Meet Sabreen Ali | Artist, Author & Birthworker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sabreen Ali and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sabreen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I am drawn to the freedom that having your own business affords. I like the idea of not having to wait on anyone else to actualize my vision. And that’s not to say that you don’t need people in your corner, but not having to be dependent on the validation of others to give you permission to start – it’s recognizing that I have the ability to create opportunities for myself so that others can eventually join. Having my own business gives me the courage and motivation to not wait until I feel ‘ready’, but to instead trust the process and put myself out there regardless. It truly pays off every time.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I recently released my fourth self-published book, ‘Pockets of Consciousness’. What sets my art apart from others is that it was created with so much intention. I started my publishing company Lyrical Plight Publishing in 2020 after working up the courage to publish my first book of poems. It was such a full circle moment, as Lyrical Plight was a blog that I created years ago where I shared my poetry and short stories, along with highlighting the history and culture of Black Americans in the US. I am very proud of my culture, ancestors, and history, and I always remember to make space to listen for and elevate ancestral wisdom and guidance in everything I do, be it authoring, birthwork, hosting my podcast, design, essentially all of my endeavors, be it creative, academic, mothering, and the like.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I grew up in Berkeley, so I would start with Telegraph Ave. We’d get a bite to eat at Bongo Burger and to the record store for a vintage vibe. The next day we’d go to hiking in Oakland because the redwood trees and views are one of a kind. Afterwards we could catch a movie at the historic Grand Lake Theater and then grab Ethiopian food and drinks at Ensarro. For our last stop of the weekend we’d spend the day in SF on the pier. My favorite way to get there is by ferry then walk to the MOMA. Afterwards we stop for food and desserts and Ghirardelli!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to all the Bay Area Mamas out here pursuing their art and dreams! Mary aka Bay Explorer, Hazey Santana, HoneyGold Jasmine, Naturally Free, Jessica Cosmic Ninja Jones, Sasha Kelley, and so many more. I just feel very blessed to be in community with such creative women who are bad ass mamas as well.

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