Inspiring Stories: Sara Wee Lets Her Passion Lead The Way

PRESENTED BY PANDORA, AS SEEN IN HARPER'S BAZAAR SINGAPORE MAY 2017

You can tell Sara Wee (@saraweeyogic) is extraordinarily passionate about her craft the minute she opens her mouth to speak. "People always have this misconception about musicians: that we’re always late; that we’re rock ’n’ roll people who party all night," she says. "And being a musician is not a last resort; it’s a conscious decision." In an ongoing partnership with Pandora, we shine the spotlight on Sara and three other dynamic self-starters that are pursuing what they love and inspiring others to do the same along the way.

Growing up, I was inspired… By Alanis Morissette, Gwen Stefani and Shirley Manson. They show that you don’t have to be feminine and conform to what people think is girly, and yet still be cool. In the industry, you’re expected to dress a certain way. “Dress a bit sexier?” No, I cannot.

I stay true to myself by… Not being complacent. Don’t get swept up in the fun and the fame; it’s important to keep going back to why you’re doing it in the first place. You can get money and success a lot faster by doing certain things, but it could make you lose what you are about. Don’t be a sell-out.

Shine by… Being patient, forgiving and purposeful. You can solve a lot of life’s problems [that way]. Things may not go your way, but take a step back, breathe and think if it’s worth getting upset over, or if you can just let it go.

The greatest joy… Is the fact that I can be a full-time musician, have a nose ring and purple hair, and have very conventional parents who are proud of me. It’s hard to do this without a support system, especially when you’re first starting out.

The goal is to… To see our music go beyond our shores. But maybe that’s not my calling; maybe it’s to teach and mentor like what I’m doing at LASALLE College of the Arts and Timbre Music Academy.

Do… What you feel you excel in. If you have a day job and you think you’re good at music, go find a gig. I know of people who have had a career change late in life, and still excel [at it]. Do what you think you’re good at and do it damn well.

Discover the stories of all the exceptional women in our series here: Andrea Chong; Jaime Lee and Ng Yi Lian.

Photographed by Gan

Styled by Debby Kwong

Makeup and Hair: Manisa Tan/Palette Inc

Manicure: Audrey Wee

Photography assistants: Samsidi Baderi, Loy Kok Wee