Career Confidential: Sheena Sujan

Growing up, what little girl doesn’t want to be a handbag designer?! Sheena Sujan is livin’ the dream. She is the founder and creative director of SHEENA SUJAN, a Los Angeles-based, luxury handbag line. All of the products are made from 100% genuine leather by master artisans in Italy.

Sheena has always been ambitious: she entered college at the age of 14, and graduated from UCLA at 19. So, it is no surprise that right after college, Sheena ventured off on her own to pursue her dream of creating art that people would cherish for a lifetime. For her, designing handbags was the ideal career because it allowed her to combine her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

Along the way, she has learned a lot. She shares her insight with us as this week’s Career Confidential.

Full name?: Sheena Sujan

Position / Job title?: Founder/Creative Director at SHEENA SUJAN

1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Actress

2. Fast-forward several years/decades. How did you land (or create) your current position?
I’ve always had a strong passion for creativity. I grew up figure skating, modeling and designing accessories. At the age of 7, I sketched and sewed my first handbag. Ever since then, I knew that I wanted to take my passion for design and turn it into a career. As a result, I launched my eponymous brand of luxury leather handbags and accessories.

3. Did you have to take on internships to get there? How important in general, do you think, are internships?
I personally didn’t take on an internship. However, I’m a huge advocate of education. I believe that having a strong foundation and education in your selected field can help you achieve your goals. In my quest to create my brand of luxury accessories, I spent well over a year researching the market, consulting my mentors and reading an endless amount of books to gain the knowledge I needed to enter the industry.

4. Tell us what a typical work day looks like for you. What is your job REALLY like, both the glamorous and not-so-glamorous parts?
A typical work day consists of researching the latest trends, designing new pieces and handling administrative tasks such as responding to emails and phone calls.

5.) What is the biggest career mistake you’ve ever made?

The biggest career mistake I’ve ever made was doing the work of others. Being the perfectionist that I am, I thought, “If I don’t do it. no one else will.” I finally learned (the hard way) that taking on the work of others was a self-defeating behavior.

6. What is the single most important piece of advice you would give to other career-minded women?
The best advice I could give other career-minded women is summed up in my favorite quote. “Dreams don’t work unless you do.”

7. Let’s talk about work/life balance. What does that mean to you? Is it important?
Work/life balance is a new concept to me. I’ve always considered myself a workaholic. However, I’m learning that in order to fully embrace the hard work and dedication it takes to succeed, one needs to have a solid balance in life. For me, that means knowing when to take a break and just relax.

8. On that note, do you think women can have it all? Both the baller career, and the happy family?
I do believe that women can have it all! In my opinion, in order to achieve both a career and a happy family life, you need to surround yourself with people who uplift you. It’s really important to find a partner that understands what you want in life and makes a continuous effort to support your endeavors.

9. If you could look into a crystal ball and see 20 years into your future, what would you want to see?
I would want to see a woman who has a happy and healthy family and a successful career.

10. Do you have any career role models? Who are they?
I do. My career role models are Rachel Roy, Tory Burch and Victoria Beckham. I believe these women are the epitome of success. Overall, they are strong, driven and highly creative women.

11. What is the best piece of advice that you have ever received – career-related or otherwise?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received was from my parents. They said that in life, you should strive to make your name something you would be proud of.

12. Parents love to say, “just wait ’til you have to face the real world…” When you were in college or high school, what did you think the “real world” looked like? What is the difference between what you thought and reality?
In high school and college, I didn’t think that the “real world” existed. As I’ve gotten older, I see that “the real world” does exist and is tough. You have to wake up every day and hustle!

13. Should you work for the money, or do what you love?
Realistically, I think it’s a combination of both. You should do what you love to do. Life is short! However, at the end of the day, you need to be able to provide for yourself and your family.

14. How important is money to you when considering a job?
Personally, money isn’t a huge factor for me at this stage in my life. I’m in my 20s and following my dreams. It would be ideal if money and dreams came hand-in-hand. The best thing I can do, is do everything in my power to make my dream a reality.

15. What is the single most important factor of a job?
Commitment. The commitment you put into a job is what shapes you to become the best version of yourself.

16. If you married a millionaire husband and didn’t have to work, would you? (Be honest.)
If I married a millionaire husband and didn’t have to work, I still would, because I love keeping busy and having a career to focus on. I wouldn’t be happy sitting at home knowing that I could be bettering myself and learning new skills.