We were lucky to catch up with Sara Abbas recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sara, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
Unwavering Optimism is usually what I call it, and it’s hardwired in my mind’s “machine” at this point.
After experiencing at a very young age how material things can be taken away, as they were from me and my family during the first Gulf War, I started concerning myself with some rather evolved concepts early in life. War and trauma or significant challenges in the early years can have this impact; they can force one to grow up fast, learn quickly, and ponder adult concepts from a childhood frame of reference. My early years were profound for me in realizing my purpose and passions, establishing some of my core values and learning hard lessons about solutions that needed to be created in the world that clearly did not yet exist.
As a result, I spent much of my life working on things that can’t be taken away; mindset, health, happiness, building character, practicing gratitude as well as generosity, and generally just building the best version of me I possibly can. This leaves one feeling bulletproof and instills an unshakable sense of optimism.
This dedication has led me on magnificent journeys healing, discovering, learning, growing, and in a constant state of improvement. There’s always something to learn – it never ends, but it’s always better than it once was. One can always be optimistic with that knowledge.
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?
In short, I’m a polymath.
I hear the term “Renaissance Woman” come up frequently, and it reminds me of one of my favorite polymaths, Leonardo DaVinci. I operate in several different industries and circles across the planet, not unlike DaVinci did in his time, and it’s a challenge to summarize all that I do or to share my area of focus because the smaller pieces fit together inside a “big picture vision” that can be difficult to explain in words. I’d rather show who I am through actions and creations. Because I’m grateful for the honor of this platform and for being able to share with your readers, I’ll do my best to paint a picture of what I do.
Over the years, I’ve created a portfolio of brands and businesses that I’ve built from the ground up; the portfolio encompasses an innovative designer fashion label, a diversity-focused talent agency / consultancy, a non-profit organization, and other entities I’ve built to fulfill a greater purpose or create solutions. I serve on the Forbes Council and (probably the most exciting) – I get to partner with numerous global organizations, such as the Who is Who International and World Innovation Alliance, to connect amazing humans and build proverbial bridges across the globe.
Through these significant partnerships with several prominent global organizations and individuals I’ve met in my extensive travels, I have devoted a great many years to my passion for strategically connecting others and building cross-cultural bridges. I get to bring together some of the most brilliant minds on the planet, and sometimes I’m referred to as the ‘Royal Connector’. Many of those in my circle are diplomats, heads of state, royalty / royal family offices, celebrities, noteworthy musicians, influencers, and prominent CEOs, among others. I make heart-warming connections that strengthen the fabric of humanity on a level I’ve yet to see in my lifetime. It’s a deeply fulfilling mission.
In other news, I am currently designing new collections within my fashion line, I have several new literary projects underway, I am developing a screenplay about the first Gulf War, working on some new patents, and I have other endeavors unfolding the USA, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. I love giving and shining light on others who are doing good things or giving back in a special way, so I also devote a great deal of time to philanthropy and supporting global nonprofit causes that move me.
In addition to furthering my portfolio and other businesses, I enjoy contributing to humanity as an author / writer, inventor, singer / songwriter, world traveler, health / fitness enthusiast, advocate for the arts, cultural ambassador, and luxury brand / event liaison.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
There are so many pearls of wisdom that have been impactful in my journey, but three of my favorites are as follows:
1. Expect Miracles: People are always amazed because “miraculous” and incredible things tend to happen when I am around. Miracles happen because I expect them! I focus on the best possible outcomes (I practically obsess over them) – and it has proven to be a very powerful habit.
2. Embrace Your Differences: The way you are different is a way you will shine! Never fret about not “fitting in” – you are not here to please the crowd – you are here to be 1000% you.
3. Empower Yourself with Your Own Focus: What other people think of you is none of your business. Your Attention is your power, do not give that away (unless you really want to), and be very mindful when you do.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking for others to collaborate with in different realms of industry and you can find me on social media easily (@HerMajestySara on nearly all platforms). If any of my journey resonates with you on a professional level, let me know. You may have an idea in mind that I don’t, but I’ll detail a few of mine as well as other projects now…
In the Fashion World, I am selectively considering aligned stores or boutiques to carry some of my luxury fashion line and to cross promote some new items launching. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to create some sort of magic in that arena.
In terms of literature, film, or entertainment, I am interested in collaborators and possibly executive producers there as well. Much of my previous literary work has been in the personal development arena, with a majority centering around wellness, personal relationships, or mindset. As much as I write to help others, writing is also a very therapeutic process for the writer. As I grow, experience, and change, what I want to share changes with me. So, expect to see very different themes and genres as well as some short films in the future.
That being said, I’ve been working on a few different literary projects simultaneously, as I feel inspired or as I gather new research for each piece. One of them is a collective about conscious royalty and conscious leadership at a very high level. Another is a manual of actionable steps to improve the overall quality of life by improving the thought process and reprogramming some of the ways we interact with others. One is a playbook on how personal relationships and dating have impacted my mindset and success in life. And another, more involved piece, is a screenplay about the first Gulf War, based on true occurrences, woven around a modern-day love story. It’s a beautiful and inspiring story very near to my heart, but I may create the film before that becomes a book.
I am considering options for literary agents and publishers for each project, so I’d like to share that with the audience in case something aligns with anyone on a deeper level. I’m also exploring other outlets for sharing this knowledge beyond the book format, so if there is someone looking to develop a TV series, full-length or short films, a course, or any other means of reaching a large audience, I am open and excited to discuss potential partnerships.
And, last, but not least, as a singer and songwriter, I’m always considering talented producers or musicians with whom to co-create. Music is a passion that glows like a lighthouse throughout life’s many storms, and it’s never far from my thoughts. I look forward to recording more in the very near future, so I welcome collaborators there as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.HerMajestySara.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HerMajestySara
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HerMajestySara
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraabbas
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/HerMajestySara
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HerMajestySara
Image Credits
Main Image of Sara Abbas (black background / blue print dress) – Photographer Ricky Robb, Styled by Sara Abbas Dancing image of Sara Abbas with white pillars: Photographed by John Dole, Styled by Sara Abbas in Always A Muse Travel photo of Sara Abbas (black background w/ train case): Photographed by Ricky Robb, styled by Sara Abbas Red Carpet Photo of Sara Abbas (at intl. fashion film festival): Photographed by Matthew Chevalier, styled by Sara Abbas Lifestyle photo of Sara Abbas: Photographed by & Styled by Sara Abbas Red Carpet Photo of Sara Abbas (at Global Couture Gala event): Photographed by James Wenn, styled by Sara Abbas