I couldn’t be more thrilled to start my Women who Inspire series with my sister, Stephi Said. There isn’t much Stephi doesn’t do. Not only is she the owner and managing partner of ZMMI, a beverage distribution company, and 6 Degrees South, a high-end restaurant, but she and some girlfriends just launched Zalt, the Swahili Coast Salt Company. All of this is in Tanzania where she resides with her two boys. And these are just her day jobs. Stephi is also a member of the Entrepreneurs Association, she is the Zanzibar Warden for the Embassy of Dar Es Salaam, a board member of the Chamber of Commerce in Tanzania and finally the founder of the Rotary Club in Zanzibar. I am tired just from writing all of that. 

It is so inspiring to see my sister give so much to a community that she has called home for the last two decades. Her newly launched salt company (Zalt) supports sustainable agriculture, improving the lives of local salt farmers. I miss Stephi terribly, but I am so proud of the woman she has become and her efforts to make her part of the world a better place.

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Here is my interview with her:

What is the best piece of career advice you have ever received?

Control what you can control- It is one of my guiding principles! It came from my Ice Hockey Coach at Middlebury College. There is a lot going on around you that you have no control over, and that isn’t going to change; It is so important to focus on building success from what you can control within the parameters you are given. 

What other women do you admire, and anything you want to share about them?

There are so many women entrepreneurs that I admire out there! I am lucky enough to be a part of the Entrepreneurs Organization and have met some really inspiring women who are running businesses that are making millions and also making a difference in the world. I admire all working moms and their ability to balance everything that is on their plate- it is all worth it but certainly not easy!

What app can’t you live without?

Google Calendar to keep me organized and Jillian Michaels to keep me fit!

What is your favorite podcast and or book?

I hop around on podcasts, but love The Daily to get bite-size pieces on current events! The Compound Effect was a game-changing book for me…. all about the power of creating good habits! 

What piece of advice would you share with other women?

Stop striving for perfection and focus on setting yourself up for success. 

What are you most grateful for?

I’m unbelievably grateful for my two boys and all of the laughter they bring! And I am also so grateful that I can live in such an incredible country and run businesses that I love!

Is there anything else you want to share with my readers?

I honestly think that the way of the future is “profit meets purpose”! Our world today needs sustainable and successful businesses that will make a difference in the world! And it is truly important to set up your Mission, Vision, and Values for yourself and your businesses, and make sure you live by them every day.

You can find Stephi at @zmmi_wines_and_spirits, @6degreessouth_znz, @_zaltsalt