How I live my life with “Lovestyle”
From Sudanese Refugee to Influencer
Lifestyle. Fashion. Beauty. These are the three passions that have made Sara Lovestyle into what she is today – an influencer. Born in a refugee camp in Sudan, Sara was fortunate to not be exposed to the civil war her parents escaped from in their home country of Ethiopia. Though Sara had humble beginnings in Sudan, her family hoped to move to America. Through a sponsorship, a church family in Virginia sponsored her family to come to America after seeing a picture of 4-year-old Sara. After moving to America, Sara pursued an education in Political Science at the University of Missouri while working minimum wage jobs.
After Sara gave birth to her first child, she experienced a heart attack at a very young age. This health scare not only forced Sara to live a healthy lifestyle for herself but for her children. Sara created a life full of health, happiness, and wholeness as she desired to live for her children. Now, as a mother of two, with her first-born being diagnosed with Autism, Sara has become an advocate for women of color who are mothers of Special Needs Children. Because of the many roles Sara plays in her life – mother, wife, entrepreneur, and advocate the name ‘Lovestyle’ was born. Sara has dedicated her entire platform to share her experiences in hopes that it will inspire someone else to live their best ‘lovestyle’ life as well, on their own terms.
In a recent interview with FEMI, Lovestyle shares the cultural values that have guided her success, her experience as a Special Needs Mom, and the most memorable part of her journey thus far.
As a woman of color and an immigrant, can you share some of the cultural values that have shaped your life and success thus far?
“To be honest a lot of my culture has to do with my success. I watched my mom and dad work their butts off. My parents didn’t have anything, came from a refugee camp, moved to the United States with one suitcase, and still managed to get degrees. I can’t watch that and be lazy. With my culture, it is a team effort. When I was growing up if one of the moms was in school all of the other moms would rally around her. That’s why I’m so big on teamwork because I understand the effects.”
As a beauty influencer, what has been your go-to makeup look during this pandemic?
“I use vitamin c, a moisturizer, a great face wash, sunscreen, and retinol. I’ve really just been focusing on the health of my skin and creating that natural glow.”
What are some of your favorite foods and workout routines that have helped you continue to live a healthy lifestyle throughout this quarantine?
“It’s just keeping a healthy routine. When I prepare then that’s when I eat the healthiest. When I am not prepared, I go left. I survive on marinades. That’s how I am able to have tasty food and eat healthy. For my workout routine, I was able to build an in-home gym, but when I didn’t have that I would use things around the house as my weights. I would use water bottles, my kids, bleach and so much more.”
Can you share your experience as a mother of a special needs child and what do you want other mothers to know?
“As a black woman with a Special Needs child, it’s about making sure that we aren’t alone. And that we need to change the narrative. It’s about changing the world to fit my son, not chaining my son to fit the world. What ends up happening as black mothers, is we end up suffering alone and that’s not what it’s about. We don’t need to feel like we are in a fight by ourselves. As a Special Needs Mom, every day is structured and routine. The schedule is set up a week in advance so there is order and peace.”
How do you practice self-care as a mom, wife, entrepreneur, and advocate and what does your self-care routine look like?
“So, my day consists of: Getting up at 5 AM, and we sing a morning song. Then we get ready for the day and eat breakfast together. From there, one child goes to social distance learning with one parent at 8 AM, and at 9 AM -11 AM we do therapy with two parents for my Special Needs child. Then we have lunch and P.E. at 1 PM. My other child goes back to school and for my Special Needs child, we continue doing therapy. We are always observing my Special Needs son because he is non-verbal. So, it’s important for us to really try our best to understand and communicate in a different way.”
“Prayer and medication always come first before I start my day. I need my cup to be full before I deal with other people. I need to be operating in overflow. I also workout for the sake of sanity. It is the time that I am able to have peace and really listen to a book or read a podcast in quiet. I also love cooking, that is the silence or quiet time where I can also reflect on myself, listen to music or a sermon. Self-care is non-negotiable for me…I can’t operate without it.”
What has been the most memorable part of your journey as a lifestyle and beauty influencer?
“Honestly, the feedback and the messages that come from people who are supporting me. Hearing someone who used my recipe, or lost weight from my workouts and more importantly feels empowered after reading my story. That’s what influencing is about, it’s not about selling…it’s about impacting and changing lives. I feel like the influencers who are just here to sell are the “bosses” of the world, but the influencers who are here to make an impact are the “leaders” of the world. There is a huge difference.”
Written by Camillle Ali, FEMI Magazine