Meet Sara Fashandi | Author of Message in a Matchbox

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

Hi Sara, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Rather than seeing rejection as a reflection of your worth or abilities, Analyze what went wrong, identify areas for improvement, and use the experience to become better. Success often requires perseverance in the face of rejection. Keep pushing forward, stay committed to your goals, and use rejection as fuel to propel yourself closer to success.

Passion and purpose for what you do: Having a clear sense of purpose and being deeply passionate about it.

Hard Work and Discipline: There’s no substitute for hard work. Successful individuals typically demonstrate a strong work ethic and discipline in pursuing their goals.

Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Success often requires staying curious, open-minded, and adaptable to change. Continuous learning and growth mindset are key.

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.
Reaching the moment where I held my book, ‘Message in a Matchbox,’ in my hands was nothing short of extraordinary. As I gazed at the cover, my heart swelled with a mixture of joy and disbelief. Tears welled in my eyes, streaming down my cheeks uncontrollably. It was a culmination of years of late nights, early mornings, and stolen moments dedicated to my passion for writing and capturing my older brother’s life growing up in Tehran, Iran. . As the tears continued to flow, I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey that had brought me to this point. It hadn’t been easy, but it had been immensely rewarding. And as I clutched my book to my chest, I knew that this was just the beginning of a new chapter in my writing journey—one filled with endless possibilities and boundless potential. Ultimately, “Message in a Matchbox” is a celebration of the human spirit—the driving force behind every great achievement. It’s a call to action for readers to seize control of their destinies, to dare to dream, and to never give up on the pursuit of their goals.

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.
Day 1: Arrival in Sausalito

Morning: Check into the Airbnb in Sausalito.
Afternoon: Explore downtown Sausalito’s boutique shops, art galleries, and bookstores.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant, savoring the sunset over the bay.

Day 2: Scenic Hike and Old Town Dinner

Morning: Prepare breakfast and enjoy it on the balcony with ocean views.
Late Morning: Go for a scenic hike in the Marin Headlands, enjoying trails like the Coastal Trail.
Afternoon: Pack a snack for the hike and return to Sausalito for lunch.
Evening: Have dinner in Sausalito’s Old Town neighborhood, known for its historic charm and atmosphere.

Day 3: Tiburon Ferry Ride and Biking

Morning: Take the ferry to Tiburon and explore Main Street for shopping and dining.
Late Morning: Rent bikes and ride along the Tiburon Peninsula Loop Trail, stopping for a picnic lunch.
Afternoon: Enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant in Tiburon, relishing fresh seafood and bay views.

Day 4: Sonoma County Wine Country

Morning: Embark on a day trip to Sonoma County wine country.
Late Morning: Visit wineries for tastings and lunch at a vineyard restaurant.
Afternoon: Return to Sausalito for dinner with bay views or have a homemade meal on the balcony.

Day 5: Relaxation Day

Morning: Treat ourselves to a spa day or massage.
Afternoon: Have an early lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant in Sausalito.
Evening: Enjoy seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

Day 6: Explore San Francisco

Morning: Take the ferry to San Francisco and explore cultural attractions.
Late Morning: Visit Fisherman’s Wharf or the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
Early evening have lunch in San Francisco’s Chinatown, enjoying dim sum and other Chinese specialties
Afternoon: Explore Golden Gate Park or the Japanese Tea Garden.– experience Japanese tea and Indulge in traditional Japanese desserts like wagashi (traditional sweets)
Evening: Return to Airbnb for a light salad and at the balcony with ocean view

Day 7: Departure

Morning: Enjoy breakfast on the balcony and catch up.
Late Morning: Take a final stroll along the Sausalito waterfront.
Afternoon: Pack and depart, taking fond memories of our coastal vacation.

perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and quality time with my friend in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area!

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?
My mother’s mentorship has been the cornerstone of my success, shaping not only my academic journey but also instilling in me the values of perseverance, resilience, and the importance of education. Growing up, she recognized the transformative power of education as a means to break the cycle of poverty that had gripped our family for generations. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, she worked tirelessly, sacrificing her own comfort and desires to ensure that all of her children, seven of us, had access to quality education.

Her unwavering commitment to our education was evident in every aspect of our lives. From encouraging us to excel in school to advocating for us to pursue higher education opportunities, she was our biggest cheerleader and source of inspiration. Despite facing financial constraints and the daunting task of navigating unfamiliar systems, she never wavered in her belief that education was the key to unlocking a brighter future for our family.

Through her guidance and mentorship, my mother taught me the importance of hard work, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity. Her sacrifices and tireless efforts to provide us with educational opportunities have not only paved the way for my academic and professional success but have also inspired me to strive for excellence in all aspects of my life.

Thanks to my mom, not only have I been able to achieve success, but all my siblings and our children have also been afforded opportunities for better lives. My mother’s commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty transcends generations, as her influence continues to shape the trajectory of our family’s future.

Website: https://www.sarafashandi.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromiran

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sfashandi