How Community Helped Sarain Fox Rise Through Her Most Challenging Year

Sarain Fox—artist, activist, and storyteller—has built a career channeling creativity into her advocacy work.

A longtime collaborator, she’s been the voice of our perimenopause campaign, a gracious (and very pregnant host) of our Confidence Tour series, and most recently, starred in our powerful pairings shoot celebrating the power of community—something that defines both Sarain's life and work.

“Last year was monumental for my growth as a mother, sister, and friend. It was, at some points, the most difficult year of my life,” Sarain reflects. Through grief and moments of doubt, connection to community provided the clarity and grounding she needed. “This is the balance of life. It’s in these trying times that what matters most becomes crystal clear.”

Through her artistry, activism, and storytelling, she shows how community can shape our identity and inspire change. In this conversation, Sarain shares insights on how community has impacted her journey, her creative process, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

A Lifeline in Community

For Sarain, community has always been a lifeline. "It is through a deep connection to community that I was first able to see myself in this world and dream myself into the future," she explains. Growing up, her mother introduced her to art shows, grassroots movements, and Indigenous cultural events. 

"I saw how communities could come together to rise up and create change for the future," she shares. "My career has been built on this foundation—a desire to exist and resist for the people, for the future—because my ancestors fought for me to be here."

Her reflections remind us that the power of community lies not only in its ability to support but also to inspire us to imagine a world that's more equitable and loving. 

Activism Meets Art

Sarain’s work blends storytelling, activism, and art—all tools she wields to inspire action. "You cannot save the planet with words alone; action must be part of the plan," she says. Her time at Standing Rock, one of the largest gatherings of water protectors and land defenders, stands out as a pivotal moment.

"I saw how art could be used as a powerful messenger," she recalls. "Words like ‘Water is Life’ trended on social media and people from all over the world showed up. That’s the kind of reaction to activism I want to see."

The experience underscored how creativity can galvanize people into action, showing that art is not just an expression but a catalyst for change.

The Power of Storytelling

"I come from storytellers," Sarain explains. "People who have used oral traditions to carry the most sacred information and history to be passed down from generation to generation." For her, storytelling is about connection—truly listening and believing others.

This belief in the power of stories also guides her collaborations. Looking back on her time hosting a Confidence Tour event during her second pregnancy, Sarain recalls: "Having my belly on full display and being immersed in the power, sensitivity, and sheer brilliance of women—it touched me deeply. It lifted me up and made me feel part of something bigger."

That's part of what makes coming together so powerful—there's strength to be found in shared experiences and in cultivating spaces where stories can be exchanged freely.

Cultivating Connections

Sarain’s advice for cultivating meaningful connections is to start small: make the first move. "Don’t be afraid to say hello," she encourages. "If you see something you admire, say something. So often, we’re too busy or too shy to make connections, but there’s magic in those moments." She speaks from experience, even admitting to her own shyness.

"Maybe your new bestie has been next door all along," she adds. This approach, rooted in curiosity and openness, can transform everyday interactions into meaningful relationships.

We're Stronger Together

As Sarain puts it, "Community is a lifeline." And in a world that often feels disconnected, Sarain’s community-oriented philosophy is a powerful reminder of the strength we find in one another—and the transformative magic of simply showing up.

Her story is a call to action for all of us to nurture the communities that shape us and to seek out the connections that help us grow. In the end, it’s those bonds that keep us moving towards making the world a better place to be. 

Through her work and words, Sarain continues to show that community isn’t just something we belong to—it’s something we build together, one story, one action, and one connection at a time.