30Fresh Aces: Sara Seumae

Each week during 30Fresh, I'll introduce you to a couple of incredible people whose soul, energy, humor, talent, intellect and dreams light up my life. I think the world of them and hope you do too!

I don't even know where to start with my next Ace, the incomparable Sara Seumae!

I know a lot of my Aces stories start with "I met them on Twitter..." - but back in the day (2009), Sara was a Twitter celebrity and I was both excited and scared to meet her in real life. Sara is hilarious and outgoing but actually very reserved, and I could tell she was feeling me out the first few times I hung out with her. Over time, the rides home after our girl dates ended with conversations that lasted longer and longer. We helped each other make some sense of this weird thing called social media that was changing our lives every single day, and became sounding boards for the many ideas she had for her clothing line, and mine for my blog. To this day, I don't know that Sara and I will ever run out of things to talk about with each other. She's a loving mother, wife, daughter, doting aunt, loyal friend and ambitious fashion designer/entrepreneur. Though she has an amazing little sister already (seriously. Watch them talk to each other sometime. It's like one person talking to their perfect reflection in the mirror.) she's one of my best friends and like the older sister I never had.

I believe everyone should have at least one friend who tells them what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. There are enough 'yes' people out there, but who you really want in your life are the ones who tell it like it is. I am forever grateful that Sara is one of those friends. She doesn't hesitate to tell me when I am actin' a fool. Even if I don't want to hear it in the moment, I know she's right. We don't get to see each other as often as I'd like, but that's the reality of go-getter power ladies. I go to sleep every night knowing for absolute sure that Sara is one of the biggest supporters I could ever have on my team. I cherish our aimless driving and long conversations about everything from our pasts and futures to Monica and Queen Rania. Though she doesn't spend as much time on the Twittahz these days, I feel extremely lucky that I got in with Sara when she was! :) I love you Sara joon.

What's on your playlist right now?

Sadly, my "playlist" consists of Disney movies and child-friendly music for the most part. And not to keep the boring going, but I listen to NPR, This American Life and Adam Carolla podcasts. I just love learning and listening to these helps me think in a whole new way.

Describe your style.

I hate to admit it but I am currently living in a Mr. Rogers sweater which I pair with cozy tops, skinny jeans or stretchy pants. It's one of those pieces that my husband detests but I get compliments on all the time by women. I worry that I'm going to wake up one day and it's going to be "missing." Is "comfortable" a style?

Who inspires you?

I assume you mean aside from you. In which case, I have to say my daughters, family and friends. I'm at a stage in my life where I just don't have the energy for toxic friends (you know, the negative nancys who just sponge off your soul).

My time is limited and I make it a point to be around those I can learn from and who help me live my best life.

If I consider you a friend then know that you inspire the crap out of me!

What are you reading?

I just picked up two great books which I'm dying to dive into! First is Think Like Zuck by Ekaterina Walter and the other is Lean in: Women, Work and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg. Yes, I recognize that there is a theme here with both of these (the theme is Facebook. Not that you're not smart but just in case). I'm fascinated by Sheryl Sandberg and her views on juggling parent/work life.

What are you most excited about in the coming months?

The new SPUN website launch along with new style releases are top of mind right now for sure. I'm also pumped as hell for our girls trip in May! I haven't been able to get away in a long time and especially without the family in tow. I'm also excited for all the things that are coming up for my friends this year. From weddings and babies to just watching my friends succeed in their businesses. I'm so happy and proud of everyone!

Thank you!

30Fresh. 30 days of posts celebrating 30 years - and 5 of Fresh Jess!