Sazan Hendrix is a globally recognized social influencer. Celebrated equally for her beauty and for her inspiring message on love, she stands among the elite as a true social pioneer. Sazan’s worldwide audience reaches millions of people stretching from the US to the Middle East. As a budding entrepreneur in her twenties Sazan created, launched and sold her first business in less than 3 years. She grew her first business to over 7 figures with thousands of monthly customers by focusing on doing good, sharing good messages and making people feel good with everything she does. Her top rated podcast, The Good Life with Stevie & Sazan, has reached over 9 million downloads while promoting authenticity and how to find your way towards a good life, without a road map.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, and what inspired you to start your channel?
Where do I start? Ha! I’m 30 years old, happily married to my college sweetheart and enjoying this season of motherhood I’m having with my very sassy two year old daughter Valentina, better known as “Teeny” to the public. I launched my channel about a year after I started my style and beauty blog (www.sazan.me). I always loved connecting with people and had a passion for video and film. I studied and graduated at The University of North Texas with a degree in Radio, TV, film so I found the internet to be an open and free place to pour my creativity and content into. After I grew my blog, I felt like I needed another outlet to completely connect with my audience. Suddenly I found a space where I could share more of my talents from styling tips to beauty tutorials. As I grew there, I started to notice that my audience wanted more videos of me simply sharing my life and just being real. Talking about life and what’s going on in my world has always been my favorite style of content. It’s easier to share my current #MomProbs than doing a flawlessly perfect smokey eye tutorial. ;) My channel was really (and will always be) a special space for me as it was the first platform I actually showed my most vulnerable moments in life. It’s an intimate space where I can connect with real women and I’m so very passionate about that.
What does your typical day look like?
6:30AM - wake up & enjoy quiet time (an hour before my daughter)
Sometime before 11AM - fingers crossed I got my workout in and crushed it for the day!
From 12-5pm is my primetime focus hours. I consider this my “do not disturb” working hours. A dedicated time when I can focus on moving the ball on priority assignments/deadlines, goals, research, filing, editing, meetings and the list goes on!
5PM - I turn off work mode, and turn on FAMILY time mode. I used to really struggle with turning it off (esp when you work in a 24 hr digital industry), but I realized that if anything costs me my peace, then it’s too expensive. Not worth it! 5pm we close our laptops and spend that time as a family. Setting healthy boundaries between work and home life is something we always prioritize.
What was the worst piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Back in 2011, when I wanted to build my own blog and online presence I heard this a lot: “Don’t do it- there’s no money and you’ll waste your time.” 90% of the people I told I was going to chase my own digital dreams told me this. Let’s just say, almost a decade later- I am SO glad I didn’t listen to those voices! :)
What does success mean to you?
To me, true success is listening to your God-given instincts every step of the way. The route not always taken can be scary and risky, but find comfort in DIScomfort. Rest is a pivotal part of success. You don’t always have to be in hustle mode to succeed. Be authentic to exactly who you are and everything God made you to be. That will steer you into your true path of purpose and success will follow.
In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you build yourself back up?
The truth is, I’ve spent one too many seasons of my life thinking I had the power in myself to get through hard times, but the truth is, I constantly just kept falling down. I realized I needed to plug my life into the ultimate power source, one that never dies or has to be re-charged. That power is my faith in God. The Bible became my sword and my shield. Filling up my spirit with what God says about me versus what others say about me or even what I say about myself - MAN. THAT IS POWER. The devil is not our friend, and he will use your own emotions to stir up drama and distraction, but we don’t have to give him a foothold. We don’t have to act out of fear or doubt, but can find rest in knowing we don’t have to build ourselves back up alone. We aren’t equipped to figure everything out (and THANK GOD for that! lol!). Surrendering is not a sign of weakness but a sign of true strength. Seeking a higher power beyond self is necessary as you grow into the person you were made to be!
Do you have any morning routines or evening rituals to help you stay balanced?
My gym time! If there’s one thing I NEED every day, it’s a workout. I’m that crazy girl that will take a free pass away from my child to the gym before getting a massage, pedicure, glass of wine... I just love working out so much and it has nothing to do with physical results. I’ve found joy in working out for over two years and I can tell you it is what keeps my mind, creativity and energy levels so balanced. I love it :)
What keeps you inspired after all these years of creating content?
Simple - my daughter. :)
Where can we find you?
- Follow Sazan on Instagram @sazan
- Listen to Sazan's podcast The Good Life with Stevie and Sazan
- Sazan's YouTube channel
- Sazan's blog
Subscription box company: Bless Box
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