Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Shouhayib Alawar.
Sara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was a television news anchor and reporter for the majority of my 20s. Having done the morning news for 5 years, waking up at 2 in the dark morning, I was burnt out. I had also hit my professional goals in the TV news world, so I was ready to venture into something new. Leaving a work identity can be a really challenging time. It takes adjusting, patience, and introspection.
I took stock of my skills and what the TV news industry taught me: public speaking, script writing, polished on-camera presence, and giving a voice and stage to organizations doing some really fantastic philanthropic work. As a journalist, I had emceed dozens of events, working with non-profits and causes I became passionate about, so it was a natural progression to start doing it professionally.
Capital Emcee was officially born in the fall of the year 2022, where it has now grown past its original intent of just professionally emceeing events; I now also offer voice-overs, on-camera marketing videos, commercial and film acting, and soon– auctioneering services.
The first year of starting your own business can never be predicted. I feel blessed to say that it has exceeded my expectations and dreams. I’m very grateful.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’m smirking and chuckling to myself as I answer this because very few who have made it far in life will tell you that their road was even remotely smooth. I’m not sure who to credit this saying to, but it’s one I’ve reminded myself of on this first year of starting my own business… “Sometimes setbacks are the start of some of the greatest comeback stories of all time.” — I firmly believe this. However, it took me until now to truly understand its meaning.
Looking back, I remember receiving a disappointing email one day that I didn’t get the opportunity I had applied for, but just a few hours later, I found out I clinched a different opportunity. On the same day I got a “no”, I also got a “yes.” That was an important lesson for me. Opportunities come and go. Keep going. The no’s are just bumps in the road leading you to an even bigger yes. What is meant for you will come.
Right now, I am a one-woman show. I am my own assistant, co-worker, manager, talent agent, etc. The perks of this situation far outweigh the negatives, but the load is heavy when you carry all of the weight — so it’s all a balance. I enjoy what I do, but I do plan to integrate more support for myself to allow me to think about big-picture items.
The hardest, yet, also easiest, part about starting my business was I did so in a brand-new city where my network was not strong. On one hand, my connection pool is limited, but on the other hand, because I don’t know too many people here, I feel free to explore my interests more and take more risks in my business. Moving to a new city certainly comes with its challenges, but it can also be a really important chapter in self-discovery– that will help you in both your personal and professional life. Taking time to focus on unlocking your inner magic can have really profound effects. Introspection and climbing to your goals is not always pretty– the path will have struggles– it just comes with the territory.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Capital Emcee?
Capital Emcee was founded in November of 2022 by Sara Shouhayib Alawar, a former Emmy Award Winning TV News Journalist. Sara feels very blessed to be able to travel around the United States, emceeing events for various non-profit organizations. She also offers voice-over, on-camera marketing, commercial and film acting, and soon-to-be auctioneering services. Sara lives in the heart of Houston. She can be contacted on her website here: www.capitalemcee.com
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
The best part about H-Town is the food! My husband and I are huge foodies. Trying out new restaurants is one of our favorite pass times, so we love that aspect. The diversity is something we appreciate as well. Everyone’s culture, cuisine, language, religion– feels respected, and that everyone can feel proud of who they are here. That’s a nice, inclusive feeling. The cost of living is fair, and we’re able to live comfortably here. We pretty much have everything we need within the Houston ecosystem– shopping, food, activities, parks, a good music scene, etc. It’s also centrally located in the U.S., so it makes travel within the U.S. and to Mexico so much easier 😉
What I dislike most is the lack of exciting nature here. I wish we had a body of water a mountain, or I would even settle for a hill! I lived in California before moving to Houston and grew up spending time on the lakes of Michigan so that part has been a tough transition for me. The potholes and unleveled sidewalks are also a problem. We’ve had 3 flat tires since moving here, and we have to skateboard and rollerblade in the street. Lastly, where are the recycling programs? We definitely need easier access in stores, public parks, apartment complexes, etc.
All in all though, Houston has been good to us and we feel overwhelmingly blessed. The people are friendly, the sunshine is stellar, and because this is where my husband and I began our marriage journey, it will forever be a special place in our hearts.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.capitalemcee.com
- Instagram: @saracapitalemcee
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarashouhayibTV/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-shouhayib-alawar-9b870041/
Image Credits
Jacqueline Pilar
Ray Alghadban
