The Low Down: Featuring Sade Strehlke, Journalist

On today’s edition of The Low Down, I’m so honored to have an esteemed journalist who has worked for the likes of The Wall Street Journal, Teen Vogue, TIME, Shape, Refinery 29 and most recently was the editor-in-chief of Pop Sugar. She is a mom to three children under the age of five and attended the University of Southern California for her undergraduate degree where we met as sorority sisters and continued her studies at Colombia’s Graduate School of Journalism. Sade has always been incredibly fashion forward and humbly describes herself as a storyteller. Her editorial experience spans nearly a decade and ranges from fashion, beauty and wellness to celebrity and women’s lifestyle spaces. I’m so delighted to have you take away some of her pearls of wisdom of her life in journalism and being a mom all while continuing to nourish her own interests. Welcome, Sade!

1. Please tell me a little bit about yourself. Where are you from, where did you go to college and what did you see yourself becoming when you were younger.
   
   I’m from The Bronx in New York City and I went to school — basically my whole life (5-17) — on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. After a middle school talent show, I wanted to become an actor, became “the” Theatre kid and went to the University of Southern California in Los Angeles to pursue a degree in Theatre.
   
   The very first thing I wanted to become when I was really little, however, was a neurosurgeon. After a couple of science classes that dream faded quickly. 

2. I would love for you to share your road to becoming a journalist.
   
   Soon after starting at USC, I realized I didn’t want to be an actor anymore, but I did finish the degree. After graduation, I dabbled in tech, but ultimately started my own fashion blog. After a few years I decided to apply to Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism. When I graduated, I had internships with The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, the latter turned into a full time job after three weeks. From there, I kept looking for interesting and cool positions that would challenge me but ultimately just allow me to tell really cool and important stories. After WSJ, I worked at Teen Vogue, TIME, Refinery29, SHAPE and then up until recently, Popsugar, where I was the editor in chief.  

3. At what point did you see a road into fashion?
   
   I’ve always loved fashion and shopping. My mom just has the best sense of style and shopping is easily one of my favorite activities — it’s why I started the fashion blog and why I love reading and reporting on the topic. 

4. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? What is your dream position? 
   
   Oof, this is a hard one and I really don’t have a clean answer. But, I guess, just telling cool stories still.

5. Who has inspired you most along the way?
   
   So many people, but ultimately my mother, grandmothers and great grandmother. They always told me I could be anything and are fabulous storytellers.

6. What is the best piece of advice you were given? Regarding anything from business to parenting to personal development, etc.?
   
   Always raise your hand for the hardest assignments and always respect your peers, subordinates and superiors. Respecting others can go a long way in forging meaningful relationships, even if you don’t see eye to eye. 

7. What advice would you give to other women who are working and raising children?
   
   I don’t have a neat answer for this either — it’s very hard. I once read an article in The Atlantic about a group of sorority sisters from Northwestern, and the author followed their life trajectories into career and parenthood… the happiest ones were the ones who picked one lane or another. I always remember that as I struggle with deadlines and diapers. So, my advice to other people in similar situations is to just do the best you can and don’t be afraid to fail. All that matters is that you pick yourself up in the end and keep on going the best you can. 

8. Is there anything you wish someone had told you along the way?
   
   I know now, but wish someone had told me sooner: “An opportunity that’s meant for you will not miss you.”

9. What does work/life balance look like for you?
   
   There isn’t really a balance, it’s just about trying to do as much as you can do and also carving out time to nurture yourself and your interests, even if that’s just an episode or two of Housewives. 

10. What are some of your favorite traditions and do you place a priority on certain things?
    
    Traveling with my mom. It’s something we did a lot when I was a kid, growing up and even well into my 20s, but with kids and a house that all slowed down… we recently went on a trip with my middle child, however, and it was magical. Definitely want to carve more time out for those types of experiences. Otherwise, no, I don’t place a lot of value on traditions. With work and three kids, it’s really just go, go, go and, again, do the best you can! 

11. How, if ever, do you prioritize your well-being? What are some things that you try to squeeze in on a normal busy day that you feel has impacted your day-to-day life?
    
    Working out and cooking or eating at home. I’m still pretty bad at a regular routine, but sometimes I’ll get a sprint of a month or two of cooking and regular workouts and it’s so therapeutic. It’s amazing actually.
    
    And, I never skip blowouts or manicures… lol, they’re just my things thanks to Frances (my mother). 

12. What adversity has challenged you the most, yet made you a stronger person?
    
    Oof, so many. When my husband and I moved back to the East Coast from Los Angeles for graduate school, he was at Yale Law, but left after a year to finish his graduate work in mathematics at MIT. As a result, we lived apart for five-plus years. It was hard, but him pursuing his passions and dreams, made me work harder than ever to reach my own.

13. I know you meet so many inspiring women every day, how do you feel we can better support the motto of “Women helping Women?”
    
    Just always make time for each other. Whether it’s a friend, sibling, parent or someone who’s just looking for some advice and guidance, taking five minutes to chat can really make a difference.

14. How would you describe your sense of style?
    
    Minimal maximalist. I love oversized, comfort clothes in neutral colors: navy, black, forest green, etc. But I also love color — pinks and yellows in particular — and I love over-the-top accessories. I’m all about the mix. 

15. What is your favorite splurge or investment “High Bar” piece in your wardrobe?
    
    I’m obsessed with handbags. I always have been… I don’t know why! But I just love handbags… small ones, big ones, totes, everything. Bags are my person. I’m a big fan of Celine, Chanel and Bottega Veneta. 

    I tend to focus on the big pieces, or that’s where I invest the most… so bags, shoes and coats. I scored this tan, Givenchy coat from MyTheresa on mega sale and it’s my favorite, go-to. I also have this amazing, navy Chanel that I shopped from a neighbor’s closet and this gold Stella McCartney from my mom’s… right after I had my first child, Harry, I gifted myself this Erdem, embroidered trench… I just love a good coat!

    
    Another area of investment for me are jeans, sweaters and blazers. Again, the big pieces! Regardless of what you’re wearing, a blazer will just pull it all together and nothing feels better than the perfect pair of jeans! I love Frame and Moussy Vintage. Underwear, t-shirts, tanks, etc. I tend to buy from Amazon or Uniqlo. It’s all about the high-low mix for me. 

16. What is your favorite trendy yet affordable “Side Bar” piece in your wardrobe?
    
    I love a good, simple sneaker under $100 from Nike or New Balance. I also sported this bright pink dress from H&M through much of my most recent postpartum experience, and it was amazing! I’d get so many compliments! Ditto for a blue, checked-style dress from Old Navy. 

17. What is one thing on your wish list for 2023?
    
    More jewelry! It’s time to start investing in some forever pieces that I can eventually hand down to my daughters and son.

Thank you, Sade! Best of luck with all of your future endeavors and thank you so very much for sharing your inspiring journey! Cheers!