Sara Annapolen, Founder of Sara Joy
Name: Sara Annapolen
Founder: Sara Joy
In one sentence, what problem do you solve and for who?
At a time when the world has so much hatred and fear, I bring joy to Jewish homes and communities through custom Judaica artwork, Hamsa art parties, and large scale wall murals.
What's your story?
I've always loved art + fashion and was a designer in the industry in NYC had a job I adored, until I got laid off when my daughter was a baby. I decided to live out my dream of starting my own clothing line. For 5 years I had a resort wear collection - all the fabric made from my own prints - all about Dopamine Dressing and wearing color to make you happy. Got it into Bloomingdales, had best selling caftans; it was a dream come true- until I was miserable and hated it. I hit rock bottom and realized I needed a major change; quit manufacturing and pivoted to full time art, changing my canvas from fabric to wall art! October 7th catapulted me into an anxiety frenzy, and Judaica art was my therapy. First for my own mental sanity, and then to share with others for business. I am so proud to spread Jewish Joy through my artwork; to share the stories of our heritage, generational celebrations, and simchas on canvas. Giving you the chance to create with me also brings in the joy of community - through workshops and Jewish connection I share my light with others!
What does BEING a FoundHer mean to you?
Being a FoundHer means having a community to bounce ideas off of, find new collaborations, new ways to work, and loving that it's time for me to LEARN again as I establish this new version of my business. It also means to me that I am committing to profitability and success. I am so excited to be here!
How do you support other female founders and women in business?
Share their posts on IG, cheer them on, chat about advice, show up when they need help! Join workshops when I can, and if I can't, share them anyway for others. Spread the word about them to my friends.
What are three podcasts you listen to that have helped you with your business?
Second Life
Mel Robbins
Gabby Bernstein
Dear FoundHER!
What is ONE BOOK that you would recommend every female business owner read?
The Surrender Experiment
Who is someone who has helped change or shape your business for the better and what did they do to help you?
Pamela Pekerman was my first business mentor. I joined her Hustle Like a Mom and learned SO much as a new entrepreneur. She helped me learn how to edit down my ideas, focus on what matters, I learned the beauty of networking. I took her workshops and loved them. Her community became my community.
What lesson or skill did you take with you from a prior job to help you succeed in your role today?
Kindness wins. Being a good person and kind person, nice to everyone, has paid of tenfold for me. I have always been kind, and it's how someone I worked with previously helped me find my first garment factory. It's how I get connections from people I met years ago. It's how sorority sisters who were never close friends want to help me out.
Let’s talk social media—who handles it for your company (you, an internal team member, an outsourced solution?) and what is the secret to making it successful? What is the biggest challenge?
I do it myself. The secret is not letting perfectionism get in the way! The biggest challenge is posting when I don't feel like it, so sometimes I don't! I don't get hard on myself. But I also celebrate successes and realize that the secret to success is having FUN with it and noting that business can come from social later on - it's not a direct 1-1 sale. Sharing my true fun personality brings people into my circle and then they want to buy from me.
What would you do differently if you were starting your business today?
Be careful with shiny penny syndrome. Take my time more to research coaches, guides, mentors, digital advice, social media help, etc. I spent too much money in the beginning on things that were not necessary.
What are three actionable tips you would give with other women who want to start a business or are just getting started?
Do some writing, get your ideas on paper.
Talk to as many people as you can who will talk to you about business, about your category of business, about entrepreneurship.
Do market research on your business, pricing, compare services, retailers, see what's out there. See what people need. Turn it into a spreadsheet and really compare the data so you place yourself right.
What's your differentiator? Be able to answer that question.
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