Sarah Woods

When I first stumbled across SHE Malta, I was blown away. But uncovering the story behind this purposeful business, and learning more about who’s in the driving seat was a breath of fresh air, an eye-opener, and a joy.

Launched in 2017, Sarah Woods and co-founder Julia Perry developed an idea to bring likeminded women together in a safe, inviting and inclusive space. The SHE (Social Hub Entrepreuneurs) community grew into an essential hub for women seeking inspiration and encouragement in business and their lives. Very recently, Sarah has had to go solo and finds herself at the beginning of a brand new, challenging but exciting path.

I already knew I loved Sarah before we started talking. You know the feeling? When you just know you are going to get on with someone like a house on fire? I’m not ashamed to admit I felt a flutter of envy when I started to put her online pieces together. But this is a positive thing knowing that if one does well we all do. She’s is absolutely killing it on the sisterhood stakes. Offering a necessary service to ladies across the Maltese islands and doing it with such grace and style. On top of that – she’s a wife and a mum of two children (7 and 9), interesting, interested, open, warm, inquisitive, intelligent, vulnerable, light-hearted, fiercely determined and above all, super kind.

What drives you to do what you do?

I started this journey back in 2017 with Julia and that now feels like a very different time and place. SHE was built around events, workshops, business breakfasts and so on, but since Covid everything has had to go online. I am also now going solo – so I relaunched in January! It really feels like starting from scratch. We had our first events soon after and we have many happy, interested and engaged people attend. And that is fulfilling for me.

What or who inspires you?

I am constantly inspired by the women I meet through SHE. There are so many women in our community doing incredible things and giving these women a platform to share their stories so that they can inspire others is what drives me.

What keeps you sane?

My dear friend Yasmin Degiorgio! I go to her for meditation and grounding. When I started this online journey I realised how easy it was to get attached and chase the numbers. I became like a robot at times. It’s not wrong to have targets, but when you are so attached to outcomes it becomes unhealthy. I always circle back to the ‘Why?’.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I have always been a very indecisive person, through the SHE journey I have learned to believe in myself more and believe in the decisions that I make. I do listen to other peoples advice but I always do what I feel is best. Nobody knows your business or community better than you. I’m really proud of that. Learning to go with my gut feeling is quite an achievement for me.

What’s your tip for life-work balance? 

I’m still figuring that out…but, I really try to switch off on a Sunday. Not to post anything, not to look at work emails…just one day not doing anything. I know if I don’t do that – the next week is not going to be as productive because I haven’t given myself the time to rest.

With the kids at home and home schooling, it has been quite chaotic. Fitting my work in around the cracks and so I couldn’t set boundaries for myself then. Now they have gone back, I am working on giving myself work hours. I haven’t perfected it yet, but I’m aware and working on it!

What general advice would you give to a woman who wants to start her own business? 

Having a clear brand identity is key. That coupled with a sound e-commerce website should be the basis of your business. That is, assuming you already have an idea for a product and have established your niche. Identifying and understanding your customer is essential. Who is your target audience? How will you reach them? What tone should you use when talking to them? It’s worth taking the time to research and analyse this in order to be able to serve effectively and efficiently.

What book changed your life in some way?

Minding your Business’ by Horst M. Rechelbacher. It was recommended by Yasmin who I mentioned earlier, and has many nuggets of wisdom! It centres around business as a way to create meaning. It talks about the importance of self-awareness and how outward success can only be achieved by taking stock of what’s on the inside. It promotes sustainable business, the unity of the self, the community and the environment. I absolutely love the sustainable to-do list that features at the end of this book.

WHAT’s your Favourite quote of all time? 

“There is no better personal development tool than running your own business.” Ali Brown

Favourite song?

I love local sister duo The New Victorians. I love music. Whenever I feel down I switch on some music and feel better. I was also a dancer, so I love movement. That is, I guess, how I express myself. Dancing is so good for the soul.

The Takeaway. Be inspired by Sarah’s courage, rising to the challenge and her ability to see things from a different angle. Know that there is a new breed of business on the block. Businesses that mean something, that shout their values from the rooftops and are not just chasing the euro. This community of like-minded souls will become your complete support network on your own business journey and that’s priceless.

These are some of the ways Sarah shows up in the world:

SHEMALTA | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Author: Andrea Britton

Andrea is the Creative Director and Editor at GITH. Tweet her at @andreabritton or send stories to hello@gozointhehouse.com.