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

Hi Sarah, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Currently, my team and I are working to launch OurPath, a platform geared towards young professionals and soon-to-be professionals in Los Angeles. Cameron Abrams, Jaden Lyons, and I are all LA natives with firsthand experience of the struggles to find and prepare for professional opportunities in South LA, whether it is with or without a degree. OurPath is here for young professionals looking to break into the industry of their choice. We want to provide the building blocks to do just that for our users, no matter their experience level or educational background. Despite the talent and potential within our community, it remains underserved in many aspects, specifically because of educational and economic inequalities. OurPath is our way of addressing this issue head-on, supporting talent that lacks professional experience, and also small businesses and entrepreneurs through hand-crafted resources, learning materials, and most importantly, opportunities to level the playing field between them and their peers outside of the inner-city. Longterm, we also hope to expand our mission and connect young, passionate students with professionals and businesses within Los Angeles. Creating this accessibility early gives our next generation the chance to begin building their networks and resumes before they even graduate high school. OurPath’s mission is to create equity in opportunities within the professional world for our Los Angeles community. See what’s next for OurPath by checking out our website for updates and opportunities to become involved.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am currently a senior at the University of Southern California studying Business Administration with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship and Innovation and a minor in Performance Science. Aside from being a full-time student, I am working with my team on the launch of our platform, OurPath. My professional background and story are still mostly unwritten, as I am looking to break into the professional world after graduation. My interests, however, include Project Management, Marketing, Community Outreach, and Data Analytics. I also love working within small businesses and building from the ground up. Through a few different internship experiences and the successful launch of my own small business, my eyes have been opened to so many possibilities for my future career. So far, I have coached high school and middle school rugby, created marketing plans for multiple small businesses in Los Angeles, provided data analytics for a crowdfunding site, and launched a specialty brownie business from my home. While this journey hasn’t always been easy or gone exactly as planned, I’ve learned that’s how life is. You learn to accept the outcome and roll with it. Change up your methods and make what you want happen, just in another way. Success, as far as achieving and then exceeding your goals, requires determination and relentlessness, two qualities I am proud to have. They keep me fired up and dedicated to what I am doing without letting the fear of failing falter me. Failure is just a part of this journey; it is necessary because it forces you to pivot and improve your ideas and efforts moving forward. I want the world to know who Sarah Wells is, whether that be me today or me ten years from now. I want my work, whatever it may be, to impact at least someone, and my persistent spirit to inspire another to have that same energy. Lastly, for anyone who hasn’t quite yet made it into the professional world yet like me, I want you to know that you have the power to make what you want for your life happen. In order to do that you must first, believe in that statement and then believe in yourself. From there, you must be ready and willing to create opportunities and make the most of them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
On Monday, I would bring them to the Culver City Stairs for some fresh air, nice views, and a leg workout, followed by some plant shopping at the nearby Rolling Greens.

As our legs recover on Tuesday, we’d head to Slider Stop in Redondo Beach and pick out our own trio of sliders. My personal favorites are the BBQ Bacon Burger, Buffalo Chicken slider, and the loaded fries (who doesn’t love bacon and avocado?!)

On Wednesday, we would head to Long Beach for either bike riding or swan boats. I love doing these activities with family and friends, specifically on the four-person bikes, or for a little picnic in the swan boats. I’d definitely recommend grabbing tacos from the Birria food truck that stays parked near the Ferris wheel. (Also yes there is a Ferris wheel, and yes we will be getting on).

Thursday would be dedicated to getting some work done, so we’d head to the USC campus, specifically Tutor Center. After picking up Mango Acai Bowls from C&G, we’d find a comfy spot at the outside tables and knock out a few things on our To-Do lists.

You can’t visit me in LA without coming to my house for some homemade Mexican food and family time. My home is always welcoming guests and my family will definitely bring the entertainment. We usually spend Friday nights unwinding from the long week with a glass (or two) of wine, some very competitive games, or binge-watching some shows or movies on Netflix together.

Our final night out would be Saturday, as we head to Pharoah Karaoke Bar in downtown LA for some food, drinks, and really loud singing.

Sunday is a brunch day, so depending on our mood, I’d take us to the Original Pancake house for the best pancakes ever, Bake “N Broil for omelets and cream cheese muffins, or Jacks N Joe for pancakes with actual bacon cooked inside!

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?
Shoutout to my soon-to-be big sis, Taylor Mills. She embodies much of what I look to become and has always supported my entrepreneurial journey since we’ve met. She is a huge inspiration and guide when it comes to creating your own joy through work and life. Thank you for everything you’ve shared so far!

Website: https://www.ourpath-la.com/

Instagram: instagram.com/saraheleyna_

Other: Email: sarahewe@usc.edu Brownie Page: instagram.com/browniegirlcafe

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.