Sarah Sham, Co-founder of Jea, has traveled a unique and inspiring path filled with unexpected turns, opportunities, and lessons. Her professional journey has been anything but conventional, and yet, it is precisely this unpredictability that has shaped her into the dynamic leader she is today. From experimenting with a wide range of careers to finding her true passion in interior design, Sarah Sham’s story is a testament to the power of openness, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth.
Sarah Sham has worn many hats throughout her life. Starting as a news anchor and later pursuing theater, she ventured into various fields in search of a deeper calling. For a long time, she couldn’t hear the voice guiding her toward her ultimate passion. Despite the many changes, one moment stood out above the rest for Sarah Sham—a TEDx talk on “openness” that she delivered to a crowd of over 500 students. This experience proved to be transformative, not because it was another performance, but because it allowed Sarah Sham to be raw, real, and vulnerable about her life and career.
Reflecting on that TEDx moment, Sarah Sham recalls that it wasn’t merely a presentation; it was an honest sharing of her doubts, struggles, and the lessons she had learned along the way. She spoke about how openness changed her life, how being willing to embrace new possibilities allowed her to grow in ways she had never anticipated. In her post, Sarah Sham distilled several key takeaways from her journey, offering advice that can resonate with anyone feeling lost or unsure about their path.
Embracing Career Changes One of the most powerful lessons Sarah Sham shares is the idea that it is never too late to change careers or find your true passion. Her own path is proof of that. Sarah Sham tried twelve different jobs before discovering her calling in interior design. Each job, while seemingly unrelated, contributed in its own way to her future success. The ability to pivot, experiment, and stay open to new opportunities is what ultimately led Sarah Sham to where she is today.
For Sarah Sham, knowing what you don’t like is just as valuable as knowing what you do like. This perspective reframes the idea of career changes as failures; instead, they become crucial steps in discovering what truly excites and fulfills you. It is a lesson in perseverance and self-discovery, showing that the search for purpose is not always straightforward, but it is worth the effort.
The Value of Past Experiences Sarah Sham emphasizes that past experiences, even those that seem disconnected, can play an important role in shaping future success. Her work as a news anchor, her time in theater, and her exploration of various other roles all contributed to the skills and insights she brings to her interior design business. Each chapter of her professional life added a layer to her expertise, giving her a unique perspective that sets her apart in the industry.
This openness to learning from every experience is what allows Sarah Sham to continue growing and adapting, both personally and professionally. For those feeling uncertain about their current path, her story is a reminder that no experience is wasted. Every job, challenge, or setback can provide valuable lessons that contribute to long-term success.
Openness, Honesty, and Growth One of Sarah Sham’s most impactful points is the importance of being open and honest about mistakes. In an industry where perfection is often emphasized, Sarah Sham believes that openness about failures builds credibility and attracts clients, rather than driving them away. This transparency has been a cornerstone of her success, allowing her to form stronger relationships with clients and colleagues alike.
Sarah Sham also highlights the significance of collaboration over competition. By viewing competitors as potential partners rather than threats, she has fostered a spirit of mutual growth and success. This collaborative mindset extends beyond her immediate business ventures. Sarah Sham is a strong advocate for creating communities of like-minded professionals, as these networks can drive learning, partnerships, and overall industry growth.
Through her willingness to share information and experiences, Sarah Sham has transformed competitive relationships into collaborative ones. This approach has led to unexpected opportunities and connections, further fueling her personal and professional growth.
Building an Award-Winning Company Sarah Sham’s openness has not only shaped her philosophy but has also played a key role in her business success. Today, she runs an award-winning interior design company, Essajees Atelier, which recently shifted to a new office in Mumbai. Under her leadership, the company has completed over 100 projects and worked on more than 300,000 square feet of space. These achievements are a testament to the power of embracing new possibilities and continuously learning from every experience.
But Sarah Sham’s journey doesn’t stop there. She has recently co-founded a new entity, Jea, in the UAE, further expanding her horizons and showcasing her commitment to growth and innovation. This new venture is the latest chapter in a career built on openness and the willingness to embrace the unknown.
Openness as a Strength At the heart of Sarah Sham’s story is a powerful message: openness can be your greatest strength. By being open to change, new opportunities, and even failures, Sarah Sham has built a career that is not only successful but deeply fulfilling. Her journey is a reminder that success is not always about following a linear path or sticking to a predetermined plan. Instead, it’s about staying true to yourself, learning from every experience, and being open to the lessons life has to offer.
Sarah Sham’s reflections invite us to consider how openness can transform our own lives. Are we open to change? Are we willing to embrace our mistakes and learn from them? Are we ready to collaborate with others and build communities of growth and support? These are the questions Sarah Sham encourages us to ask ourselves.
Sarah Sham’s story is not just about the success she has achieved but about the lessons she has learned along the way. Her openness has led her to unexpected opportunities, meaningful connections, and a career that she is truly passionate about. Through her experiences, Sarah Sham reminds us that the journey to success is as important as the destination—and that openness can be the key to unlocking both.
