KANE SARHAN, CO-FOUNDER & CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER OF THE WELL
How did you get your start in health and wellness?
I’m not your traditional health and wellness person, that’s for sure. When I cofounded The Well I was smoking every day and drank two sugar free red bulls for breakfast. I grew up living in a very alternative and organic household but 10+ years in NYC can whip that out of you. What brought me back to health and wellness from a professional perspective, was seeing the market opportunity and how much it was exploding and how much consumer demand there was.
I credit a lot to my 2 business partners Sarrah and Rebecca who slowly got me back into it and used their tactics and even tools we have at The Well. For example, I used acupuncture to quit smoking. I started a mindful and meditation practice, I started taking supplements. It was a slow journey personally, but professionally it was driven by such a huge opportunity to build a big business.
Why did you choose NYC as the first location for the well?
My cofounders and I are New Yorkers. I have been here for almost 17 years now and they both have been here for 20+, so it’s really our home. We really wanted to bring health and wellness to our city — our goal is for NYC be a healthier and happier place.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS TRYING TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS?
Two parts — the first one is that it is going to be one of the most rewarding things you do. There is so much pride, excitement, joy, happiness, love, learning and growth that comes from starting a company. But it’s going to be one of the hardest things you’ve ever done. So my advice is always do it, but do it with something you truly love.
For me, I love creating space and building experiences and wellness was the cocoon for that. Over time, I developed a love for wellness but I always loved building spaces and designing the space. So even when it was hard, stressful and scary, and you’re closed for 13 months in a pandemic like we were, there was still nothing else I wanted to do.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO CELEBRATE PRIDE NOT ONLY THIS MONTH, BUT YEAR ROUND?
WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO CELEBRATE PRIDE NOT ONLY THIS MONTH, BUT YEAR ROUND?
I’m someone who luckily through my privilege gets to live pridefully everyday. I try to live that way each day through my friendships, relationship, work I do, organizations I support and the life I lead.
Pride month, for me, is a lot about reflection and respect for those who have come before us, those who have suffered. It's also an opportunity to make space and time for those who don’t feel like they can be prideful. To create opportunities for recognition and for people who may not have the support system or the love in themselves every day because of where they live, what religion they were born into, what their family thinks.
I try to spend a lot of time during Pride by giving back and getting involved to my community. Here at The Well, we are doing donation drives and giving back to local non-profits. Then for me personally, it’s a time when friends and family come in. We celebrate, we dance, we drink and we do hot yoga the day after.
Do you feel the world is more accepting of the LGBTQIA+ community or is there still A LOT of work to be done?
I think it’s hard not to feel like our country is divided in perspective and values. So macro level, you feel the tension and we see it covered in the media all the time. But there was a recent study that came out that said over 70% of Americans support gay marriage. To me, the fact that we are there, is such a win.
I have a friend who teaches in the Bronx and he said that one of his favorite thing about this generation is that even though middle school kids pick on each other, it's just what they do, the one thing that’s universal is that trans kids are off limits. Because the other students know how hard life is for them at home or in the streets. I always say the kids are going to save us — they are our hope and future. I think we have a lot way to go, but the world is a lot more accepting.
Do you feel the world is more accepting of the LGBTQIA+ community or is there still A LOT of work to be done?
I think it’s hard not to feel like our country is divided in perspective and values. So macro level, you feel the tension and we see it covered in the media all the time. But there was a recent study that came out that said over 70% of Americans support gay marriage. To me, the fact that we are there, is such a win.
I have a friend who teaches in the Bronx and he said that one of his favorite thing about this generation is that even though middle school kids pick on each other, it's just what they do, the one thing that’s universal is that trans kids are off limits. Because the other students know how hard life is for them at home or in the streets. I always say the kids are going to save us — they are our hope and future. I think we have a lot way to go, but the world is a lot more accepting.
WHAT ARE YOUR GO-TO JS PIECES?
Lately, I have been dressing up the white Margot Pants and matching Katie Tank. It totally works with heels and a coat in the winter and keeps me cozy all day when I'm running from meeting to meeting. I love the simplicity of the pieces because they can work with anything in my wardrobe and I can style them to be my own. I really appreciate the quality of tailoring and fabrics used.
Do you feel the world is more accepting of the LGBTQIA+ community or is there still A LOT of work to be done?
I think it’s hard not to feel like our country is divided in perspective and values. So macro level, you feel the tension and we see it covered in the media all the time. But there was a recent study that came out that said over 70% of Americans support gay marriage. To me, the fact that we are there, is such a win.
I have a friend who teaches in the Bronx and he said that one of his favorite thing about this generation is that even though middle school kids pick on each other, it's just what they do, the one thing that’s universal is that trans kids are off limits. Because the other students know how hard life is for them at home or in the streets. I always say the kids are going to save us — they are our hope and future. I think we have a lot way to go, but the world is a lot more accepting.
Learn more about Kane & The Well
“When I was in the locker room putting this shirt on, it actually gave me the chills because the flag was touching my heart. It was so powerful to put on.”
-Kane on the Pride Raymond Crew
A portion of proceeds of this shirt will go to the Trevor Project to support LGBTQ+ youth in crisis around America
SHOP PRIDE RAYMOND CREW