Gabriel Salcedo: Sarah not only are you a celebrity stylist and the owner of The Lab, the venue where I had my debut fashion show, but you’re also the founder of AWOM (Angel Watching Over Me), an organization creating change through community for young girls. Where do you find the time for all these incredible projects?

Sarah Akiba: My time is based off passion it’s really that simple. I’m lucky enough to have created a work/life balance for myself that I get to wake up everyday and decide what I want to do with it. I also never base anything off of money when it comes to something I feel deeply for and that fuels love and passion for me. So my time literally equals what I want it to look and feel like every single day.

Gabriel Salcedo: With such a diverse range of projects, what drives your passion for each, and how do you maintain your energy and focus across all your endeavors? 

Sarah Akiba: I think the answer is within the question. It’s the diversity that makes it easy to never get bored. No day looks or feels the same. Of course, I’d be lying to say that it doesn’t get hard sometimes and there is a lack of inspiration but in those moments I just work on prayer and on myself and take the time I need. It’s just what the doctor orders for me. Praying, exercising, talking to myself, journaling, listening to inspiring sermons (even though I’m Jewish god is god and church sermons inspire me so much!) — That is the key to my success and what keeps me going.

Gabriel Salcedo: Your dedication to AWOM and the empowerment of young girls is profoundly moving. What ignited this deep passion for fostering change, and how do you see the evolution of AWOM shaping the lives of future generations?

Sarah Akiba: Awom is a simple concept that stemmed from me losing my father; angel watching over me. And I really use that as a tool to serve to anyone I can in need. AWOM Girls Club happened to fall on my lap and I saw the need for simple communication, love, affection, and to feel seen and heard. If an 11 year old needs something so simple who am I to walk away from what God sent to me. That is my real work.

As far as the evolution of AWOM I think it’s important as a Jewish woman right now to keep going. The rise of antisemitism is so incredibly scary and tiring I just want my future students to know I’m their Jewish mama and that we’re good people and bring other inspiring Jewish women around. I want to work from the ground up not speak to the world that already hates us.

AWOM has created safe spaces for so many the be authentically themselves and grow into an even better version of that. I’m just here trying to do the same and being like minded people together to experience something we all yearn for; to be loved.

Gabriel Salcedo: The Lab has become a beacon for creatives, offering a space where dreams are nurtured into reality. Could you share your vision behind establishing The Lab and how it supports the artistic community? Also, as a stylist and entrepreneur, you seamlessly blend creativity with business acumen. How do you continually innovate within both the realms of fashion and philanthropy, ensuring each endeavor remains fresh and impactful?

Sarah Akiba: The Lab was designed to be minimalistic in nature so that Epple can come build off of that beauty to create their own vision. It’s another safe space (for profit this time lol) for you to bring your biggest vision to life and if you can’t we provide all of the tools needed for them to do that.

I truly believe that the balance between my fashion world and philanthropy is what takes me away from something as superficial as clothing and brings me back down to earth. To the reality of struggle and ifs also the perfect way to show people that your struggle really is your super power if you make it. I could have taken the loss of my father and went really south, but instead I chose for it to inspire me and spark joy in others. I know that dressing a celebrity won’t fulfill enough knowing that there is so much pain and suffering. I want to make sure I can at least make this world or even one person a little better.

Gabriel Salcedo: Your appreciation for creativity is evident in your diverse pursuits. How do you feel my work aligns with your vision, and in what ways does it resonate with your own artistic values?

Sarah Akiba: I always related to you in simpy the way you carry yourself. I’m from paris so class is something that is not often times felt in the Miami culture, although that’s also my favorite part of Miami, it’s what sets you apart: everything from your demeanor, work ethic, eye for design, and your willingness to believe in my projects the same way I believe in yours. It’s important to surround yourself by people you can learn from and find a part of them that you want to be. Your confidence is something to be inspired by. Your work is amazing and your fashion skill needs no mention, but you could make “pata sucia” the new dope thing because it’s YOU. It’s in the way you carry yourself. It’s something I try and teach my students and even remind myself.

Gabriel Salcedo: As you continue to make strides in both fashion and philanthropy, what is the ultimate vision for your work? What legacy do you hope to leave behind, and how do you wish people to remember you?

Sarah Akiba: This question actually pains me. I’m conflicted at times by questioning “Will it ever be enough?, Why aren’t I doing more?” And most of all “Will I even be remembered for it?” The truth is none of those questions matter because if I being to think like that I may as well not do it at all. I have no ultimate vision and that’s the absolute truth. I never really had an ultimate vision. I wake up every single day and I literally choose what I want to do and what project I want to come up with next. I don’t know where I’ll be in 5 years and what company I’ll start just because I feel it in that very moment and I want to see it through. It may also be a flaw to my success but it’s my choice and for me it’s good enough. I just know I want to continue to be alive, continue to be kind, continue to learn, to become more intelligent, to be seen, loved, and heard at the same time. I think this is the first time I’ve admitted that to myself. WOW.

Discover more about Sarah Akiba by following her journey on instagram @soakiba @awom and booking @thelab at https://www.awomlab.com/