Meet Dr. Sara Jahansouz Wray | Blogger & Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Sara Jahansouz Wray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Sara, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My ability to create balance in my life has shifted tremendously since taking on the roles of wife & mother. When I was single and working in higher education as a Dean, my entire life revolved around my career. It was where I found my worth & the most central part of my identity. While I miss the energy of a college campus, working for myself has allowed me to embrace other aspects of my identity beyond how I earn a paycheck!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve always been dedicated to lifelong learning. By the time I was 29; I had earned a Bachelor’s Degree, two Master’s Degrees, and a doctorate from four different universities. I began serving in a university dean role at the age of 25 and sat as a senior student affairs officer at 31.

My entire identity within higher education shifted in April 2020. I was six weeks postpartum from the birth of my son, Shepherd. I was on unpaid maternity leave and was riffed from my job. For the first time in my life, since the age of 14, I was unemployed.

For 8 months, I coped with the job loss by taking too much Xanax and drinking red wine. This turned into one of the greatest gifts of my life because it led me to sobriety, which has truly been the greatest tool to my recent success.

I had a small following on social media where I had casually sold my used designer clothing and accessories. When I got sober I shifted my focus to blogging about fashion and my life. I also started spending a great deal of my time doing service work at two addiction treatment centers in Houston.

All of this has led to an incredible life spent blogging and speaking about my recovery journey. I’ve been so overwhelmed by the love and support I’ve received from the community I’ve created on social media and in the Houston area. I’m so very grateful that my career no longer defines my worth. I love setting my own schedule and spending time with my friends and family.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Breakfast at Egghaus for a churro croissant and Nutella iced coffee!

Morning at Discovery Green exploring! Love the paddle boats!

Lunch at Sweet Paris Highland Village for a savory crepe!

Followed by visiting the best team at Lilly Pulitzer Houston Highland Village!

We love the Fort Bend Children’s Museum & River Park Splash Pad in Sugar Land…followed by a nice walk in our neighborhood in Greatwood.

Our go-to dinner spot for guests is B&B Butchers. This is our absolute favorite restaurant! Everything Berg Hospitality touches turns to gold! We are so excited for the opening of B.B. Italia in Sugar Land!

And, some pool time in the evening! My kids are little fish & our out-of-town friends love spending time in our pool!

Hotel ZaZa is a favorite for out of town guests! We love the Monarch Restaurant on-site!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m so grateful for the inspiration my children Rory Rose & Shepherd provide me each day. They have truly taught me how to have fun and that life is so much more than a title on a business card!

My husband, Mike Wray, has been such an important part of my entrepreneurial journey! He helps me think outside of the box and has been my number one cheerleader as I transitioned career paths.

Website: www.Amazon.com/shop/dr.wray

Instagram: @dr.Wray

Linkedin: Sara Jahansouz Wray

Facebook: Dr.Wray

Image Credits
Sweet Pecks Photography