Meet Sara Bannat | Serial Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, & Community Leader
We had the good fortune of connecting with Sara Bannat and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Sara, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
For over a decade, I poured my heart into building brands for startups and giants alike. But beneath the surface, a harsh reality brewed: toxic workplaces fueled by male dominance, discrimination, and an impossible work-life balance. Promotions were mirages, harassment was a constant shadow, and speaking my truth earned me the “aggressive” badge. The final chapter? A layoff at 40 weeks pregnant.
Instead of letting this be the end, I held my newborn daughter close, seeking solace and clarity. It was time for a new story, one where my voice and countless others could rise above the noise.
January 2022 marked a turning point. Leveraging my experience and network, I launched Blended Relations, a PR and marketing consulting agency that serves purpose driven organizations get recognized, stay relevant and build evangelists communities.
But my passion extended beyond business. Simultaneously, I transformed my book club into a nonprofit, the Dallas Book Tribe (DBT) soon rebranding to Dallas Business Tribe. Inspired by my own experiences, I vowed to help women escape toxic work environments through barter, education, and wellness programs. To my immense joy, the community rallied around me. Today, a dedicated board amplifies my mission to empower more and more women to create better work-life balance.
What should our readers know about your business?
Blended Relations isn’t your typical PR and marketing agency. We go beyond cookie-cutter campaigns and focus on cultivating organic growth for organizations. We help organizations get recognized, stay relevant and build community advocates.
We become evangelists for our clients because Our target isn’t just any client; we partner with businesses whose missions resonate with our own values and commitment to positive impact.
The lessons learned are etched in our core values. Authenticity breeds trust, community cultivates advocacy, and impact drives purpose. These principles translate into every campaign we design, every story we tell, and every client relationship we nurture.
What do we want the world to know? We believe in the power of purpose-driven businesses to leave a positive mark on the world. We’re not just selling services; we’re building a movement of passionate individuals and organizations that operate at their highest level of contribution.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’ll kick things off with authentic Karak tea and yummy bites at Arwa Yemeni Coffee, followed by a challenging (or chill, depending on your mood!) climb at my gym, The Movement. To unwind, we’ll do some outdoor yoga in Addison Circle Park, soaking up the sunshine and greenery.
If they’re up for taste explosion, we’ll head to my mom’s restaurant, La Suprema Market in Frisco, where we can dive into authentic Mexican food (and maybe even some Arabic fusion dishes if they are feeling adventurous!).
Lastly, we can wind down with some delicious Turkish food and hookah at Selda’s in Addison. The ambiance is perfect for catching up and reminiscing about all our fun adventures.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I raise my voice first and foremost in thanks to God, the most high, for the tapestry of my life. Woven into it are threads of hardship, triumphs, and stumbles, each shaping the woman I am today.
My mother, Summer, stands as my guiding light and inspiration. At just eleven, she faced unimaginable loss, witnessing the death of her parents and sister in the same car accident she was a part of. With unwavering courage, she arrived in this new country at 19, barely speaking English. Against all odds, she built and sold multiple successful businesses, a testament to her resilience and spirit.
My husband, Mahmoud, deserves a heartfelt expression of gratitude. He stands beside me as a rock, not just believing in my vision but actively investing his energy to help it flourish. I am deeply grateful for his unwavering support and partnership.
Finally, I must acknowledge my beloved books and my book tribe. They are my constant companions, mentors, and inspiration. They will never let me quit even when things get hard and they have. Each turn of the page offers wisdom and guidance, and some have truly transformed my life. Titles like “The Cashflow Quadrant,” “The Four Agreements,” “The Alchemist,” “The Power of Connection,” “Essentialism,”, “Things I Know For Sure”, and “Your Handwriting Can Change Your Life” have left an indelible mark, shaping my perspective and propelling me forward.
Together, we’ve not only navigated different worlds through literature, but also grown and transformed as individuals.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dallasbooktribe?igsh=dGkxbHp5OGc5d3I3&utm_source=qr
Other: https://www.instagram.com/blendedrelations?igsh=NWt3MXByanVxcWY4&utm_source=qr
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
