Sarah Kalmeta On Pivoting In The Midst Of A Pandemic
She’s a “pivoter” in her own right.
Sarah Kalmeta is a Hong Kong-based entrepreneur who lives by example. She calls herself a ‘pivoter’—for good reason—having founded Aveita Limited (@aveitalimited ), a company promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle in the midst of a global pandemic.
We’re a big fan of her ultra-soft, washable face masks, which comes in an array of eye-catching colourways. A success coach and founder of her coaching business Pivot Point (@sarahthepivoter ), Kalmeta comes from a leadership role in a global business aviation company. With Pivot Point, her motivation is to help others live a fulfilling and authentic life through holistic solutions.
As an entrepreneur who juggles two businesses, Kalmeta is a champion in managing time, work and relationships. We asked this #chika to share her tips with us.
What were you doing before Aveita?
I was a Regional Director for an international business aviation company, but I pivoted in 2020 to set up not only Aveita, but also Pivot Point, my coaching and consulting business for those going through transition and times of change. I especially focus on working with women and girls to help them build confidence and conviction.
Have you always wanted to have your own business?
Yes and no! I sought the freedom but resisted the risk. When I had my second forced career pivot due to COVID-19, I jumped into the deep end and haven’t looked back! And of course, I launched not just one, but two companies at the same time; a lot of hard work, but now I look forward to each day and feel more fulfilled.
What’s your favourite workout?
Depends on my mood, but anything that will get my heart rate up and make my body feel like it has worked! I love lifting weights (deadlifts are my favourite), but I also love yoga and hiking in nature.
What defines a modern woman in 2020 to you?
Kalmeta practices movement in her free time.
To me a modern woman is someone who is unapologetically herself! There are so many labels and expectations put on women, so those who have the courage to be their authentic selves and help others inspire me.
What’s one accessory every woman must have?
A sustainable water bottle! Staying hydrated is crucial to health and keeps your skin looking fabulous. This is especially important if you travel or speak a lot.
What does your self-care routine look like?
Every morning I spend 30 minutes to do some movement and wake the body up, drink water and do some reading that help set the day right. I do all of this BEFORE touching my phone (and my phone never goes in the bedroom)! I also schedule in non-negotiable time for myself every week where I turn my phone onto airplane mode and do whatever I feel like – sometimes that is painting or writing poetry, sometimes its cooking while listening to my vinyl records and other times its simply taking a guilt-free nap!
What’s your favourite female-owned brand(s) at the moment?
Is it OK to say Aveita? ;) Honestly, I find this hard to choose. I have so many strong, inspiriting women in my circle that run their own business or have developed a brand that is hard to select a few!
What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
A few things:
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Just because it is your business does not mean you have to do it all yourself! Understand where you add the most value and outsource what you are not good or efficient at. It will help you drive the business forward and avoid burnout.
Network with other small business owners and join groups or associations that will help keep you accountable and give you that structure.
Work with a coach – I am a coach and I work with a business coach! It keeps me accountable, provides me with feedback from someone who has “been there, done that” and keeps me motivated to keep going.
Who’s your Chika?
Gosh, Do I have to choose one? I’d have to go with my mother and my initial twin Sarah Keates. My mother has been an entrepreneur for as long as I can remember and has been a strong female role model my entire life (she’s also incredibly smart and has developed a revolutionary technology to regenerate tissue for rapid healing of chronic wounds). Sarah Keates is my day to day sounding board and one of my closest friends. She was extremely supportive when I first started my entrepreneurial journey and still is today. I couldn’t do what I do without her friendship, support and guidance!
