With over one million Instagram followers, Sazan Hendrix is a well-known Kurdish-American author, entrepreneur, YouTuber, and digital influencer. She started her blogging journey in 2011 and subsequently modeled for Tommy Hilfiger. Along with her husband Stevie, she hosted a popular podcast, The Good Life. The couple leans into the idea of finding joy in simplicity, something they focus on in their podcast as well as their new book, A Real Good Life: Discover the Simple Moments That Bring Joy, Connection, and Love. Recently, Sazan sat down with Kurdistan Chronicle for an exclusive interview.
Sazan was born in 1989 in the United States after her parents immigrated there from the Kurdistan Region in search of a better life. “Growing up in Dallas and then moving around the country, I’ve always been deeply rooted in my Kurdish heritage while embracing the opportunities and experiences in the United States, a place I consider home,” she says.
Sazan’s background is diverse, blending traditional Kurdish values with the modern American way of life. She pursued her education in the United States, studying broadcast and media at the University of North Texas, which laid the foundation for her career in the digital space.
“I feel deeply honored and humbled to be living my purpose as an author, digital influencer, and entrepreneur, where I strive to inspire others by sharing the profound moments of both chaos and magic that fill my daily life,” she says.
Over the last decade, she has cultivated an online community reaching millions, and yet, she senses this journey has just begun. Sazan currently resides in Austin, Texas, with her loving husband and their three beautiful children, cherishing each moment as an opportunity to spread love, light, and positivity.
Not forgetting Kurdistan
Despite being born and raised in the United States, Sazan speaks fluent Kurdish. I was curious to know how she had managed to learn the language so well. I also observed that her husband Stevie, who is an American, and their children also spoke Kurdish and asked how that came to be. Sazan was eager to answer this question.
“I’ve always maintained a strong connection to my Kurdish roots, including fluency in the language,” she says. She learned Kurdish primarily from her parents, who made it a priority to pass down the language and culture to her and her four siblings. “Now, I’m passionate about paying it forward and passing on this invaluable heritage to my own children, ensuring they grow up with a deep appreciation for their Kurdish identity,” she says.
Through language, food, and music, Sazan aims to instill a sense of pride in her children’s heritage and nurture a connection to her ancestral homeland
The children of Kurdish immigrants play an important role in instilling the culture and language in their children. They also expect their kids to preserve this culture and abide by it. In Sazan’s case, she decided to break through cultural barriers and navigate her own desires, goals, and dreams.
“Marrying my best friend wasn’t without its hardships and trials,” Sazan admits. “In our family, we loved hard, and there was a time when they struggled to accept my decision to marry outside our culture. Their lack of support was difficult to bear.”
Although the couple encountered many challenges before Sazan’s family accepted Stevie, today they adore him even more than they do Sazan! “It’s remarkable how he shares my passion for our heritage and wholeheartedly supports our efforts to instill Kurdish values in our children,” she says.
Their shared commitment in honoring Sazan’s roots has strengthened their bond and created a beautiful fusion of traditions within their family dynamic. Sazan has shared her love story countless times, hoping to inspire other young girls facing similar obstacles.
When asked about the differences and similarities she sees between Kurdistan and the United States in regard to culture and values, she believes that, like two distinct landscapes, Kurdish and American cultures are shaped by their own histories and societal narratives. Each holds its reservoir of strengths and challenges, reminiscent of the peaks and valleys of a mountain range. Growing up in the United States, Sazan has been immersed in a landscape abundant with opportunities and freedoms, yet a profound connection to Kurdistan runs deep within her. Her family’s story, akin to that of countless Kurdish families worldwide, resonates with tales of courage, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of the Kurds.
“I take great pride in this heritage. It’s an integral part of my journey and will always remain so,” she says.
Preserving and promoting Kurdish culture is deeply personal for Sazan and her family. One way they actively do this is through weekly family nights, where they come together to celebrate their culture and open their home to others.
“Hospitality is one of the greatest forms of love, and I believe it can move mountains. Whether it is cooking traditional Kurdish dishes, sharing stories from our homeland, or listening to Kurdish music, these intentional gatherings serve as a reminder of who we are and where we come from,” Sazan says.
“My hope is that through my large platform I can invite others into our culture to ensure that Kurdish heritage continues to thrive for generations to come,” she says.
A Real Good Life
Sazan’s last visit to the Kurdistan region was back in 2015. Eager to know if she had any future plans to visit the Kurdistan Region, I asked what she thought about the current state of development and tourism in the region. She describes the trip as a deeply personal journey that stirred her soul and reignited her passion for preserving Kurdish culture.
“Core memories from that trip are marked in my heart: wandering through bustling markets filled with vibrant colors and the aroma of spices, savoring the flavors of delicious Kurdish cuisine, and experiencing the slower pace of life with distant relatives who live there – a pace I’ve come to appreciate even more in today’s distracted world,” she reminisced.
While Sazan does not have any immediate plans to visit again, she hopes to return one day with her entire family, to share with them the beauty and resilience of her homeland. In terms of development and tourism, Sazan notes that “Kurdistan has made significant strides in recent years, drawing visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. It’s the one place in the Middle East that I believe is so magical and peaceful.”
When I ask Sazan about what shaped the person she is today, she immediately reminisces about her childhood and the values of resilience, perseverance, and family unity that her parents instilled in her. Growing up as part of the Kurdish diaspora, she learned the importance of staying true to her roots while embracing the opportunities that life presents.
“These values have guided me through life’s challenges and shaped the person I am today: a proud Kurdish woman with a passion for sharing my heart and soul with the world,” she says.
As a stateless Kurd, Sazan’s journey in the United States has been both rewarding and bittersweet. While she has found success and fulfillment, the absence of a Kurdish homeland always weighs heavily on her heart.
“However, it has also fueled my determination to conquer my greatest fears, inspire others through faith, and be a strong voice for my people to preserve our culture in any way I can,” she says.
Sazan and her husband Stevie co-authored A Real Good Life: Discover the Simple Moments That Bring Joy, Connection, and Love, which was published in October 2023. Sazan explains that this debut book is more than just a book for her; it’s a reflection of her soul and the lessons that she has learned along the way. “Through personal anecdotes, practical advice, and inspirational insights, I aim to empower Kurdish girls to pursue their dreams, embrace their heritage, and live their best lives,” she says.
Sazan hopes that this book serves as a guiding light for young women, inspiring them to defy expectations, break barriers, and pave new paths to success.
Sazan has several exciting projects and collaborations in the works. Professionally, her aspirations are to continue growing her brand, expanding her reach, and using her platform to advocate for issues that matter to her. In terms of personal goals, “my hope is to raise my children with a deep appreciation for their Kurdish heritage and instill in them the values of compassion, resilience, and self-confidence that have guided me throughout my life,” Sazan says.
Goran Shakhawan is a Kurdish-American journalist and author based in the United States. He covered news for several Kurdish news outlets and was a former senior correspondent for Kurdistan24 in Erbil and Washington D.C. He has published several books in Kurdish.
