Sarah Pedarsani Panahi - Our Friend of the Week
Your City: Paris, FranceSarah Panahi was the inspiration behind Christian Louboutin's eponymous red soles. Born in Iran, raised in California, and a resident of Paris for more than 20 years, Sarah is my childhood best friend, and my informant on life's pleasures and what's trending across the pond.Sarah's What - “The look this year is very ladylike and Louboutin always does the perfect pump. It's the best form to make your legs longer. I love the Tibunodo Open Toe Ballerina for Spring. The best part is the 85 cm heal that you can wear all day. ”
FRIEND OF THE WEEK: 11 QUESTIONS
- Nickname Sarahsani according to my mom. Sarahjoon according to Gina Pell, whom I call Gene Gene The Dancin’ Machine. Long story.
- What's your short story? My family moved to the San Francisco Bay Area from Iran when I was 9 years old and I had a pretty magical childhood in Marin. I always dreamed of moving to Paris and made my dream come true in my 20s. The first serious job I had was working for an unknown shoe designer named Christian Louboutin. He is a genius. I worked at his Paris headquarters for 8 years before starting a family and eventually working for Sotheby’s as a broker dealing in historical, special residential properties around Paris.
- What's your jam? When I’m stressed I like to listen to anything by Esther Hicks. When I’m elated or craving the ambience of Ibiza (my happy place) I put on music from KM5 – the mix of Ibiza chillout and dance.
- What motivates you? I love the people in my life--my friends and family. I also love meeting new people. I think what we all share in common is our love of pleasure—great restaurants, wine, travel, etc. I also get energy from my job, which involves seeing and eventually selling some of the most beautiful properties in arguably the world’s most beautiful city.
- Who do you think you’d have great friend chemistry with? Because of my job and the city I live in, I meet notable people and celebrities often. But, I am most impressed with modesty and very fortunate people who share their luck. I think I have the best chemistry with generous, compassionate people regardless of their achievements.
- What qualities do your favorite friends have in common? Generosity, heart, and a special light or charisma.
- What's the smartest, most inspiring, awesome thing you've read, watching or listened to lately? The last thing that gave me inspiration was an app called Headspace. It's the first time I actually learned how to meditate correctly and it takes only 10 minutes a day. I've learned how to get better and better and through that I would say I've had my best inspirations through meditation.
- What whets your appetite? My favorite spot in Paris is Manko, a fabulous Peruvian restaurant with and an amusing nightclub cabaret. My favorite cuisine is Japanese. I love Jin and Kinagawa.
- What's next on your To Do List? I want to visit Japan on a restaurant rampage.
- How are you friends with Gina + Amy? Gina is my best friend from childhood. Hilariously, we met in a dressing room while shopping and we became inseparable. Even after I moved to Paris we would always visit each other. We just fit into each other’s families. She and my sister Shari also became besties and were neighbors in Los Angeles and then again when they moved back to the Bay Area. And Gina’s sister Lily lived with me for a bit when she was going to school in Paris. Gina is the Godmother of my son and we consider each other’s families our own. Gina also brought Amy with her on a trip to Paris three years ago, after they sold their first company Splendora. We had a whirlwind adventure. I’m hoping to convince them to come do business in Paris.
- Who would you nominate for our next Friend of the Week? India Hicks, Jene Parks, Grace Leo, or Caroline Von Krakow.