We had the good fortune of connecting with Sidney Benvenisti and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Sidney, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Regarding work, something super important to me is still finding time for myself, quality time with friends and family, and, of course, schoolwork. Work can dictate our lives so much that when I started having multiple jobs, I needed to find the correct balance. Clearly defining work hours and personal time helped prevent burnout and frustration and helped me maintain a healthy balance. Transparency with brands, bosses, and myself helped me set boundaries that made me feel a lot less stressed. My brain is constantly asking the question, “What do we need to do next?” So, the best way for me to stay organized is to visually see everything I need to do. I like to write down my list of things to do, whether it comes to work, schoolwork, or day-to-day life. It not only helps keep my life organized but also my brain.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I first want to say that being creative is one of the hardest things someone can be. Creativity is not like math or science, where there is a clear-cut answer. It is something completely inspired by you or something you’ve seen. I have been fortunate to be inspired and motivated by the people around me, influencers, and celebrities. My work is a reflection of my unique perspective and experiences. One of the best parts of being in the creative world is that anything and everything can be art.
One aspect of my work that I am most proud of is my role in my sorority as Director of Apparel and my dedication to helping those struggling with mental health. As the Director of Apparel for my sorority, I was extremely excited to create pieces that women would enjoy wearing because when you look good, you feel good. I study fashion business management and marketing, which I believe has been a huge part of my success, along with social media being a significant part of my life since I was little. I swear I’ve had a camera in my hand ever since I was born. I’ve been making videos since I was nine years old.
I’ve struggled with mental health myself and have faced countless challenges. However, sharing those struggles has helped me feel less alone and has also helped others move in the right direction to overcome their challenges. This is something I cherish deeply because my small words in a video can change someone’s whole life perspective.
Some lessons I’ve learned along the way include realizing that, at the end of the day, the person who is constantly by your side is yourself. It’s important not to beat yourself up when going through your journey of success because you won’t get anywhere without self-support. I also saw a video the other day that resonated with me. A lady said, “I am going to be someone someday, just wait,” and a man responded, “You are already somebody right now.” I think this is an important message because we often get caught up in how many followers we have or how many designer bags we own compared to others, but none of that matters. What matters is the self-love you have for yourself and your work. I’m happy to have learned these lessons early in life because they help me become more successful every day.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting me, I would want to show them the best time ever. Since I am still a student at ASU, the first thing I would want to show them is my campus. There’s so much to see at ASU, and I’d love to give them a tour of everything I love about it. Along with the highlights on campus, Arizona has so many more amazing places to explore, from Tempe to Scottsdale, Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and more!
I think it would be super cool to take my friend to see Sedona, Flagstaff, and the Grand Canyon. My friends and I did a weekend trip to these places, and I had the most fun. I’d love to do the same with my friend to show her how great Arizona is. People often think Arizona is just unbearably hot and forget that we have four seasons; it just depends on where you are in the state.
Now, for the most important thing—food. Let me tell you about my favorite places, which are an automatic yes when it comes to bringing people to dinner. One of the first places I ever went to was Culinary Dropout. I love the scene and vibe there, along with the people. All the waitstaff and management are the sweetest, and they always have the cutest outfits. I will say that the menu is small, but nothing beats their hot pretzel fondue!
Another place I love is in Scottsdale, called Loco Patron. They have specials on Taco Tuesday, and most of the time, they have a DJ. There’s nothing better than good food and good music. Arizona is such a unique state to be in, and I am so thankful I chose to be out here.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are not enough words to fully express the amount of credit and recognition my family deserves. Their unwavering support, love, and encouragement have been my motivation from the very beginning. They never doubted or second-guessed me through every challenge. They constantly offer guidance and understanding and always celebrate my achievements. Specifically, I want to thank my mom. I am my mom’s biggest fan, and she is mine. Her belief in me has been a constant source of strength, and I would never have been able to balance everything in my life without her by my side. So, Mom, thank you for being my rock and for always reminding me of the importance of family, love, and laughter. This recognition is as much yours as it is mine.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidneybenvenisti/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sidney-benvenisti-35519a281/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHEIqHss4SZ9wlQnYLkmAjw
Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sidneybenvenisti