SOAKIBA - Creative Vision, Purpose & Presence
An editorial conversation with Sarah Akiba Benaim — founder, stylist, and visionary behind The Spaces.
Born in Paris and raised in Miami, Sarah Akiba Benaim has built more than a creative career — she has built spaces. Spaces for artistry, for women, for dialogue, and for intention.
Known professionally as Soakiba, she moves between styling, creative direction, and philanthropy with clarity and control — shaping not only images, but impact.
Sarah, your career has so many facets , from celebrity styling to creative direction, philanthropy, and creating “The Spaces.” How did you first discover your passion for fashion and design? What was the moment you realized this could be your life path?
My passion for fashion and design was truly ingrained in me from birth. I was immersed in the worlds of fashion and art growing up—my mother had magical hands and owned her own boutique in Paris, where she created crocheted pieces that people would line up for, and my father also owned his own clothing line called Performance Sport. Creativity and craftsmanship were always part of our everyday life. But my deepest love for aesthetics really began at the dinner table. As a young girl, setting the table for Jewish holidays with my mother became a ritual and a form of expression. We would start by choosing a color palette and inspiration, then carefully gather the fabrics, napkins, cutlery, plating, candles, and accessories to bring our vision to life. Those moments taught me how storytelling, emotion, and beauty could exist within design. In many ways, the dinner table was where my passion truly flourished—and where I first realized that creating experiences through visual harmony could be my life’s path.
You founded the AWOM Foundation (Angel Watching Over Me) and AWOM Girls Club, which support people through grief and empower young women. What motivated you to start these initiatives, and how have they shaped your purpose?
I founded the AWOM Foundation in 2015 after my father passed away from lung cancer. After finishing college, fashion no longer felt like my sole purpose. I knew my calling was bigger, and the only way I could begin to heal myself was by helping others. I started with a support group for people who had lost loved ones, creating a space for connection, understanding, and shared grief. Over eight years, AWOM grew into a true community—one that helped people survive one of the hardest experiences of their lives while building a family outside of their own, ensuring no one ever felt alone and that our angels were never forgotten. In many ways, fashion still lived within AWOM from the very beginning. It started with a hat I designed that read “Angel Watching Over Me.” I sold about 300 of them and donated all the proceeds to the American Lung Cancer Association. While I was proud of that effort, I wanted to create something more personal and direct, where I could truly see the impact of the work—so I built AWOM from the ground up. AWOM Girls Club came into my life through what I believe was divine timing. A woman walked into my mother’s store searching for teacups for a mother-daughter tea party she was organizing for underprivileged girls at a local middle school. One conversation led to another, and within days I met an incredible woman named Audrey. Three days later, I had put together a full fashion show for the girls—styling them head to toe, bringing in a DJ, organizing gift bags, and rallying my fashion community to help with hair and makeup. That day, I saw just how powerful it was to show these girls that they are loved, beautiful, and worthy of being seen and heard. I became “Ms. Sarah” that day—and from then on, I simply kept showing up every Friday.
Your podcast "That’s So Akiba" focuses on resilience, creativity and inner growth. How do you decide which topics to explore, and what impact do you hope each episode has on listeners?
I’m deeply driven by inspiration. Whether I’m creating a mood board to set the tone for my week or being intentional about who I follow and learn from, I surround myself with people and ideas that challenge me to grow. Choosing topics for my podcast follows that same instinct. I always start by asking myself, “Who is inspiring me right now, and why?” I also pride myself on the relationships I’ve built across fashion, philanthropy, and honestly, from the streets to the studios. Those diverse connections are what make the conversations so real. I believe struggle is your superpower—it’s where the most meaningful dialogue begins. Each episode explores how my guests, or myself, transformed hardship into purpose and growth. The purpose of That’s So Akiba is to create honest conversations that people can truly learn from. I want listeners to walk away feeling empowered, thinking, “I can use this to become a better version of myself.” That journey—from struggle to thriving—is what defines That’s So Akiba.
Your career demands creativity, endurance, and constant reinvention. What does your daily beauty and self-care routine look like , especially on busy days when you’re juggling many roles?
Constant reinvention is truly my daily driving force. I’ve never been afraid to evolve—whether that means creating a new look or launching an entirely new venture. It’s what keeps me inspired and excited about life. It might also be why I’m not a millionaire yet, because I tend to dabble in many passions, but I wouldn’t trade that for anything. Creativity, for me, is about staying curious and alive. My version of self-care doesn’t follow a rigid formula. On most days, it looks like waking up early, moving my body, journaling what I’m grateful for, enjoying my morning coffee, taking a quiet moment with G-d, and then stepping into my workday grounded and intentional. Now, at seven months pregnant, self-care has shifted into something softer and more intuitive. It looks like slowing down and truly savoring moments—no strict rules, no rushing, just allowing myself the time to write, reflect, and focus on what matters most. It’s also learning to say no to anything that isn’t a hard yes. As for beauty, I keep it simple and nourishing. Lately, I’ve been loving Korean skincare and really focusing on hydration and glow rather than heavy makeup. For me, beauty starts with honoring where I am in life and letting that season guide how I care for myself.
Many young women look up to you for your style, confidence, and business sense. What advice would you give to a girl who wants to build a career like yours , especially in fashion, beauty, or content creation?
My biggest advice is to build real relationships and never underestimate the power of connection. Work hard, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to say yes to opportunities that stretch you—especially early on. Sometimes working for free can be a smart investment if the experience, exposure, or mentorship truly moves you closer to where you want to go. It’s also important to have a sense of direction. Know what excites you and where you want to grow, but don’t overthink every step. Action creates clarity. Trust your instincts, take the leap, and learn as you go. Momentum comes from movement— so just go.
Creativity and vision can be exhilarating but also exhausting. Where do you find your energy and motivation to continue creating, even during challenging times?
Everything begins with vision for me—usually in the form of a Pinterest board the moment an idea pops into my head. That visual process is what brings a concept to life and motivates me to see it through, whether it’s a creative project or a full shoot. Once I can see it, I feel driven to build it. Taking care of myself is also part of how I stay energized. Looking good, feeling good, and doing good are deeply connected for me. When I nurture my own well-being, I’m able to show up more fully for everything else. But above all, people are my greatest source of energy. Community, connection, and the possibility of helping others fuel my creativity. Knowing that something I create might inspire someone—or make them feel seen or empowered—is what truly keeps me going. If I can uplift even one person, then I’m living in my purpose.
Looking ahead , what are you most excited about in your future projects? Are there any dreams or ventures you’re pursuing next?
Right now, my most meaningful and exciting project is becoming a mother and growing my family. I’m entering a season of life where creation looks different, but feels even more profound. Getting to know my baby, building our bond, and nurturing this new chapter feels like my greatest work yet. God willing, this will be my most beautiful creation so far—not just in what I make, but in who I become.
A lot of your community loves how openly you share your life, including the personal and meaningful chapters. With that in mind — how do you feel about your upcoming journey into motherhood? What has this next chapter taught you so far?
This next chapter has truly taught me to slow down and savor the moments. Life moves so quickly, and becoming a mother has reminded me how important it is to be present—for every little milestone, every quiet moment, and every joy along the way. I want to soak it all in and fully experience this journey, because these moments are fleeting and so precious.
And finally. If you could send one message directly to your supporters and fans right now, what would you want them to hear?
I want to thank everyone for their incredible support. My hope is that my journey continues to inspire you to pursue your dreams and do remarkable things. Everything you want is possible—you just have to believe in yourself and be willing to put in the work. Keep going, keep creating, and never doubt your own power.
Sarah Akiba Benaim
Stylist and Founder of The Spaces , AWOM Foundation & Papathankssomuch
Miami
soakiba.com | @soakiba
