Life & Work with Sara Maria “SARITA” Woody

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Maria “SARITA” Woody.

Sara Maria “SARITA”, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in the Chihuahuan desert, where expression is on wild display. The sweet little West Texas town of El Paso is where Texas and Mexico bridge cultures together. The terracotta mountains glisten with electric rose, violet flame & ancient orange are the colors that set the stage for my life.

Thanks to my roots, I have always been a dreamer and a believer. I dream endlessly of the whole world getting to live in love and joy. I was raised in community steeped in Mexican Culture; gatherings, food and music being at the heart and taking care of one another as family being our guiding principal.

At a young age, my parents stoked the fire of curiosity and wander within me; taking me on month long horseback excursions through the Gila Mountains, learning how to fish in streams and live closely with nature. Most of my childhood memories are outside – soul soaked in laughter and mischief.

I’d say I am still that girl – bringing that energy forward to everything that I do. I live and create with intention; in hopes of sharing this joy with the world. The work I create is to stoke hope – to unite us together in ways that take us deeper into connection with ourselves, each other and this epic planet we get to live on.

The journey – what a question.

It definitely starts in the desert as a young girl who loved to sing, dance and shine. I shut down this expression around 13 after a few bullies put me down. I continued to dance–it was the one place in the world I felt safe – like I didn’t have to explain myself, I would just let the rhythm take control. It took me a long time to get back to full expression; it wasn’t until college that I stepped back to what I truly loved. I enrolled in Theatre: improv, musical theatre, costume design, set design, digital music. It felt like a part of me came back to life.

I moved to Hawaii to finish my thesis–where I lived on a farm where drum-circles were the norm. I remember so badly wanting to sing in the call and response rounds–yet, I couldn’t–my voice was blocked.

I purchased a voice recorder, rented a camper van and traveled around Oregon. I sang songs to myself about everything. I played it back on the speakers and challenged myself to fall in love with my voice again. I hired a production teacher, studied Ableton with vengeance – with a fire in my heart to become a female producer in a male-dominated industry.

I had been working in Berlin for the summers; designing speciality events rooted in wellness, connection and culture. I realized how important music was for the container; setting the tone and this furthered my devotion to music. The songs I would hear on the radio while traveling had great beats, yet the lyrics didn’t feel fully aligned. This inspired me even more to commit to making music that was fully intentional – high vibe and relevant.

It was a hit! I made a mark in the dance music world–touring around the globe making music that was grounded in pure intention. Music makes me feel on purpose. I love seeing bright hearts in full expression.

The dance tour was such a gift and it inspired me to return home to my roots and make a record that acknowledged where I came from.

So, in 2020- I called up a producer I had admired for years, Gene Evaro Jr and booked him a flight to Austin. We began writing for my debut record! Quarantine happened on day 3 – and we ended up writing over 50 songs.

Now, we are releasing our singles and teasing the recordset to come out next year. We haven’t stopped writing. We’re also getting ready for tour – and choosing to do it entirely different than the industry demands. We will create a tour steeped in intention, health, culture and connection.

I am a multi-medium artist – and my word is my wand. Songwriting is my super-power. Visuals are my muse. Liberation is my goal. I believe that deep down everyone has a song to sing, a dance to dance and I feel a deep calling to help the world liberate themselves into more joy, more connection and a renewed sense of hope.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have without a doubt been challenges, highs and lows and obstacles. Of course!

I don’t believe in the victim artist archetype – yet, I do believe in the power of art as a salve to help transcend heavy emotions. Music saved my life. It has allowed me to move through grief, heartbreak, self-doubt and find a new place of perspective and closure.

I think the hardest part about being is getting out of your own way. You can’t analyze and create at the same time. This journey of sharing my voice with the world has taken me to the depths of myself. I have had to really lean in and learn how to nourish the parts of my inner world that are hurting. Specifically, my inner child who was hurting. For a while, it was hard for me to be present with emotions – I was so busy future- tripping or reflecting on the past with nostalgic lenses that I couldn’t appreciate what was happening right in front of me. Over time, I began to really appreciate every moment of the process. The process is all you have because once you reach a goal, there is always a new goal to catch. I had to remember to slow down, trust the process, trust that all is unfolding and get back to joy – imprint every good moment – don’t let it slip away.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am devoted to the simplicity of remembering the sacred — I infuse my creative spirit into multiple mediums; songwriting, music production, design, slow fashion and earth tending.

I am most known for my freestyle skills and a deep dedication to joy and hosting beautiful, intentional gatherings.

We just released “Never Give Up” on all streaming platforms and it is such a sweet love anthem for the world – it makes me so happy to see people sharing it with their loved ones.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
After a deep journey inward, I am ready to release my voice and my art into the world. It is liberating! I love collaborations – I am here to help you produce music – and if you have any ideas for ways I can offer support, or you feel you can offer support, please reach out. I love meeting new people!

Contact Info:

• Email: ancientfutureproductions@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.saritamasterpeace.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siempresaramaria/
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/user/1238012887?si=b3856fd96b344056

Image Credits:
Daniel Johnson, Tyler Goldflower, Isabella Sheehan