Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Naska
Hi sarah, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Sarah Naska is a serial female entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience across a diverse range of industries, including corporate aviation, real estate, and financing investments. Born underprivileged some would say, Sarah has risen from the underdog to create a legacy of wealth and success, proving that hard work and resilience can overcome any obstacle. Throughout her career, she has consistently leveraged her expertise to build successful ventures and empower others. As the founder of SMH Aviation Ventures and SMH Capital, Sarah is focused on aviation brokerage and is actively seeking limited partners and investors for strategic opportunities.
Her passion for leadership development has driven her to help individuals and organizations unlock their full potential, fostering an environment of growth and success. After recently relocating to Los Angeles, Sarah continues to innovate and lead with a vision centered on empowering people, creating generational wealth, and building lasting legacies.
As a single mom to two teenagers, Sarah is deeply committed to shaping a future where her children can thrive and be part of her mission to create generational wealth. She strives to leave a powerful, lasting legacy—one that not only impacts her family but also serves as a help, blessing, and benefit to the world. A proven leader and entrepreneur, Sarah has faced the challenges of building her career as a woman in business, and is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in both business and life, helping others achieve success and live their most fulfilling lives.
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?
1. Breaking Through the Gender Barrier: As a woman in male-dominated industries like aviation, real estate, and finance, Sarah has had to constantly prove herself and challenge stereotypes. Overcoming societal biases and gaining respect in business spaces where women are often underrepresented has been an ongoing struggle.
2. Starting from Scratch: Coming from poverty, building wealth has been a long and challenging journey. Sarah faced financial instability early on, and her path to success involved years of sacrifice, learning, and strategic decision-making to rise above the hardships of her past.
3. Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship: Raising two teenagers while managing multiple businesses presents unique challenges. Balancing the demands of motherhood with the responsibilities of running a business requires time management, dedication, and sometimes, sacrificing personal time for the success of her family and career.
4. Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome: Early on, Sarah faced moments of self-doubt, particularly as she moved into leadership roles. The fear of not being “enough” or not measuring up to others in her industry has been an internal struggle she had to conquer to stay focused on her goals.
5. Accessing Capital and Funding: As a female entrepreneur in industries like aviation and real estate, securing funding and building partnerships hasn’t always been easy. Sarah often faced challenges with access to capital and had to prove her worth and business acumen to potential investors.
6. Dealing with Setbacks and Failures: Like many entrepreneurs, Sarah has faced setbacks, from financial losses to business challenges. Overcoming these obstacles required resilience and a willingness to learn from failure, adapt, and pivot when necessary.
7. Building a Support Network: Finding mentors and allies who understood her vision and were willing to support her as a female entrepreneur in high-level business ventures was not always easy. Building a network of supportive individuals who encouraged her growth has been a gradual process, but an essential part of her journey.
8. Managing Risk and Uncertainty: In industries like aviation and finance, there is always an element of risk and uncertainty. Navigating through periods of economic downturns, market fluctuations, or industry-specific challenges has required careful planning, adaptability, and a strong ability to make decisions under pressure.
9. Maintaining Work-Life Balance: The demands of running a business while raising children can take a toll. Finding time for self-care, maintaining relationships, and keeping a balance between work and personal life is a constant challenge that requires discipline and focus.
We’ve been impressed with SMH Aviation Ventures, SMH Capital, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
SMH Aviation Ventures:
At the heart of Sarah Naska’s work life is SMH Aviation Ventures, a company she founded to focus on aviation brokerage. With her extensive experience in corporate aviation, Sarah specializes in connecting buyers and sellers of private aircraft, charter sales, offering bespoke services to individuals and businesses looking to invest in aviation. Through her deep industry knowledge and commitment to excellence, she’s become a trusted resource in the world of aviation transactions. At SMH Aviation Ventures, Sarah guides clients through every step of the aviation process, ensuring their needs are met with precision and professionalism. Whether it’s purchasing, selling, or advising on aircraft management, her business is built on trust, integrity, and a passion for the skies.
SMH Capital:
In addition to her work in aviation, Sarah founded SMH Capital, a company dedicated to financing investments in various industries. This platform is designed to connect investors with opportunities, focusing on creating strategic, high-value partnerships. SMH Capital offers a range of services, from real estate investments to innovative financing solutions, providing investors with access to lucrative, growth-focused ventures. Through SMH Capital, Sarah focuses on building lasting legacies by offering tailored investment opportunities that align with both short-term and long-term financial goals. Her expertise in the financial landscape allows her to navigate complex markets and identify opportunities that provide exceptional returns.
The Breakdown of SMH Aviation Ventures and SMH Capital:
1. Aviation Brokerage:
• SMH Aviation Ventures is focused on charter sales, buying and selling aircraft, investment opportunities & management. Sarah works with clients in both the corporate and private sectors to find the right aircraft suited to their specific needs.
• She provides consultation on aircraft management, maintenance, and flight operations, ensuring her clients’ investments are well-maintained and their flying experience is seamless.
• Aircraft valuation services to help clients understand the current market trends and make informed decisions.
2. Investment and Financial Services:
• SMH Capital specializes in investment opportunities, including real estate and other high-growth ventures. Sarah focuses on building portfolios that align with long-term wealth creation.
• The company works with limited partners and investors to create joint ventures that allow for significant returns while maintaining risk management practices.
• Sarah’s strategic approach to financing enables her to navigate complex financial landscapes, helping clients grow their wealth through well-positioned, lucrative investments.
Both companies work synergistically to provide tailored solutions for clients who are looking for strategic investments in aviation and beyond. Sarah’s leadership, vision, and deep industry connections have allowed both SMH Aviation Ventures and SMH Capital to thrive as successful ventures in the competitive world of business.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking is often seen as the defining factor between those who stay in the comfort zone and those who truly succeed. It’s a concept that has played a significant role in my journey, from growing up in poverty to becoming a serial entrepreneur across industries like corporate aviation, real estate, and finance. I’ve learned firsthand that embracing risk isn’t just about daring to take chances—it’s about knowing when to take calculated leaps and how to navigate the uncertainty that comes with them.
Throughout my career, I’ve taken risks in many forms—whether it was making the decision to start my own aviation brokerage, SMH Aviation Ventures, or diving into real estate and financing investments with SMH Capital. These weren’t just business decisions; they were choices that challenged me to grow, learn, and step outside of what was comfortable. In many cases, they meant going against the grain, trusting my instincts, and forging paths that had no guaranteed outcomes.
What I’ve realized is that risk is not about being reckless; it’s about being smart, prepared, and willing to step into the unknown. It requires a clear vision, unwavering belief in yourself, and the resilience to bounce back from setbacks. Every major step I’ve taken has involved moments of doubt, uncertainty, and even fear. But it’s in those moments that you discover who you truly are. It’s in those moments that you find out what you’re capable of and whether you’re ready to push the boundaries of your potential.
Of course, not every risk will pay off immediately or lead to success. But every failure is a lesson, and every challenge is an opportunity for growth. The key is not to let fear of failure paralyze you, but to use it as fuel to keep going. Over time, those risks compound into a greater understanding of your craft, a deeper sense of confidence, and a portfolio of experiences that position you for greater success in the future.
As an entrepreneur, a mother, and a leader, I constantly remind myself that the road to success is rarely a straight line. It’s a series of calculated risks, decisions made with faith in your abilities, and the courage to continue moving forward—even when the outcome is uncertain. For me, risk-taking has been the cornerstone of creating wealth, building meaningful ventures, and most importantly, leaving a legacy for my children.
If you want to build something truly impactful—whether it’s a business, wealth, or a legacy—you have to be willing to take risks. They’re the stepping stones that will lead you to where you want to be. Don’t be afraid of them—embrace them. Because without risk, there is no reward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thesarahmarie.net
- Instagram: TheSarahMarie1
- Facebook: Sarah Marie Naska
- LinkedIn: Sarah Marie Naska
Image Credits
Brett. Erickson photography
