We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sara Salih. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sara below.
Sara, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
As a child, optimism was a lot more easy to come by. As an adult, my faith is ultimately the thing that keeps my spirits up. This world at times can be so dark and feel so unfair, so for me, my beliefs and my faith have become crucial the older I get. We don’t always understand the events or timing of life which is why I just have to lean in and trust a higher power. Knowing I am not the one in control can be a challenge at times, but ultimately it is a huge relief and a great source of optimism for me.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I founded the non-profit organization The Usual Artspects in 2021. It’s been less than two years and I am truly grateful by the response we’ve received in our community and the growth we’ve had in such a short time. In a nutshell, we advocate for and provide healing therapeutic programs for women who have survived domestic violence and sexual abuse. We have incredible visions for the future that will include Music Therapy, Dance Therapy, and even Comedy/Theater Improv, but in the meantime we are focusing on our Art Therapy Programs for survivors.
As far as events, one of the many ways we raise awareness for our mission and provide funding for our programs, is by hosting 1-4 art shows and markets each month.
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?
I think following your intuition is extremely important. Follow your passion and find a way to make a living from that drive. Secondly, as important as that passion is, I’ve found it’s also crucial to have conversations with your critics and trusted loved ones that aren’t afraid to give you some un-sugarcoated realistic advice about your direction. Lastly, I think we have to learn to let go of our initial plan and expectations. I know, it’s not what anyone wants to hear. But if I’ve learned anything from starting a non-profit, it’s that endless things will happen that are completely out of your control. No matter how bullet proof your plan is, you have to learn to roll with the changes and be open to different possibilities of your original vision. Sometimes it’s trial and error. The most important thing is to keep following your heart and your passion for the mission that made you start in the first place.
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?
Absolutely! We partner with local organizations and non-profits in the Grapevine area as well as DFW that house or provide resources for female survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and sex trafficking. We bring our Art Therapists and Programs to them at zero cost. We partner with any organizations needing our services, and are currently working to expand our programs online as well.
The best way for these organizations or individuals to reach out to us is through email: [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theusualartspects.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theusualartspectsdfw/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theusualartspects
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sararosesalih/
