Meet Dani Sarich | BY YOUR SIDE | Mother's Day 2024

Dani is a dynamic entrepreneur and devoted mother of three, whose journey spans from the vibrant streets of Rio De Janeiro to the tranquil shores of Avalon, Australia. With a deep-rooted connection to nature and a passion for family, she navigates the delicate balance between running a business and nurturing her children with grace and determination.

Inspired by her Indigenous Brazilian heritage and driven by her entrepreneurial spirit, Dani's story embodies resilience, love, and the pursuit of a life well-lived.

Tell us about yourself, your journey and what led you to become the woman you are today?

I was born in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, and moved to Australia in my mid-teens. Since then, Australia has been my home. I'm married to my creative husband, who grew up in WA. Together, we have three amazing kids, aged 6, 11, and 13. We live in what I affectionately call "paradise," Avalon, where we enjoy a beautiful sense of community, surrounded by nature's abundance and the ocean, which is a significant part of who I am. Diving into the sea balances my emotions and gives me a true sense of being alive.

My background is Indigenous Brazilian. My great-grandmother belonged to a tribe called “Pataxo” (the sound of waves breaking on rocks), which thrived by the sea. Perhaps my connection to the ocean is rooted in a long history based on how my ancestors lived. I have a marketing background and have worked in the fashion industry for many years. After having my first baby, it made sense to join forces with my husband and run our own business. This decision has led us on countless adventures and has provided us with the opportunity to be present in our kids' lives.

What does motherhood mean to you?

Motherhood has been my greatest achievement as a woman. It was a profoundly humbling and the proudest moment in my life. Instantly, it changed my perspective on the world and the people around me. The love I experienced was so powerful that it showed me the true essence of magic. Motherhood is both a learning and a wonderful teaching experience. When we fully embrace and surrender to its rawness, we create powerful connections and experiences. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to raise strong, compassionate, and thoughtful individuals who will lead meaningful, wise, and joyful lives.

How do you celebrate or cope with Mothers Day?

Mother's Day at our house is celebrated with a day of pure relaxation and togetherness. There are no agendas, just waking up to loads of cuddles and beautiful cards. If I'm lucky, I might even get breakfast in bed! But the ultimate goal is to spend the day as a family, whether it's picnicking in the park, enjoying the beach, or having lunch somewhere special.

I absolutely cherish family time, and having a whole day dedicated to it is an amazing treat. There's nothing quite like spending time together, especially when the kids are all getting along! And of course, a glass of bubbles somewhere along the way!

Something you love and admire about your own Mother?

My mother is one of the strongest people I know. She has made some tough decisions, which, despite being incredibly difficult to understand at the time, have ultimately changed our lives for the better and given each one of my siblings and me the opportunity to lead wonderful lives. I admire her courage, drive, and unwavering determination to do whatever it takes to rectify fundamental mistakes, all in order to give her children a second chance. Her strength and resilience continue to inspire me every day.

Dani, as a mother of three and an entrepreneur how do you manage the delicate balance between family life and business?

As a mother of three and an entrepreneur, managing the delicate balance between family life and business, for me, is all about prioritization, organization, and effective time management. I make sure to set clear boundaries between work and family time, ensuring that I'm fully present in both aspects of my life when needed.  Open communication with my family is also key, as it helps to ensure everyone's needs are met and expectations are clear. Overall, finding this balance is an ongoing process, but by being adaptable, it helps me navigate both worlds.

Your journey of growing up between Brazil and Australia is amazing! How has this unique cultural experience influenced the way you approach raising your children?

Growing up between Brazil and Australia has truly shaped the way I approach raising my children. In Rio, life was fast-paced, but when I moved to a country town north of  Brazil called Bahia, during my early teens to live with my dad, it was a complete contrast—focused on nature, horses, and beautiful home rich-cooked meals.

Australia, with its abundant of natural beauty, allowed me to pass on my love for nature to my children. Beyond geography, I've subconsciously recreated elements of my upbringing here for my kids. The warmth of Brazilian culture is a significant part of who we are. From frequent family gatherings (sometimes a bit overwhelming!) to enjoying rich foods and sharing endless laughter with aunts and nieces for no reason at all, family is everything to us. Brazilians laugh a lot! Or just maybe my family. We believe that laughter is food for the soul, and it's a major cultural influence that I've unknowingly imprinted in our kids DNA.

Saben Style – What Saben bag is always by your side? And what’s next on your wishlist?

I adore clutches! They have this magical ability to elevate any outfit, no matter where I go. My hand-plaited Gisselle has been my faithful companion since day one. Now, I'm eyeing the mini crossbody Coco for my next purchase. It's practical and just the right size to hold my phone, lipstick, a small wallet, and keys—a perfect blend of style and functionality!