Sara
“I will continue to make beautiful pieces that look good, and keep you all safe, as well as building a community that inspires and shows others living with incurable illness that we can live big, joyous, thriving lives.”
Five years ago after recovering from cancer, Sara founded Hākinakina, a sustainable and sun protective UPF50+ swimwear brand. Hākinakina was born out of Sara’s passion for the outdoors, and vision for a swimwear brand that empowers women to feel both confident and comfortable when out in the sun. Just under a year ago, Sara received word that her cancer had returned. At this moment, she made a decision: she decided to live. But Sara does more than just live, she thrives. She is an advocate for living life to the fullest and prospering in the face of adversity, determined to show others that you are more than what you are going through. It is Sara’s fierce determination and positivity that sees her through even the darkest of times. That is why her story is not yet near its end. Sara is a brilliant leader and entrepreneur. She is also an absolute inspiration. This is her story.
Instagram @hakinakina.active
P: Please introduce yourself!
S: Hi. I’m Sara. I’m 48 and live in New Zealand with my husband Tomas.
In July 2020 I launched my new business Hākinakina. After spending many years looking for swimwear that looked good, suited my active lifestyle and offered me the level of sun protection I needed, I figured if I couldn’t find it, I’d create it myself.
I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge. So armed with a 15 year career in advertising, 5 years building a womenswear print label, and a love of the water and the outdoors, I launched it myself.
In April last year my life took a major turn, and my business has now become financier to my health. I am now living with stage 4 cancer, and am determined to create something amazing as a legacy.
P: Describe or define yourself in your own words.
S: My goal is to be purposefully free. I love the water and the freedom it gives me. I can usually be found outdoors, enjoying adventures in nature.
P: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
S: My strength and determination, which I figure will stand me in good stead for my journey ahead.
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
S: Last April I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, after being in remission for 5 years. I read somewhere that you get to choose. For me there was no choice, I chose life.
I am doing everything I can to try and heal my body. Right now it’s working and I feel good. My motivation is to thrive. To focus on there here and now, and fill my life with love and adventures, and to create something amazing as a legacy. I will continue to make beautiful pieces that look good, and keep you all safe, as well as building a community that inspires and shows others living with incurable illness that we can live big, joyous, thriving lives.
P: What is one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
S: Believe in yourself. You can do anything you set your mind to.
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
S: Being true to yourself and not fitting in with anyone else’s definition of what being a woman means. Lifting up and supporting other women around you.
P: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say if they were here now?
S: My mum. Her fierce love, strength and determination has shaped us all. I think if she was still here she’d be telling me I can beat this. Mum, I hope I can prove you right.