Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Shoulak
Hi Sarah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
This isn’t the first time I’ve been featured by the Orlando Voyager. There have been a few opportunities to share the depth of my story along the way, but this was the first time that the deeply personal side of my life was colliding with the professional side of my persona in a very public way.
Usually, my spotlights in the media were either focused on my creative endeavors or on the more LinkedIn-facing updates about my progress in business. At the end of 2023, however, I had a whole new goal in my sights. More specifically, I wanted to turn the networking and socializing scene on its head by hosting more 100% alcohol-free events to allow sober any dry-curious people to confidently participate in our events.
Alongside that goal, I made another big bet on myself by signing a contract to write an official memoir manifesto to be released in 2026. This book will talk about some of the darker moments in my past, but with a beautiful, bright, message to come out of it.
In both of these endeavors, there’s very little room to hide. There’s not a lot of shadows, just straight vulnerability. At the end of the day, however, I believe that my mission is to share my story and my experiences so that people who struggle with the same feelings of grief, shame, and need to improve self love will feel seen.
The book is halfway a letter to the world and the other half, a letter to myself.
When it comes to the non-alcoholic socializing, that’s just pure fun and joy. The whole point of our Sober Betties (retro dress-up) group is to go out and have a great time without alcohol. So, if we’re not having a great time, we’re not doing it right.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In terms of these two main goals for 2025, I would have to say, I’m getting ready for a bumpy ride. The Sober Betties entity is essentially operating as a start-up as we scale up a variety of different experiences for locals and group members outside of the Central Florida area alike.
The book feels more stable since I have a strong, established publishing house working with me on the project. The challenges that come with reflecting on these stories will be internal, making sure that I don’t spend too long reliving the past and being present in those emotions.
As we all make progress on our individual mental health journeys, it’s important to acknowledge the progress that we’ve made along the way and not revert into old behaviors and habits when the triggers return. I know that the final outcome of releasing the book will serve as a resource for others, but in the meantime, I want to take my time and give myself the space I need to tell the stories without burning out or lashing out.
The most beautiful part of both of these projects is the waves of support that I receive when I talk about them.
When I make my pitch for Sober Betties, I’m often met with people’s personal history with alcohol, alcoholism, or just society’s pressure to make socialization all about booze. It feels like a place where everyone can meet in the middle, knowing there’s a time and a place for conscious consumption and a time when moderation or abstinence is the way to go. It’s all up to the individual.
On the rare occasions when I’ve tested out my pitch for the book, you can tell that people find it intriguing. It’s not everyday that someone would want to write about death, let alone all of the major, impactful deaths in their life. The funny thing about it, is that there’s still a bright side, even with the darkest of subjects.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Sober Betties?
When people ask what Sober Betties is all about, I try to keep it simple with the four main elements of our creed:
(1) No alcohol: The one major rule. You don’t need to be 100% sober to support Sober Betties, but the events are all completely non-alcoholic. We’re showing that we don’t need it all the time to enjoy our friends.
(2) Supportive: We’re not a religious group or a therapy group, but we are here for you. These events are sure to hype you up and get you motivated to crush your goals. No bad vibes.
(3) Dress-Up: This part is definitely what enhances the experience of Sober Betties events. Channel your inner pin-up and come dressed to impress. Whatever makes you feel confident and badass.
(4) Have Fun: This is a social experiment, a new way of having social interactions centered around the things we do and experience rather than alcohol. Get ready to rockabilly!
The types of events we’ve hosted have included two meetups, a tea party, a picnic, and a private birthday party. We have also hosted additional events for our Shirley Temple Society Members Only like brunches and Mastermind sessions. We’re excited to have a photo shoot coming up at the end of March 2025, so check our website for info about that.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I am happiest when I feel helpful and important to those around me. If I can help the people around me feel better, achieve their dreams, or just get through a rough path, I’m grateful. Not everyone is good at connecting with people and making them feel comfortable with them. Through years of working in hospitality and even driving for Uber for a short time, you interact with a wide variety of people.
Maybe it’s the “Kumbaya” in me, but I love when people find common ground and find ways to connect more deeply. That’s what I hope Sober Betties helps with in a small way and even my memoir. As many people have said over the years, you need to love yourself before you can deeply love others. By hearing my stories and struggles with self-love, I hope that readers find ways to give themselves some extra grace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://soberbetties.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soberbetties/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/soberbetties
- Other: http://linktr.ee/soberbetties
Image Credits
Mangione Studios
Kevin Meza Photography
