Sarah Kana-ah, a seasoned radio personality at the BBC for over a decade, has embarked on a transformative journey as a content creator, advocating for women’s empowerment and mental health awareness. Her path in the digital space began through modeling, a venture she initially pursued to rebuild her confidence and sense of identity after enduring a traumatic domestic violence relationship at a young age. “I started in modeling to help build my confidence and my identity back because I went through a domestic violence relationship when I was quite young,” she shares.

Sarah’s journey took an unexpected turn when she discovered the world of beauty pageants. Despite her initial hesitation and lack of experience, she decided to enter a pageant that was raising money for a cancer charity, a cause close to her heart as her father battled the disease at the time. “I wanted to raise money for a cancer charity. And that’s how I started pageants,” she explains. Through pageantry, Sarah not only found a platform to support a meaningful cause but also discovered a transformative opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery.

Stepping out of her comfort zone and onto the stage, Sarah faced her fears head-on. She recalls her first pageant experience, where she placed in the top 12 out of over 50 women in the Miss Galaxy pageant. “I was nervous going out on stage, but when I did it, I felt like I was capable of anything,” she reflects. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a journey that would lead her to embrace her true potential and find her voice in social media as an advocate for change.

Creating Safe Spaces and Empowering Communities

Empowered by her own growth, Sarah recognized the potential to make a difference in the lives of others through her social media presence. She founded a female empowerment Facebook group, creating a safe space for survivors of abuse to connect, share experiences, and uplift one another. “After I’ve built my own confidence back, I wanted to help other women that have been through the same as me,” she explains.

Alongside her empowerment group, Sarah also runs a mental health community that welcomes both men and women, acknowledging the intersection of abuse and mental health struggles. “I think it comes hand in hand, if you’ve been through abuse, you struggle with anxiety, depression… It’s all in the same umbrella,” she states. By creating these inclusive spaces, Sarah aims to break down stigmas, promote healing, and foster a sense of belonging for those who have faced adversity.

Sarah’s Partnership and Advocacy Work

Sarah’s partnership with Sintillate Talent, an agency she has been working with for four years, has been instrumental in amplifying her message and extending her reach. She praises the agency for its commitment to raising awareness about critical issues such as mental health and women’s health. “Sintillate and Sinan – Talent Director – are amazing, he’s really supportive and encourages everyone every day,” she says. Through her collaboration with Sintillate Talent, Sarah has been able to participate in initiatives that align with her values and mission.

This purposeful partnership has not only provided Sarah with a platform to share her message but has also enabled her to connect with a wider audience, making a profound impact on the lives of those who resonate with her story and advocacy.

She regularly receives messages from followers expressing how her content has helped them navigate difficult situations and find the strength to make positive changes in their lives. “A guy said ‘Your post really got me because I realized that my partner, she is actually like that. I never thought of it like that,” she shares, highlighting the impact of her work on shifting perspectives and promoting understanding.

One particularly poignant message came from a young woman who found the courage to leave an abusive situation thanks to Sarah’s content. These testimonies serve as a powerful reminder of the real-life impact of Sarah’s advocacy and the importance of creating safe spaces and resources for those in need.

Despite the progress made in recent years, Sarah recognizes the persistent lack of education and awareness surrounding abuse and mental health, particularly in schools. “I just think there’s lack of awareness because in schools you don’t really get what’s right or what’s wrong in relationships,” she points out. She actively seeks to address this gap in education through her work. Sarah envisions collaborating with schools and colleges to provide workshops, presentations, and resources that equip young people with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate relationships and maintain their mental well-being. “That is really what I want to do, going to schools or making little books so children can, when they’re leaving school, know the signs of what is acceptable,” she shares.

The Role of Brands and Agencies in Mental Health Awareness

Looking at the broader landscape of the creator economy, Sarah believes that brands and agencies have a crucial role to play in supporting creators who speak about mental health awareness. While some agencies, like Sintillate Talent, actively promote these important conversations, she acknowledges that more can be done across the industry.  She suggests that brands and agencies can make a significant impact by normalizing discussions about mental health, sharing educational content on their platforms, and collaborating with creators who are passionate about the cause. “I just think touching on it and talking about it and making it a normal conversation and sharing more on their platforms,” she proposes. By leveraging their influence and resources, brands and agencies can play a vital role in breaking down stigmas and providing support to those in need.

Furthermore, Sarah highlights the importance of financial support for mental health charities and organizations. “I just think there’s more they could do to raise a bit of their money to go towards charities,” she suggests. She believes that by directing a portion of their profits towards these essential services, brands and agencies can make a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health issues. “I think there’s a lot of work to be done,” Sarah emphasizes. However, she remains hopeful and determined to continue using her platform and voice to drive positive change.

Looking Ahead: Goals and Aspirations

As Sarah looks to the future, she has ambitious goals and aspirations for her work as a creator and advocate for women’s empowerment. She aims to continue growing her platforms to keep spreading her message and connecting with her audience, hoping to empower her followers to speak up and take action.

She also aims to create a self-help book or workbook specifically designed for survivors of abuse. “Maybe like a ten-day self-help, for survivors to help really build confidence, self-esteem and keep women or men away from the toxic cycle,” she explains. By providing accessible resources and guidance, Sarah aims to support individuals in their healing journey and prevent them from falling back into harmful patterns.

In addition to her writing endeavors, Sarah has already conducted talks and self-defense presentations at women’s centers, addressing issues such as domestic violence, mental health difficulties, and substance abuse. “I have done talks in women’s centers for women that have been through domestic violence, mental health difficulties, drug and alcohol addiction,” she shares. By partnering with these institutions, Sarah hopes to make a tangible impact on the lives of those who need it most.

As Sarah looks to the future, her commitment to empowering survivors and advocating for mental health awareness remains at the forefront of her mission. With ambitious goals and aspirations, she continues to use her platform as a catalyst for change, hoping to inspire her followers to speak up, take action, and challenge the stigma surrounding abuse and mental health. “I believe that by sharing our stories and supporting one another, we can create a ripple effect of healing and empowerment,” Sarah reflects. “Together, we can break the cycle of abuse and build a future where everyone feels safe, heard, and supported.”