Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Sternberg.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sarah. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It can be a total shock when some people get a pink slip, but for me, it was the catalyst to pursue a more fulfilling lifestyle. I was the third person on my team to get laid off during the recession of 2008 and it was the last time I worked in real estate development, my career for the prior 10 years. Feeling a little jaded and needing some clarity, I decided a break in jobs was the ideal time to do something I was putting off for years which was to volunteer internationally.
It was then I found volunteer work in Uganda, East Africa where I helped build a new well and taught safe water practices to village kids. My experience in Uganda led to my curiosity in neighboring Rwanda where I eventually became the country director for a non-profit that held business training workshops for women artisans in rural villages.
My time working closely with these talented women inspired me to start an international business with them. It helped shape my belief that job creation was the quickest way to fight poverty in under-resourced countries. It creates self-confidence, necessary business skills, independence and pride in ownership of work.
Has it been a smooth road?
I would question anyone who says they started a business without encountering any hurdles! Being a business owner is one of those perfect opportunities to repeat the quote “if it were easy, everyone would be doing it!” Some of the challenges I’ve experienced are specific to my particular business which includes working through cultural and language barriers. I had to learn how to navigate my way through how to do business in Rwanda and be respectful to their culture.
I learned how to communicate, not only with my English speaking team but also with the women even if I didn’t know how to speak their native language. Other struggles included a major international fashion designer hiring away over half of my local team in Rwanda! However, every challenge I faced was never insurmountable and it gave me the opportunity to think differently about my business and how I want to run and grow it sustainably.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Songa empowers new generation women around the world with urban tribal accessories. We create earthy handbags and baskets that blend cultural traditions and techniques with a splash of boho-chic design. Our process combines eco-friendly materials, international reach, and on-trend statement pieces to show how a woman’s personal style can have a profound impact across the globe. We not only want to appeal to a woman’s confidence about her personal style, we also want her to feel a connection to a greater purpose.
Our customers always tell us they love knowing their money helps us employ hard-working, talented artisans while supporting a company that values quality craftsmanship with a social impact over generic, mass-produced goods.
The support of women is a mutual one. Jane, one of the weavers we work with, said “When I see the work I did with Songa, I feel happy. When I meet a lady who is dressed nicely, I think about myself, Jane, and my contribution to making her look good. I feel my ability to do something. A woman who can do something. I feel very happy because I see that I can do something that is beautiful and it makes people look beautiful.”
What I’m most proud of in my work is the confidence that is instilled in these women. They feel valued, are proud of the designs they make by their own hand and most importantly, they feel empowered. This is something that can’t ever be taken away from them and it’s incredibly rewarding to me that Songa was part of their transformation.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel the San Diego market embraces socially conscious businesses! There is a demand here for businesses with a social impact and there is a growing network of people who want to serve others in their business. I see it in co-working spaces and in events like Creative Mornings.
The people I meet at these places blow my mind! They are not only contributing to making this world a better place, but they are also coming up with the most innovative ways to do so. For any new person just starting out, I highly recommend networking and meeting others at these events. You will meet people who want to help you succeed and who have fascinating ideas to share.
Pricing:
- Handbags range from $60 – $120
- Baskets range from $50 – $120
- Jewelry range from $16 – $60
Contact Info:
- Address: 1761 Hotel Circle South Suite 225
San Diego, CA 92108 - Website: https://songadesigns.com
- Email: info@songadesigns.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/songadesigns
Image Credit:
Sarah Goates, Modeliste Magazine
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