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

Hi Sarah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
What was your thought process behind starting your own business?

Growing up with food allergies was challenging. I started my social media accounts (@sarahandspices on Instagram and TikTok) to be the inspiration I wish I had when I was younger.

What most people don’t realize about food allergies is that they can affect more than what a person can eat. Some people can’t be near or touch their allergies. Allergies in household, beauty, craft, etc. products can also cause reactions. Therefore, it can feel like allergies control your life. I hope to teach people with allergies how to live their best life through my content.

Do you have a budget? How do you think about your personal finances and how do you make lifestyle and spending decisions?

Allergies control a lot of my spending. I’m currently in an intensive allergy treatment called the Tolerance Induction Program, which is expensive. Allergy-friendly products are typically more costly than the non-allergy-friendly alternatives. A budget helps me manage my this.

Risk-taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career?

Living with allergies involves taking calculated risks. A calculated risk is an action that is carefully thought out to analyze potential outcomes. Let’s take eating out for example. Is there a chance I could have an allergic reaction to food at a restaurant? Yes! But I choose not to let food allergies hold me back from living my life. Instead, I do everything in my power to make eating at a restaurant with allergies as safe as it can be.

This makes me comfortable taking calculated risks in other areas of my life, like my career. I choose to focus on what could go right instead of living in fear.

Where are you from and how did your background and upbringing impact who you are today?

I’m from New York City. I went to Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts (LAG) and The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, both very creative schools. It was inspiring to be surrounded by creative students following their dreams.

Specifically, there was a teacher, Mr. Louis, at LAG who inspired me to pursue a creative career. In my Senior year of high school, I was set on studying pre-med in college. Many people in my family are in the healthcare profession, so it seemed like the right thing to do. Mr. Louis knew how creative I was and pushed me to think about what career would make me the most happy. I decided to apply to colleges for Digital Marketing instead.

I’m very happy with my decision. My educational background in Digital Marketing has given me the foundation to grow my personal brand.

What is the most important factor behind your success / the success of your brand?

The most important factor is my desire to help people with food allergies feel less alone. I don’t worry about the number of likes or comments on a post but about the people who I am helping.

What value or principle matters most to you? Why?

The value of authenticity is the most important to me. I was bullied because of my food allergies for years. I tried to make my needs smaller so others would like me. I didn’t realize that I was seeking acceptance from people who would never give it. I choose to live authentically, which attracts supportive people.

Work-life balance: how has your balance changed over time? What do you think about the balance?

In addition to multiple food allergies, I also have a connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Living with these chronic illnesses has really taught me the importance of balancing all aspects of my life so I can show up as the best version of myself.

What’s the end goal? Where do you want to be professionally by the end of your career?

My goals are constantly changing and evolving, but one thing stays the same: my desire to help people live full lives with food allergies. I can’t say what that might look like in the future: a podcast, coaching, in-person events, retreats, etc., but I strive to be the inspiration I needed growing up in any way that I can.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Growing up with multiple food allergies wasn’t easy, but the challenges have made me the strong, confident, and compassionate person I am today. What sets me apart is my mission to help others live a full life with food allergies. The comments, messages, and DMs from people with food allergies and parents of children with food allergies saying that I’ve inspired them, make all the hard work worth it.

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.
Granville is one of my favorite restaurants in Los Angeles, and they’re very accommodating to food allergies. The staff is helpful in answering allergy questions, and the kitchen is well-trained in minimizing cross-contact risks. I love their “Village Burger” on a gluten-free bun. I also love Modern Bread & Bagel. Their gluten-free bagels are delicious! I get my bagel toasted with dairy-free cream cheese and lox! If you’re looking for a sweet treat, check out Erin McKenna’s Bakery. It’s fully gluten-free and vegan. They list all of the ingredients on their website which is super helpful. I obsessed with their iced lemon loaf.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shout out my parents who have done everything in their power to help me live a full life with food allergies. Year after year, my parents would sit in the school administrative office until I got the accommodations I needed. They wouldn’t take “no” for an answer. They wanted me to be included in class, field trips, extracurriculars, and celebrations. My mom even stayed up late baking cupcakes before every class party or celebration so I wouldn’t feel left out.

My parents taught me that my needs are valid, I deserve to be included, and I don’t need to make my needs smaller to try to fit in. They have taught be how to advocate for my needs. It’s truly helped me live a full life with food allergies, and I hope to be that inspiration for others.

Website: https://www.sarahandspices.com/

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

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

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal 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.