Story & Lesson Highlights with Sabrina Schottenhamel of Suburbs

We recently had the chance to connect with Sabrina Schottenhamel and have shared our conversation below.

Sabrina, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Most days, I wake up to an alarm and thank God for another day! As I organize my bed and make my way to the kitchen to start hydrating, I do my best for feel grateful for all my blessings.

Once I am fairly hydrated I fill my water cup once more and make my way to the couch to sit in my “spot”. This space allows me to see outside towards the East where I am able watch the dawning of the day.

I enjoy the quiet of the mornings, the dark and the stillness of the world before the hustle begins. If it’s warm enough, I open the sliding door to hear nature as I grab my journal and open the Bible App on my phone. I go through the verse of the day devotional and then read through and ponder at least three “devotional plans”. These plans are done with friends through the Bible app. Once we complete the days reading, we can have a short chat discussion to see how God was speaking to us.

The whole devotional time typically takes between 60-75 minutes of my mornings. I truly cherish this time because it’s the most important activity of the day.

I am an introvert, so this is the time that I charge up my batteries in order to be at my best to serve my clients, family and friends.

A few other activities of my morning routine include making a delicious cup of coffee to enjoy with breakfast and then transition into some type of exercise; walking, biking, dancing, and or stretching.

This may seem like a huge chunk of time for some people but that is why I wake up early so I can fit in all of my self-care priorities before engaging with life and biz.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an Introverted Leader, Professional Speaker, and Empowerment Guide for Introverts. My passion is helping introverts thrive in environments that often feel overwhelming such as networking, leadership, or team collaboration. I believe success comes not from being the loudest voice in the room, but from leaning into our strengths; we make great listeners, we are empathetic, and thoughtful.

My brand is rooted in wellness, self-care, and leadership. It all began when I became as a Licensed Massage Therapist through the healing power of my hands; over time I discovered how to use my voice to inspire and empower. That’s why my motto is “One Voice. Two Hands.”

What makes me unique is that I’ve walked the same path many introverts are on today, and I’m still a work in progress… I took the time to learn how to honor my quiet nature while stepping onto the stage. Now, I share that journey so others know they can lead, speak up, and make an impact— all without losing themselves and instead, ’Stand in their quiet power!’

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I carried with me a lingering feeling that started when I was held back in first grade. I don’t remember anyone specifically telling me “Sabrina, you are stupid.” Yet I believed that ‘I was stupid’ and it consumed me throughout most of my school years. Yep. I used to believe that I was stupid because of having to repeat a grade. That was a heavy weight to carry and in turn caused me to be shy and introverted. It wasn’t until after I graduated high school that I slowly started to believe in myself. It took a lot of work on myself and even stepping into new friends groups to help me realize that I am a smart person. In fact, I am smart in different ways. I now look back and appreciate all the struggles I went through.

I believe all the time I spent struggling was a gift that God gave me so I can shine my unique light into others and help them realize their own unique gifts and talents!

There’s a threading theme in my life where I have done well. As I have grown over the years, I can look back and see that it is through different forms of art. I have always loved to dance, art classes were my favorite subject in school, then I became a massage therapist (the art of touch) and now I share my experiences through the art of public speaking.

We all go through challenges at some point or another in life in order to help others get through their challenges. I feel that this is a way that brings people together and connects us on a deeper level. This is how we learn to thrive!!

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of standing out and being judged has always held me back. I get stuck in my head and the negative thoughts take over and stop me from growing.

This has been a work in progress and I have to say I’ve overcome these fears in big ways. Since my relationship with Jesus has developed, I know who I am and Whose I am. Instead of me being in control I lean into my Creator to guide me and push me outside of my comfort zone.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I say yes now but a few years ago I would have said no. Why? I was trying to be someone else to fit in.

I would mold and shape myself to fit in wherever I could. That probably stemmed from not feeling confident as a child.

What changed for me has been the help of my husband and finding a supportive group of women entrepreneurs that cheer me on. My husband helped me to stand up for myself and create solid boundaries so that people wouldn’t take advantage of me.
My supportive women entrepreneurs have been there for me to bounce ideas off of when I’m struggling with feelings of unworthiness in my own head.
Now, I know I can show up to our meetings as the real me and they all accept me. I do the same for all my close peeps too.

I also attribute this positive change to being my true self because of placing my identity in the One who created me.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I want to be remembered as a thoughtful, kind, generous, and loving person. I hope people say I was truly present for them despite distance or time that separated us. I want them to remember that I took the time to listen deeply, care without judgment, and made them feel seen and valued.

It truly matters to me that people say I encouraged them to believe in themselves at all times, even when it’s most challenging. I want them to remember pausing for self-care is a key to an healthy balanced lifestyle, and to embrace who they are; especially if they felt unseen in their life.

More than anything, I hope my story is one of a quiet confidence yet steady and supportive. For example, people will remember the little things I did like give an encouraging word during a moment of discomfort or highlight their worthiness to keep their head up. This is a small part of the impact I want to follow my legacy to carry on long after I am gone.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Laura Harstad Photography

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than