30. Letting Go of Hustle Before Motherhood | Sarah Akiba

30. Letting Go of Hustle Before Motherhood | Sarah Akiba

What if everything you’ve built… came from survival mode... and now it’s time to let it go? In this deeply personal Season 2 finale of That’s So Akiba, Sarah Akiba opens up like never before. From navigating trauma, toxic relationships, and generational survival patterns… to stepping into motherhood and choosing surrender over control—this episode is a raw reflection on growth, healing, and redefining success. After two seasons of powerful conversations, Sarah pauses to take it all in: the journey, the evolution, and the woman she’s becoming as she prepares to welcome her first child. This isn’t about hustle. This is about presence. This is about breaking cycles. In this episode, Sarah shares: - The truth about living in survival mode and why she’s choosing to break it - Her journey through trauma, relationships, and healing - The emotional story behind trusting timing, motherhood, and faith - Why surrendering control is her biggest lesson right now - Redefining success beyond hustle, struggle, and burnout - The power of being present and choosing real life over distractions This episode is for anyone navigating change, healing from the past, or stepping into a new version of themselves. If you’ve ever felt like you had to fight for everything… this conversation will meet you exactly where you are. Follow Sarah:  Instagram:  @soakiba https://www.instagram.com/soakiba  Book The Spaces: https://bookthespaces.com/ Subscribe to That's So Akiba:  Podcast: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3uPL2CvjHFO6nbk0Pe3FeA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-so-akiba/id1793125684 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC1kXcQdM_6vgbED6z6KPMpA

29. She Turned Pain Into Purpose Through Faith, Modesty & Motherhood | Chaya De Paz

What if the hardest moments in your life were actually guiding you back to who you’re meant to become? Chaya de Paz, the creator behind Modest Fashion by Chaya, is a mother of three redefining what it means to live with faith, confidence, and authenticity. Known for her joyful approach to motherhood and elegant modest style, Chaya has built a growing following rooted in positivity and connection to Hashem. But her path wasn’t always clear. In this episode, Chaya opens up about a difficult chapter in her life, how she slowly returned to her faith, and why modesty became something she chose with love rather than obligation. Chaya describes modesty through a powerful metaphor: a diamond. “You don’t leave a diamond anywhere. You protect it. You keep it sacred.” In a deeply personal moment, Sarah also shares how prayer on Yom Kippur helped pull her out of one of the darkest times in her life—showing how struggle can often become the gateway to faith. We talk about: - Building confidence after criticism growing up - What modesty truly means in Judaism—inside and out - Why covering your hair represents dignity, beauty, and protection - Taking small steps back toward faith - Motherhood, partnership, and choosing joy in everyday chaos - Finding God in your darkest moments Follow  @Modestfashionbychaya    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modestfashionbychaya TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modestfashionbychaya Shop My; https://shopmy.us/shop/modestfashionbychaya Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction  02:00 The Intersection of Faith and Fashion 04:02 Overcoming Childhood Challenges and Building Confidence 05:58 The Personal Journey to Modesty and Love for Faith 07:59 Understanding Modesty in Jewish Law 09:49 Motherhood, Self-Care, and Maintaining Happiness 12:00 Handling Life’s Challenges with Faith and Patience 13:55 The Significance of Wigs and Hair Covering in Judaism 15:56 The Biblical Roots of Modesty and Dietary Laws 17:49 Baby Steps in Personal Growth and Religious Observance 20:03 Finding Light in Dark Times and Personal Testimonies 21:54 The Power of Prayer and Connection with God 24:03 Overcoming Hardships and Spiritual Resilience 25:49 Living with Joy, Gratitude, and Authenticity 27:51 Closing Remarks and How to Follow the Guest Follow Sarah:  Instagram:  @soakiba https://www.instagram.com/soakiba  Book The Spaces: https://bookthespaces.com/ Subscribe to That's So Akiba:  Podcast: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3uPL2CvjHFO6nbk0Pe3FeA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-so-akiba/id1793125684 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC1kXcQdM_6vgbED6z6KPMpA

28. Building Beauty & Wellness from the Heart | Gigi Vogel on De La Heart, Motherhood & Longevity

What if success wasn’t just about numbers, trends, or perfection — but about showing up for yourself, your family, and your passions? Giordana "Gigi" Vogel, founder of De La Heart, mother of two, and self-proclaimed beauty hacker, joins Sarah for an intimate conversation about wellness, longevity, and building a brand that truly serves people. From her early journey in yoga and mind-body practices to creating a multimillion-dollar beauty and wellness brand, Gigi shares how everything she does comes “from the heart”, inspired by personal needs and the women around her. The conversation touches on: - Balancing motherhood, family, and career - Building an authentic brand that adds real value - Natural wellness, beauty hacks, and longevity practices - Trusting your body, birthing naturally, and embracing life fully - Staying grounded while navigating success, social media, and external pressures - Saying yes to opportunities and showing up unapologetically Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:11 The Journey of Wellness and Entrepreneurship 05:50 Balancing Wellness and Self-Care 09:23 Living to 100: Insights on Longevity 11:52 Motherhood and Natural Birth Experiences 15:05 The Evolution of Delahart and Its Products 17:45 Navigating Challenges in Entrepreneurship 20:51 Personal Growth and Authenticity 23:53 Advice for Women on Longevity and Wellness Follow Gigi and De La Heart: Instagram: @ggvogel_ https://www.instagram.com/gigivogel_ Instagram: @delaheart https://www.instagram.com/delaheart/?hl=en Website: https://www.delaheart.com/ Follow Sarah: Instagram: @soakiba https://www.instagram.com/soakiba Book The Spaces: https://bookthespaces.com/ Subscribe to That's So Akiba: Podcast: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3uPL2CvjHFO6nbk0Pe3FeA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-so-akiba/id1793125684 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC1kXcQdM_6vgbED6z6KPMpA

27. The Reality of Running a Social Media Agency | Lemon Pop's Leah Uzan

What if building a successful business didn’t have to mean burnout, competition, or doing it all alone? Leah Uzan, co-founder of Lemon Pop Creative Agency, shares her perspective on women-led entrepreneurship, creative leadership, and building something truly meaningful. From growing up in Miami to working in hospitality, social media, and branding before it became a buzzword, Leah walks through the experiences that shaped her path — and how Lemon Pop was born during COVID and grew into a thriving agency with 40+ clients and a waitlist. Leah and Sarah get real about leading with intention, delegating under pressure, trusting your instincts, and building a business that actually reflects your values. They also talk motherhood, legacy, manifestation, and redefining success on your own terms — especially during life’s busiest and most demanding seasons. Leah opens up about her mother’s resilience, growing up around disability, and how learning to over-communicate became one of her greatest strengths as a leader. This episode is a reminder that ambition and heart can coexist, and that the most fulfilling success is built with integrity, intuition, and purpose. Learn more about Lemon Pop Agency: https://www.lemonpopcreative.com/ Follow along: https://www.instagram.com/lemonpopagency/ Follow Leah: https://www.instagram.com/leahesper/ Timestamps:  00:00 – You Can Do It: Confidence, Work Ethic & Having It All   03:00 – Welcome to That’s So Akiba + Meet Leia of Lemon Pop   06:00 – Growing Up in Miami & Early Creative Roots   09:00 – From Friendship to Collaboration: Building Together   12:00 – Lemon Pop’s Origin Story & Finding Purpose Through Work   15:00 – Work, Hustle & Redefining Balance   18:00 – Running a Growing Agency & Managing the Pressure   21:00 – Partnership, Trust & No Competition Between Women   24:00 – Giving Back, Purpose & Building Brands with Heart   27:00 – Behind the Scenes: The Reality of Social Media Work   30:00 – Staying Inspired Through Passion Projects   33:00 – Manifestation, Goals & Looking Ahead to 2026   36:00 – Friendship, Family & Creating a Strong Support System   39:00 – Motherhood, Timing & Trusting Your Intuition   42:00 – Shoutout to Strong Mothers & Generational Strength   45:00 – Turning Struggle Into Superpower: Communication & Grace   48:00 – Love, Healing & Chosen Family   51:00 – Gratitude, Reflection & Closing Thoughts   Follow Sarah:  Instagram:  @soakiba https://www.instagram.com/soakiba  Book The Spaces: https://bookthespaces.com/ Subscribe to That's So Akiba:  Podcast: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3uPL2CvjHFO6nbk0Pe3FeA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-so-akiba/id1793125684 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC1kXcQdM_6vgbED6z6KPMpA

26. Finding Faith, Purpose, and Healing | Meir Kay

What if finding your way back to yourself isn’t about hustling harder, having all the answers, or being perfect — but about faith, presence, and a little more compassion? This week, Sarah sits down with spiritual teacher, speaker, and content creator Meir Kay for a real, open-hearted conversation about identity, faith, fear, and transformation. Meir opens up about the viral moment that introduced millions to his message — standing blindfolded in Union Square offering hugs as an Orthodox Jew during a time of rising antisemitism — and the fear, faith, and courage it took to show up anyway. From there, the conversation goes deeper, touching on depression, losing yourself, rebuilding faith, and how even our darkest moments can become unexpected sources of light. Together, Sarah and Meir talk about what it means to be a proud Jew in a complicated world, how to live with less fear, and why being human always comes before labels. Meir shares simple, powerful tools for grounding anxiety, building daily faith, and reconnecting with God — not through perfection, but through honesty, breath, prayer, and self-forgiveness. This episode is an invitation to come home to yourself. To remember that you are enough. To choose love — with boundaries. And to trust that healing your own life might just help heal the world too. Learn more about Meir Kay: http://linktr.ee/meirkay Follow  @MeirKay : https://www.instagram.com/meirkay Chapters:  00:00 Standing Proud as a Jew: The Union Square Hug Story 02:05 Rising Antisemitism & Choosing Love Over Defense 03:21 Blindfolded in Union Square: Fear, Faith, and Vulnerability 07:13 Facing Fear & Trusting God in Real Time 08:36 The Hugs That Changed Everything 09:04 Arab–Jewish Connection & Remembering We’re Family 14:24 What Faith Looks Like in Daily Life 16:16 Regulating the Nervous System with Breathwork 16:34 Tehillim, Prayer, and Ancient Wisdom 18:07 Speaking to God in Your Own Words 20:50 Losing Yourself, Depression, and Identity 23:58 Stepping Back, Numbing, and Hitting Bottom 26:52 Teshuva: Returning to Yourself and to God 27:54 Turning Darkness into Light 28:42 Pain as Purpose: Becoming a Messenger 31:56 Healing the Body, Healing the World 33:43 Technology, Addiction, and Awareness 34:46 Money, Trust, and Fear 36:39 “I Am Enough” and Breaking the Consumer Spell 41:33 Protecting Your Energy While Staying Loving 42:51 Daily Self-Care Practices That Actually Work 44:47 Looking Ahead to 2026: Purpose, Retreats & Growth Follow Sarah:  Instagram:  @soakiba https://www.instagram.com/soakiba  Book The Spaces: https://bookthespaces.com/ Subscribe to That's So Akiba:  Podcast: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3uPL2CvjHFO6nbk0Pe3FeA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-so-akiba/id1793125684 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC1kXcQdM_6vgbED6z6KPMpA