Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Shamsi.
Hi Sara, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When my husband and I got married in 2023, we were very intentional about every detail of our wedding. We didn’t want to choose favors just because they were pretty or traditional, we wanted to give our guests something meaningful, something they could actually use and that would remind them of our wedding day.
After a lot of brainstorming, we chose prayer mats. Prayer is such an important part of our lives, and we use our prayer mats at least five times a day. It felt special to share something that was genuinely a part of our lifestyle with the people we loved.
What made it even more meaningful was hearing from family and friends months and even years later that they were still using them. Knowing that something we chose for our wedding had become part of their everyday lives and continued to remind them of that day really stayed with me.
Looking back, I think that’s where the heart of Saroma began, even though I didn’t know it at the time.
I’ve always been a creative person and have loved design and creating things from a young age. I explored architecture in university, and I’ve always dreamed of building something of my own, something where I could bring my creativity and ideas to life.
In the summer of 2025, I finally gave myself the time to explore that idea. I spent months researching and brainstorming, asking myself, What could I create that people would genuinely connect with? What could become part of a memory?
And I kept coming back to perfume.
I’ve always loved fragrance, but what really drew me to it was how personal it is. A scent can instantly bring you back to a person, a place, or a special moment. That’s when I realized I could create the same feeling I experienced with our wedding favors.
I didn’t want to simply create another perfume brand. I wanted to create an experience something people could enjoy together, be creative with, and take home as a reminder of a special moment.
That idea became Saroma.
In a way, Saroma was inspired by something I learned at my own wedding: the most meaningful details are often the ones that continue to live with you long after the celebration is over.
That’s what I hope to create for others: a beautiful experience, a fragrance that feels uniquely theirs, and a memory that lingers long after the event is over.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I don’t think anything is ever a completely smooth ride, but I can honestly say that my journey with Saroma has been so much better than I ever expected when I first started.
I launched Saroma at my friend’s baby shower, and the amount of love and positive feedback I received was honestly overwhelming. I never expected it to grow or take off the way it did, and I’m forever grateful for every person who has supported us, encouraged us, and reminded us to keep going.
Of course, there have been challenges along the way. One of the biggest has been learning how to balance being a new business owner while still having a personal life and making sure the business doesn’t completely take over. I’m still learning that balance!
And then there’s the very practical side of entrepreneurship like learning how to back up a trailer. I still haven’t mastered that one, so I’ll have to update you when I finally do! For now, my husband has definitely been my biggest help.
It has also become a little tradition where my family and friends come over before events and everyone pitches in to help me get everything ready. Seeing the people I love come together to support something I built means more to me than I can really put into words.
I truly don’t think I would be where I am today without them.
So, while there have definitely been obstacles, I’m grateful for every single one. Every challenge has taught me something, pushed me to grow, and reminded me that building a business is about so much more than just the business itself. It’s about the people you meet, the people who believe in you, and everything you learn along the way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Saroma is and will always be my baby, and I’m incredibly invested in continuing to grow and build the business. At the same time, interior design has also been a passion of mine that I’m actively pursuing. I previously worked as an interior design assistant at AA, and I’m currently working alongside an interior designer on different projects while also designing and working on my own home. I’ve been using every opportunity to learn, gain experience, and continue developing my eye and knowledge of the industry. I have so many goals and aspirations for myself, and I don’t see myself having to choose just one path. I want to continue growing Saroma while also building myself within the interior design world and always finding new ways to grow creatively, personally, and professionally.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is spending summers in Syria and visiting my parents’ mountain house. My dad is one of eight siblings, and at the time, there were around 40 grandchildren, many more today. Whenever we all got together, it truly felt like the whole family was there.
We would stay at the mountain house for a few days, and somehow, everyone would fit into a two-bedroom house with one huge living room. By the end of the night, there wouldn’t be any empty floor space because mattresses would be laid out everywhere.
And honestly, those were some of the best days.
We would stay up late together, wake up early, and take in the beautiful mountain views and morning fog that felt like you could almost touch it. Sometimes, the electricity would go out, and instead of it ruining the night, we would all gather around the table with candles lit everywhere, playing cards, laughing, and simply enjoying being together.
Looking back, it was never about having a big house or everything being perfect. It was about having everyone you loved together in one place. The memories came from those simple moments sitting around a table, laughing with family, and being surrounded by the people you love.
I think that feeling is a big part of what Saroma means to me.
Saroma is about being part of those special moments when everyone comes together whether it’s a wedding, baby shower, birthday, or another milestone. We get to create an experience where people can gather, connect, and create something together. At the end of the day, they leave with a bottle of fragrance that can hopefully bring them right back to that moment.
Because sometimes, all it takes is one scent to bring back a memory and that is exactly what I hope Saroma can do: help people hold onto the moments they never want to forget.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saroma.fl/
