In this episode of Good Deeds, Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser talks with Sara Garas, Woven Anew Founder & CEO. Woven Anew is redefining what a thrift boutique can be. Located in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg on Central Avenue, Woven Anew is more than an upscale thrift boutique. It is a safe haven where young women find dignity, encouragement, and practical support as they overcome trauma, hardship, and life challenges.
👉Founded on the belief that every life has value and purpose, Woven Anew serves young women ages 12–25 through confidence-building programs, mentorship, life-skills workshops, and personalized support designed to help them move from surviving to thriving.
👉What makes Woven Anew unique is its sustainable model. Every purchase made in the boutique directly supports the organization’s mission and programs. Revenue generated through the sale of donated women clothing and accessories, helps fund workshops, confidence-building experiences, career development opportunities, and resources for young women in need.
ABOUT SARA From the corporate boardrooms of Procter & Gamble to the heart of St. Petersburg, Sara Garas has spent her career building platforms that empower women. A native of Alexandria, Egypt, Sara overcame a childhood of crisis through the power of faith and mentorship. Today, she leverages her background in global strategy and scaling to lead Woven Anew, ensuring every young woman overcoming trauma has the professional tools and personal foundation needed to thrive.
A Midnight Rescue Woven Anew began not in a boardroom, but at a seawall in the middle of a freezing February night. In 2019, a 16-year-old girl made a desperate choice. Fleeing from a human trafficker, she jumped off a boat and swam through the pitch-black, shark-infested, and freezing cold intracoastal waters and found her way to the home of our founder, Sara Garas. That midnight rescue was a catalyst. As Sara helped that young woman navigates her return to safety, she realized the heartbreaking reality that exploitation wasn't a distant tragedy. It was happening in her own backyard. More importantly, she realized that for survivors, being "safe" was only the first step. The true challenge was what came next.
A Personal Connection to Crisis The drive to help others rewrite their stories is deeply rooted in Sara’s own journey. Raised in Alexandria, Egypt, her life changed overnight at age 12 when the sudden loss of her father cost her family their home and their business. Relocating to Cairo, Sara navigated a childhood defined by financial hardship and social discrimination.
During that season of crisis, Sara was anchored by two things: her Christian faith and the transformative power of mentorship. A spiritual mentor helped her process her loss, while a dedicated teacher encouraged her to see education as her ticket to a better future. These individuals acted as the bridge Sara needed to move from a state of survival to a life of purpose.
The Corporate Blueprint for Compassion Sara’s resilience led her to a successful global career at Procter & Gamble. As a strategist, she learned how to enter new markets, listen to the needs of women, and build brands from the ground up. When she encountered the survivor at her seawall, Sara applied that same strategic mindset to the local nonprofit landscape. She also discovered a critical gap. While many agencies focused on the initial rescue and crisis management, few provided the long-term professional and personal development needed for sustainable independence.
Weaving the Future: A New Chapter on Central Avenue Sara founded Woven Anew in St. Petersburg to serve as that missing bridge. She envisioned a place where young women weren't just rescued but celebrated and given the tools and support necessary to finally close the chapter on survival and begin the journey of thriving.
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