Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sana S. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Sana , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
From my days as a female engineering student and an immigrant with a distinct accent, through my corporate career, to my current role in the business world, being different has always been the norm for me. Instead of viewing this as a setback, I saw it as a unique challenge — an opportunity to excel and prove my worth.
People often make assumptions, whether we like it or not. Early in my career, people underestimated me based on their biases. Even now, as a business owner, I encounter people who find it hard to believe that I’ve built a business from the ground up. These moments simply fuel my determination to continue growing and achieving more.
Why? Because these challenges are just stepping stones in disguise. They push me to work harder, be better, and focus on my goals. And you know what? It works. Today, I’m less concerned with what others might assume and more focused on shattering those assumptions by simply being the best at what I do.
If you ever find yourself feeling like an outsider or being underestimated, view it as a challenge, not a setback. Your unique position gives you a unique perspective. Use it as fuel. Aim high, work hard, and stay focused. The view from the other side of those challenges is nothing short of spectacular.
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?
I’m very grateful and excited about the different ways I get to make a positive impact—whether it’s through food, events, or digital media.
After 14 years in the corporate world, I decided to venture out on my own to tackle a problem I personally faced: the need for convenient, healthy meals at home. I left my career to pursue an idea and founded 1Eatz to introduce Egg Kits, a quick-to-make, healthy breakfast option without the time-consuming prep work. Today, we’re not just shipping Egg Kits nationwide; you can also find us in several local and regional grocery stores, including 244 locations of Food Lion!
I also co-founded Pop-up Carolinas, a community project close to my heart. We partner with the City of Raleigh to set up a monthly event downtown where families can enjoy free movies, games, and live shows, along with shopping from local makers. It’s our way of bringing people together while giving local businesses and artists a chance to shine.
I’m the person behind Get2KnowRaleigh as well, an online platform where I share the stories of local businesses directly from the people who run them—the owners and founders. It’s a way to deepen community connections digitally.
The best part? Seeing how all these pieces fit together. The events provide local businesses with real-world exposure, and through my digital platforms, their stories reach an even wider audience. While 1Eatz may not directly involve the community, it serves the same ecosystem I support through my other activities.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Key elements that have impacted my professional career and my advice to those just starting out:
Adaptability: Whether it was transitioning from engineering to business or launching new ventures, my ability to adapt to new circumstances and learn has been invaluable. My advice for those at the start of their journey is to embrace flexibility and not fear change. Being open to learning new skills and willing to unlearn others can make all the difference.
Relationship Building: One of the things close to my heart is helping people who are in situations I’ve been in before. It’s not just about networking; it’s about building a community where we can share resources, opportunities, and knowledge. If you’re just starting out, never underestimate the power of a helping hand—both receiving and giving one.
Mastering Digital Presence: Understanding how to effectively use digital platforms has been key for me. This goes beyond merely having a social media account or a website. It’s about crafting a narrative and creating content that resonates with your audience. If you’re new to this, spend some time understanding your audience and testing different content formats. The digital world moves fast, so continuous learning and adaptation are crucial.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The biggest challenge for me today is balancing work life and family time. Starting new projects and watching them grow is incredibly fulfilling, but as these projects become more successful, they demand more of my time and energy. The busier I get with work, the harder it becomes to focus on what really matters the most to me: my family. So, finding that balance is something I’m always working on.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.1eatz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get2knowraleigh/ , https://www.instagram.com/1eatz, https://www.instagram.com/popupcarolinas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1Eatz | https://www.facebook.com/Get2KnowRaleigh/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanasiddiqui/
