Sarah Langa is rich — in authenticity and in purpose. Here, she talks with Shani Tsai about what she values most in life.
If there’s one thing you should know about Sarah Langa – one of South Africa’s leading lifestyle influencers – it’s that she appreciates the finer things in life. It’s clear in the stylish way that she shares her life with her followers. And one part about this statement that needs clarifying is that the “finer things” are not limited to what money can buy.
Queen of content
Sarah’s living the dream that so many of us aspire to: She’s being paid for doing what she genuinely loves. While creating content has become extremely popular (and competitive) in recent years, Sarah has held her own space for a decade, kept her followers captivated, and allowed her content to grow with her.
“What began as a form of self-expression has transformed into something more purposeful. Whether it’s through the lens of my business Luvant [a store that aims to make high-end fashion more accessible] or my interior design venture, Sarah Langa Interiors, my content now focuses more on highlighting my journey and the brands I’ve built. The essence of who I am and what I stand for has always remained consistent, but as I change, so does my content.”
While building her brands is an essential part of maintaining her success, there is a more personal angle to the work Sarah does. “I also appreciate the ability to document my life, capturing moments that I can look back on. Whether it’s through photos, videos or stories, content creation has allowed me to preserve memories, build relationships and explore new opportunities that I might not have encountered otherwise,” she says.
Apart from her impressive work as a content creator and business owner, Sarah has also taken part in her fair share of fashion work with brands like G-Star RAW – and, earlier this year, she walked in her first international runway show for celebrated designer Rich Mnisi in China.
Rich in culture
From the outside, it may seem that Sarah is the poster girl for the “rich aunty aesthetic”, as she posts from beautifully curated spaces. But she laughs at the thought of her holding the title. And that’s because she really does value other aspects of her life as much as (if not, more than) her financial status. “I’m not someone who embodies that over-the-top persona, but I do appreciate the empowering and confident energy that comes with the idea of a ‘rich aunty’,” she says.
“For me, being ‘rich’ goes beyond financial wealth. It’s about having a sense of fulfilment, a rich environment of love, good relationships and a meaningful career. True richness comes from a balanced life, where one is at peace with their accomplishments, mental health and personal growth,” she says. “It’s not just about material wealth, but about the richness of life experiences and the ability to impact others positively.” And just how does she think that it’s possible to achieve all of the above? With a strong foundation that allows one to be so confident in who they are at their core, and of all the things they’re able to accomplish, that they’re able to live authentically.
“Culture holds significant importance to me because it serves as a key component of individuality, connecting us to others and shaping our identity. Growing up in a cosmopolitan environment, I once thought culture seemed irrelevant, as I focused on finding what unites diverse individuals. However, as I’ve matured, I now understand that embracing your culture makes you stand out in a world of diversity. It’s through this cultural connection that we truly define ourselves.”
All sides of Sarah
Sarah is not all about aspirational luxury, though. She’s not afraid to get her hands dirty and she knows a thing or two about the more male-dominated hobbies, like cars and their parts. She says this part of herself is a pleasant memory of her late father, who forms part of her most cherished childhood memories.
“He treated me like a miniature version of him, sharing his love for cars, motorcycles, fitness and working with his hands,” she shares. “I spent my weekends at hardware stores, biker clubs and car shows. These experiences, unique as they were, greatly influenced my passions and hobbies that continue to shape my life today. I knew more about engines and motorcycles than I did about dolls or lip gloss, and it’s this childhood that ignited my deep interest in mechanical things, cars, motorcycles and hands-on work.”
Sarah grew up in a family of mixed heritage – her mother is South African with Swazi roots and her father was British – so she says she didn’t have the opportunity to establish many lasting traditions… Until now, that is. “I’ve created my own traditions, such as hosting annual Christmas lunches, organising Secret Santa exchanges and celebrating birthdays with close friends and family. I hope that as I build my own family in the future, these traditions will evolve and become part of our legacy, helping us to stay connected and grounded despite the busy nature of life,” she says.
Even with a busy life, Sarah makes time for those closest to her. “My sister is truly my everything. She’s my confidante and support system. Her two daughters are the absolute loves of my life. I’m so proud of them — they’re incredibly respectful, responsible and hard-working. I am incredibly close to all of them,” she says, beaming.
Uniquely confident
Sarah isn’t like many other influencers – and it shows in how authentically she posts about the things she’s passionate about. It’s clear that creating content is something she’s good at, but that’s not where her talents – or interests – end. That being said, Sarah knows what she likes most, and she focuses on being the best at it. “In the past, I was more focused on fitting in, but now I have the confidence to proudly celebrate my own heritage, which has allowed me to embrace my uniqueness,” she says.
“My advice is simple: take full responsibility for your life and hold yourself accountable. Women need to be brave. Stop waiting for a saviour and start realising that they have the power within themselves to shape their own destinies. It’s about being honest with yourself, investing in your growth, and surrounding yourself with knowledge and resources that can elevate your confidence and help you build a lasting legacy. Empowerment comes from within, and only by embracing our true selves can we break boundaries and challenge norms.”
Avid scholar
Sarah is an academic at heart and says she’s always believed in the power of education. “I’ve studied a BA in Marketing and Psychology, a PDBA, an MBA and a diploma in Interior Design. I definitely plan on continuing my education, as I firmly believe that knowledge is never wasted. The world is constantly evolving, and to stay relevant and innovative, it’s essential to keep learning and growing.” Despite losing her scholarship due to poor academic performance, Sarah kept her end goal in mind and maintained the determination required to obtain her degree. “I had to support myself. I worked multiple full-time jobs while studying part-time, which was incredibly challenging but also rewarding. It taught me resilience, discipline and the importance of self-sufficiency. Ultimately, it shaped my work ethic today,” she says.
Future by design
When asked about her long-term goals, I was sure she’d talk about living it up in a luxury villa on the coast of someplace exotic… but that was far from what Sarah has in mind for her future. Although these aspects are a part of her life, for this style stalwart, luxe living has a definition that extends beyond the finer things in life.
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“I envision myself deeply entrenched in the interior design industry, specifically focusing on creating spaces that tell authentic African stories. I plan to build a legacy that celebrates African culture and contributes to the global interior design industry. I’m passionate about what I do and plan to continue working, innovating and contributing to the industry for as long as I can.”
Sarah in a flash
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Follow Her
Instagram: @sarahlanga
By: Shani Tsai
Photography by: Zhann Solomons
Text courtesy of Balanced Life magazine
Also read: Sheeca on family, faith and fame
