Meet Sakina Ibrahim | Author | Artist | Social Entrepreneur

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

Hi Sakina, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work-life balance has evolved for me over time, adapting to the changing demands of life. As we progress through different seasons and face varied challenges, finding time for my wellness practices—such as prayer, meditation, working out, and cooking at home—has become more challenging. While I used to prefer dedicating an hour to a fitness class or gym session, I now often find myself squeezing in a 20-minute walk during breaks or 20 minute full body workout on YouTube.

I’ve consciously adopted a mindset of doing my best each day without judgment or frustration when I don’t achieve a perfect balance. Some days, I successfully commit to my wellness routine, while others may be considered a failure. I view these setbacks as opportunities to learn, identifying habits that need adjustment to align with my goals and restore a sense of balance.

To streamline my daily routine, I’ve eliminated unnecessary and time-wasting elements, such as excessive social media use and distractions. Implementing alarms has been a practical strategy to prompt me to shift focus, take breaks, or return to work, helping me stay disciplined and maintain a healthier work-life equilibrium.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Delving into my artistic endeavors is something I haven’t discussed in a while, but I’ve come to realize that my creativity as a writer and performer significantly influences my approach to business. What sets me apart is my background in conservatory training as a theatrically trained dancer and actress. The discipline instilled during my time training, auditioning, and working on sets, as well as serving as an assistant to industry-leading talent, has given me real-life experience in navigating the resilience and focus required in an ever-changing industry.

This wealth of experience has not only shaped my business but also informed the curriculum for my teaching endeavors, which impacts individuals globally. From corporate trainings and off-site professional development experiences through the arts to civic engagement and enrichment classes for marginalized youth, my journey as an artist has been the catalyst for diverse programs.

I take immense pride in my refusal to give up on the arts, maintaining my commitment to the industry. What excites me the most is the positive impact I’ve witnessed on lives and the diverse community my programs bring together. My journey involved patience, perseverance, and a constant prayer for vision, guiding me through life’s unfolding events. I learned to follow the flow of opened doors and embrace opportunities.

I attribute my success to accepting what I don’t know, seeking help when needed, and observing those who are thriving, taking notes on applicable lessons for my own journey. I want the world to know that my focus on personal evolution and spiritual growth is reflected in my work. The essence of my brand story lies in my desire to promote love, creativity, and peace through various artistic practices such as writing, dance, theatre, business ,and leadership.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A week-long adventure with my best friend, our journey kicks off with a morning hike at Griffith Park, immersing ourselves in the picturesque California landscape. Afternoon indulgence awaits with a self-care session featuring rejuvenating massages and fresh pedicures. Evening plans unfold in West Hollywood, where we savor dinner and drinks at Tom Tom, setting the tone for a vibrant night ahead. Day two takes us deeper into West Hollywood’s nightlife, with a midweek musical treat at Black Rabbit Rose, where Matthew Grant’s live performance captivates our senses. The third day brings a dose of sports excitement as we attend a Lakers game, followed by an elegant high tea experience at The Peninsula Beverly Hills. Our cultural exploration continues on day four with an outdoor movie night atop a DTLA rooftop, soaking in the city lights. The week winds down with a Sunday church service for a spiritual touch, concluding with a day of relaxation by the beach—lounging, listening to music, and engaging in conversations about life, men, and business. This carefully crafted itinerary ensures a dynamic blend of nature, entertainment, and serenity, promising a week filled with unforgettable experiences for me a my bestie. Come Visit Girl!!!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to express my gratitude to Tisha for her pivotal role in elevating both my business and personal life. Our connection, forged in an unconventional way through a shared past with the same ex-boyfriend, turned out to be the silver lining from that relationship.

Tisha has not only been a supportive friend during my healing process but has also significantly contributed to the growth of my businesses. Her expertise and consultancy services have played a crucial role in establishing and expanding my work as an author and social entrepreneur. My company Dance Arts Academy OC has surpassed my sales and impact expectations.
As a fellow entrepreneur and a genuine supporter, Tisha, along with her business Graysegments, has been an invaluable blessing in both my personal and professional endeavors. A heartfelt shoutout to Curtisha Thomas and Graysegments for their unwavering support and positive impact on my journey.

Website: sakinaibrahim.com

Instagram: sakina_world

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sakina-ibrahim/

Twitter: sakina_world

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sakinaworld/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/sakinaibrahim

Other: https://www.danceartsacademyoc.org

Image Credits
GraySegments