
So, I would say my resilience comes from what some might call delusion. I simply do not see the haters. I don’t dwell on the negatives that others try to impose on me. Shielded by my loving and protective husband, I walk through life with literal rose-colored glasses, recently thrifted in Echo Park. I choose to see the good in life, and when obstacles arise, they don’t phase me. If attacked or slighted, I find strength in prayer for those individuals and move on.
My upbringing—marked by experiences of homelessness, food insecurity, and financial abuse—has given me a profound empathy for others. Yet, it has also taught me a hard lesson about the quality, not quantity, of relationships. When wildfires threatened my home and those of my friends, it was distant cousins, not my immediate family, who came to my aid. This revelation was painful but clarifying. It helped me realize that I need not seek approval from those who would rather see me fail. The ties with much of my family have been irreparably severed; they are, to me, as if they are no longer part of my life. This, in a way, is both sad and freeing—it allows me to focus solely on my happiness and those who truly care for me.
[Professional Answer]
My resilience is forged from navigating a life surrounded by detractors yet choosing every day to manifest my joy and to inhabit a world I create, focusing on the things I can control: my circle, those who love me, and spreading joy wherever possible.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
About Sabrina Woods and My Studio
Hello! I’m Sabrina Woods, and I run Sabrina Woods Studio in Southern California. I specialize in creating digital art prints and empowering coloring books, focusing on art that inspires and promotes positive self-expression.
What I Do
I use my platform for creativity and advocacy, supporting community initiatives through art and fundraising events. My work is designed to be accessible and engaging, allowing everyone to connect with the art they interact with.
Get Involved
Currently, we are involved in wildfire relief efforts in our local communities. We also host fundraising events to help families rebuild their homes after disasters. If you want to help or learn more about our efforts, especially for families affected by the Eaton Fire in Pasadena & Altadena, please reach out via email at CommunityAidDena@gmail.com.
Connect with Me
Follow me on Instagram for art and sustainable fashion inspiration, and check out all my links, including donation options, on my Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SabrinaWoodsStudio.
Thank you for your support and interest in making a positive impact together!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, the three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have guided me are resilience, digital marketing expertise, and community engagement. These elements have not only shaped my professional path but also deeply influenced my personal growth and the impact of my projects.
1. Resilience Resilience has been crucial in navigating the unpredictable nature of both the art world and digital entrepreneurship. The ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to changes, and continue pursuing my goals despite challenges has been fundamental.
Advice: Cultivate resilience by setting clear, manageable goals and maintaining a positive outlook. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Surround yourself with a supportive network that encourages your persistence and provides constructive feedback.
2. Digital Marketing Expertise In today’s digital-first world, understanding how to effectively promote your work online is indispensable. Skills in SEO, social media marketing, and content creation have enabled me to reach a wider audience, connect with like-minded individuals, and grow my business sustainably.
Advice: Start by familiarizing yourself with the basics of digital marketing—social media platforms, SEO, and content marketing. Experiment with different strategies to find what works best for your brand. Continuous learning is key, so consider taking online courses and staying updated with the latest digital marketing trends.
3. Community Engagement Engaging with my community has not only enriched my work but also reinforced the impact of my initiatives. Building relationships, understanding community needs, and actively participating in community events have been vital in shaping my projects and ensuring they resonate with my audience.
Advice: Get involved in your community by attending events, workshops, and seminars. Network with individuals who share your interests and can provide insights or collaborations. Always look for ways to give back to your community, as this fosters a deeper connection and opens up more opportunities for personal and professional growth.
By focusing on these areas, those early in their journey can build a strong foundation for a fulfilling and successful career. Remember, personal and professional development is a continuous process—stay curious, be adaptable, and always strive to improve.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who transcends the traditional client-service provider relationship and becomes a partner and friend. The key characteristics that make someone an ideal client for me include a shared synergy and an intuitive understanding of each other’s visions and goals. We don’t need to communicate excessively because we’re naturally aligned and can effortlessly vibe together.
Such clients are collaborators who are eager to share their platforms and leverage their networks to mutual benefit. They are supportive, always ready to encourage and uplift, making the professional journey feel more connected and personally rewarding. These clients are not just looking for a transaction but are interested in building a network of mutual support and advocacy, where we have each other’s backs and contribute to each other’s growth and success.
In essence, my ideal client is someone who values relationships over transactions, collaboration over competition, and mutual growth over individual gain. This approach not only enriches our work together but also fosters a broader impact through our combined efforts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/SabrinaWoodsStudio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabrwds/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SabrinaWoods.Studio/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinarwoods/
- Other: To submit a campaign for a Black family affected by the Eaton Fire in Pasadena & Altadena, please email CommunityAidDena@gmail.com
Image Credits
All images are my own
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
