This Site Was Brought to You by Coffee, Chaos, and Sara: The best thing I never knew I needed

I don’t think there are words that truly capture how lucky I am to have the people I do in my life. The list is endless, and while I may never be able to give everyone the praise they deserve, today, one person absolutely must be celebrated: Sara.

I’ll never be able to fully do this justice, but I’ll try.

Sara is so much more than my social media manager, content creator, editor, and right-hand (and left-hand) woman. She’s the brain I rely on when mine needs a break (which, let’s be honest, often happens to us both at the same time). She’s a pseudo-sister, a cousin I never really knew growing up, and the adoptive mother of my tragically lost Yeti. In short, she’s a bit of everything, all at once.

What’s funny is that, growing up, we didn’t know each other at all. We had zero relationship. I never visited Jordan until 2022. She never came to the States. We were separated not just by geography, but by a whole generation. Back in the day when I’d chat with overseas cousins on MSN/AOL/Yahoo, she wasn’t even in the mix. My mom used to be genuinely upset that I didn’t have a relationship with her nieces. I’d always tell her, “Give it time, we’ll meet eventually, and I’ll figure out who’s meant to be in my life.” I’ve been burned before by both friends and family, so I needed to see it for myself.

Well, fast forward to now and I’m pretty sure my mom regrets ever wishing for this connection, because our daily meetings last over two hours, and half the time we’re cackling so loudly, you’d think it was a comedy show.

I used to wonder why it took me so long to start TayTalks. But now, I get it. Life unfolds when it’s meant to. And maybe one of the reasons I waited was because I needed her. Sara graduating, stepping into her field, and becoming this creative force at just the right moment, that timing was no coincidence. TayTalks wouldn’t be what it is without her. Honestly, I wouldn’t have created half as beautiful a brand, site, or presence without her energy, taste, and genius.

I’m endlessly grateful that she 1) defied the Arab box and didn’t go into engineering, medicine, or law, and 2) continues to tolerate my endless voice notes, late-night ramblings, obsessive tweaks, and ever-growing list of podcast and content ideas that live on my mental vision board.

I’m so excited about what we’ll build together next because I know this is just the beginning. If she’ll keep putting up with me, I’d love nothing more than a lifetime of collaboration with her.

Honestly, it’s probably time she asked for a raise.

Enjoy the content that’s coming. And just remember: it really does take a village. I’m just lucky mine includes her.