Fifteen years. It feels surreal to say that out loud. When I look back on the journey of Sapahn, I’m in awe—not just of what we’ve built but of the courage it took to even begin. If I could sit down with my younger self, the woman who first dreamed of creating something meaningful, I’d tell her to trust herself more. I’d tell her that while the road ahead would be anything but smooth, it would be worth every twist and turn. It would be rich in connection, rich in change and rewarding beyond belief.
Starting Sapahn wasn’t just about launching a business; it was about stepping into the unknown with nothing but a deep belief in my WHY—to empower others, creating meaningful change. That WHY has been my anchor through every challenge, every doubt, every moment when quitting felt like the easier option. And believe me, there were moments when I asked myself, “Why am I doing this?” But the answer always came back to this: because Sapahn is more than a brand. It’s a reflection of my values, my dreams, and my hope for others—especially women—to feel connected to themselves, to live their dreams, and to elevate others along the way.
The Early Days: Courage and Connection
When Sapahn began, I was traveling 2,500 miles across Thailand by local transportation, meeting artisans in remote villages and building collections of scarves, baskets, silver jewelry, and more. Those days were exhilarating. I was fueled by curiosity and a desire to create opportunities for these talented artisans—women like Marie Tu, whose life was transformed because we created the opportunity for her to study in Thailand and break free from the cycle of poverty. Being the bridge for someone else’s dreams has always been one of Sapahn’s guiding principles. It’s not just a business mantra; it’s a way of life.
But as Sapahn grew, so did the challenges. To sustain the business for the long haul, I had to make tough decisions—like focusing on our leather handbags, which accounted for 90% of our revenue. Letting go of those early artisan products was heartbreaking because they represented so much of what Sapahn stood for. Yet even in that pivot, our commitment to doing business differently never wavered. We didn’t cut corners or lower wages as our volume increased. We stayed true to our values and the way we do business because those values are what make Sapahn special.
The Lessons Business Teaches You
Owning a business is like holding up a mirror—it forces you to see yourself clearly. Over these 15 years, I’ve learned that you never truly “arrive.” There’s always room for growth, new questions to ask, and new problems to solve. This constant evolution has shaped me as much as it has shaped Sapahn.
I grew up alongside this business—in my 20s and 30s while navigating marriage, motherhood, and countless milestones. The lessons have been humbling: how to pivot when things don’t go as planned (which is often), how to stay balanced when life throws curveballs (like tariffs or a global pandemic), and how to keep showing up even when doubt creeps in.
When I’ve wanted to quit—and yes, those moments have come—I’ve learned to pause and ask myself three questions:
- If I could wave a magic wand and fix this problem, would I still want to quit
-
- Action: Write down the problems so they don’t live only in my head, and also make a list of 3 people who can get me closer to a solution for each problem.
- What would my life—and the lives of others—look like without Sapahn?
- Does my WHY still hold true?
Every time, the answers have kept me going. Even when problems felt overwhelming, there was always a next step or solution waiting to be uncovered.
The Power of Saying Yes
One of the most transformative lessons from these years has been the power of saying YES—to opportunities, to connections, to curiosity. What many people don’t realize is that I had no background in fashion, design, or had ever taken an art class or worked retail, yet here I was starting a global fashion brand and starting with the very entry point, supply chain. Early in Sapahn’s journey, I booked a trip to Vegas for a market show with no idea what I was doing or who I’d meet. A chance conversation at a bar led me to Reno—a mentor who was larger than life. He gave me a crash course in the fashion industry over three days in LA. He introduced me to showrooms, designers, fabric shops—everything I needed to know but didn’t yet realize I needed.
That experience taught me something invaluable: you don’t have to have all the answers; you just have to put yourself in the room where opportunities happen. Looking back now, I miss those early days of jumping on planes and chasing ideas with nothing but passion and possibility fueling me.
What Keeps Me Going
Sapahn isn’t just my career; it’s intertwined with my life’s purpose. It’s given me a way to express my creativity, bringing women together while making an impact—a job that feels less like work and more like living out my dreams every day. When I think about why this journey has been so fulfilling, it comes down to connection: connection with our artisans in Thailand who pour their hearts into every piece they create; connection with our customers who believe in our mission; and connection with my team here in the U.S., many of whom found community and purpose through working with Sapahn.
One dream that remains close to my heart is hosting a group trip to Thailand—bringing women together to meet our artisans firsthand and experience the beauty of the “Land of Smiles.” Travel has this incredible way of deepening our awareness of ourselves and the world around us. My hope is that such an experience would inspire others to see new possibilities for their own lives.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate 15 years, I’m filled with gratitude—for everyone who has been part of this journey and for all that we’ve built together. But I’m also filled with hope for what’s next: expanding opportunities for our artisans, reintroducing some of those early product lines that started it all, collaborating with like-minded brands and women, and continuing to grow in ways that stay true to our values.
If there’s one thing these years have taught me, it’s that success isn’t about arriving at some final destination—it’s about staying open, staying curious, and staying connected to your WHY. So here’s my question for you: What are you saying YES to next? What room do you need to step into? Because if there’s one thing I know for sure after 15 years with Sapahn, it’s that magic happens when you trust yourself enough to take that first step.
Thank you for being part of this journey—for believing in Sapahn and all that it stands for. Here’s to 15 years—and many more beautiful moments ahead.
With gratitude and love,
Brooke
