We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sasha Hlavinka. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sasha below.
Sasha, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
The biggest influence on my professional life has undoubtedly been my parents, who emigrated from Czechoslovakia to the USA in the late ’60s. Their journey and accomplishments profoundly shaped my approach to work and life. Arriving with limited resources, no English language skills, and a relentless work ethic, they carved out a successful path for themselves through sheer determination and hard work.
My father, who worked 16-hour days, went on to own one of the largest meatpacking plants in New York City’s Meat Packing District, long before it became the trendy hotspot it is today. I gained invaluable experience working with him in various roles, from bookkeeping to making deliveries, and as his personal assistant. I learned the intricacies of running a business and the importance of dedication and resilience.
My mother’s prowess in real estate, starting with flipping houses and eventually acquiring multiple investment properties in NYC, NJ, and The Hamptons, was equally inspiring. Her keen eye for opportunities and strategic foresight in property investment showed me the importance of vision and savvy decision-making.
Their journey instilled in me a strong work ethic and a ‘do-it’ attitude. They never complained; they just got on with it, demonstrating that hard work, persistence, and a positive mindset are key to overcoming challenges and achieving success. In my work with Perpetual Shade, I endeavor to emulate their resilience, their unwavering commitment to their goals, and their ability to make the most of every opportunity. Their influence has been a guiding force, shaping not only my professional aspirations but also my personal values and approach to life’s challenges.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As the founder of Perpetual Shade, I specialize in creating high-quality sleep masks designed to enhance sleep quality and overall well-being. My brand stands out for its commitment to comfort, style, and functionality and sass, catering to those who value both beauty, good sleep and have a vibe.
What excites me most about my work is the impact that a simple, thoughtfully designed product can have on daily life. Sleep is a crucial aspect of health and wellness, and my masks are tailored to provide an incredible sleeping experience. They are not just sleep aids; they are a blend of luxury and practicality, designed to be a part of a holistic approach to wellness and self-care.
I’m thrilled to share that I am expanding my product line with an innovative beauty-centric sleep mask, set to launch later this year. This new addition is specifically crafted to cater to beauty enthusiasts, integrating features that complement skincare routines and enhance the overall beauty sleep experience.
I’m constantly exploring new ways to merge comfort with style, ensuring that my community doesn’t just sleep well but also has a little fun with their sleep accessories.
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?
Looking back on my journey with Perpetual Shade, I can pinpoint three key qualities that were instrumental in reaching where I am today: perseverance, grit, and consistency.
Perseverance has been the backbone of my journey. Launching and growing a brand is a marathon, not a sprint. There were countless obstacles and setbacks, but staying the course, especially during tough times, made all the difference. Grit ties closely with this; it’s about having that unyielding courage and resilience to face challenges head-on, to keep pushing even when things look bleak. Lastly, consistency is key. Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally but from what you do consistently. It’s about showing up every day, staying true to your vision, and steadily working towards your goals.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to cultivate these qualities consciously. Understand that perseverance is a muscle you can build. Start by setting small, achievable goals and commit to seeing them through. This will prepare you for bigger challenges ahead. To develop grit, put yourself in situations that are outside your comfort zone. This might mean taking risks or tackling projects that intimidate you. Lastly, practice consistency in your daily habits. Whether it’s your work ethic, learning new skills, or networking, make sure you’re doing these regularly. Remember, it’s the small steps, taken consistently, that lead to big leaps forward. Keep pushing, stay committed, and trust the process.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The number one challenge I’m currently facing is learning to trust others to help me grow my brand, Perpetual Shade. As an entrepreneur, it’s natural to want to handle every aspect of your business, especially when it’s something you’ve built from the ground up. However, as the brand grows, it becomes increasingly clear that scaling up requires a team effort.
I am actively working on delegating responsibilities and trusting in the expertise of others. This involves networking with individuals who share the vision for Perpetual Shade and can bring new perspectives and skills to the table. I’m learning to let go of the need to control every detail and instead focus on guiding the overall direction and strategy of the brand.
Contact Info:
- Website: perpetualshade.com
- Instagram: perpetualshade
- Other: TIKTOK: perpetualshade
Image Credits
Photography by Windsor Dalton
