Meet Sarah McCann


We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah McCann and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Sarah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In all honesty, I was born an entrepreneur. Funny story but I actually printed my first business cards when I was 12 years old and started a mobile DJing” company with my friend for my younger sister’s friend’s birthday parties. We would show up with a boombox and lead dances. S&S Mobile DJ Company…from then on, it led to many businesses. Started a production/party promoter company in college, then an independent record label, then founded an all-female hip-hop collective, then co-founded a hip-hop arts education program, then after moving to LA after college started two different dance companies, during covid launched my retreat company, Feminine Frequency Retreats…and now, I run my own financial practice. There is something about birthing a project/business, building it from the ground up, pouring all of my heart and soul into it, that I’ve always loved deep down in my soul. Part of it is the autonomy, part of it is being able to give back to the community, and part of it is being able to make change by doing things differently.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I currently run my own financial practice as my full-time career, what ultimately pays the bills. The way that I fell into this career was truly serendipitous and that’s a whole other story for another time. I made this pivot in my 40’s, much later in life, which is scary on its own. But I was so unsettled in corporate America, working for a company, negotiating contracts, that I knew I needed a shift. I listened to the part of my gut that told me I didn’t want to go through the rest of my life wondering what if I made that shift. So many of us live in a world captive for the need of security and stability, that we are fearful to take a leap of faith. And as most people know, historically, this industry did not have a place for me. I wanted to create a safe space for all good people, but especially but especially women and people of color to be able to tell their story, be heard, ultimately gain clarity in what it is they want so I can help lead them on a path to achieve it. I spend all day meeting with people having genuine & vulnerable conversations to help them achieve things they may never have fathomed they can achieve on their own.
This was not an easy shift at all and there are many days that are challenging. First and foremost, I had to pass 4 huge exams just to get fully licensed. Going back to school mentality in your 40’s is not easy. On top of that, it’s constant development as there are many certifications and they all require large-and-in-charge exams. But on top of that, it’s the commitment it requires to build a business from the ground up, build up your client base, hire staff, market yourself, and always deliver an unforgettable experience.
I think the most rewarding part of it is being able to truly provide education and knowledge in an area that I was never educated about growing up. Knowledge is power and if I can help people make intentional decisions for themselves, their futures, and generations to come, I have done a great job!
Additionally, I also own Feminine Frequency Retreats, where I organize in-person retreats incorporating arts, wellness and mind-body-soul connection with a focus around sisterhood. For open-minded, out of the box, real ass women only….Not your typical women’s retreat! There’s probably a ton of other information I can share about this, but it all goes back to filling my cup by filling other’s cups.
In terms of the biggest lesson, I’ve learned along the way and throughout my journey of life up until now, it’s that doors will open and it’s only up to you if you choose to walk through that door and how you walk through that door.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love these questions! For me, I’m all about good music, good food, outdoors, and being active so my week would definitely include some of the following activities:
Absolutely going out for a run! I run with multiple run crews. You can call me the butterfly of run crews LOL whether you want an early morning trail run in Kenneth Hahn Park with the Breakfast Run Club, an evening run through Inglewood with Keep it Run Hundred or Playa with Movement Runners or a Saturday long run with Good Vibes Track Club or Korea Town Run Club, it’s all about people, energy, fresh air and miles. There’s a run and pace for everyone.
For music, I’d probably pick VerseLA in Studio City – incredible ambiance, food, drinks and intimate music (grown & sexy vibe) or Andy’s in WeHo – great food, speak easy vibe and incredible live music.
Some of my favorite restaurants are Sake House Miro (sushi and old school hip-hop/R&B…can’t go wrong), Rice in Manhattan Beach (I’m a vegetarian and best vegan sushi ever), Planta in Marina Del Rey (vegan yummy and beautiful view of the water), Wax On Hi Fi in DTLA (Japanese Creole food and vinyl bar, plus the owner is amazing)…..there’s probably a million incredibly yummy restaurants! I live in LA.
Outdoors, absolutely hit the beach for a sunset! Manhattan is probably the closest and easiest for me. Or a bike ride down the beach path.
In terms of working out, my favorite spot is the PHYT Gym, small boutique, women owned private gym in Leimert Park
And then just lounges, bars…can’t forget about 1010 Wine (black female owned wine bar in Inglewood, close & convenient to me, low-key, and great wine) or a rooftop of sorts is always nice depending on the weather and vibe we’re looking for.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh, this is such a hard one as there have been so many inspirational people who have played such a huge part in my journey up until now. But if I had to choose one person only, it would be my daughter. She is my current inspiration for so much that I do. Not only do I want to show her that she can do anything she dreams of, be anything that she wants, but I show her about the real work that is required to build something and the dedication it takes. My parents both worked super hard to raise me and my sisters, came to America as immigrants and build a wonderful life for us. I want to do the same thing for my daughter, but also really inspire her to step outside of the box. And I guess secondly, would be my parents who have always had my back, always supported me, no matter what I chose to do.
Website: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/sarah-mccann
Instagram: @smallz_femaleadvisor
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mccann-0445a813/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.mccann.31
Other: www.femininefrequencyretreats.com
IG – @femininefrequencyretreats
