SXSW 2025 is coming fast, ready to turn Austin into a collision of art, tech, music, and culture from March 7th to 15th. But the real magic? It’s happening beyond the main stages.
Enter The Lively Grit Daily House — a speakeasy-style media hub built for real conversations, bold ideas, and the kind of unexpected moments that make SXSW unforgettable. Just a short walk from the festival’s epicenter, this creative hideaway isn’t about corporate keynotes or the usual industry buzzwords. It’s about substance over spectacle, depth over hype.
With an outdoor stage, a cutting-edge podcast studio, and laid-back networking spaces, The Lively Grit Daily House is where industry pioneers, creators, and disruptors connect over strong coffee, stronger cocktails, and even stronger ideas. No fluff, no filters — just the raw energy of people shaping what’s next.
Meet the Safar Twins
Shabnam and Shay Safarzadeh, the Safar Twins, are Iranian-American entrepreneurs reshaping industries with bold, purpose-driven innovation. As founders of Advanced eClinical Training and Externi, they’ve revolutionized medical e-learning and healthcare workforce development, making high-quality education more accessible worldwide. Another venture, Safar NY, brings the same disruptive mindset to sustainable luxury fashion, proving ethics and elegance can coexist.
Beyond business, Safar Global Foundation channels their passion for social impact, driving meaningful change in communities worldwide. The twins don’t just build companies, they create solutions that challenge norms, unlock new markets, and redefine what’s possible across industries.
Multi-Disciplinary Industry Entrepreneurship
The Safar Twins are proof that the most groundbreaking ideas emerge where industries collide. By blending expertise in healthcare, technology, and fashion, they create solutions that go beyond conventional boundaries. Their work in medical e-learning and AI-driven healthcare recruitment addresses critical workforce challenges, while their commitment to sustainable luxury fashion challenges industry norms.
This cross-sector approach isn’t just about diversification, it’s about transformation. By drawing on insights from multiple industries, they optimize resources, open new markets, and drive meaningful change. Their success highlights how innovation flourishes when disciplines intersect, paving the way for smarter, more impactful solutions.
Storytelling in Personal Branding
At the heart of the Safar Twins’ success is their ability to craft and share compelling stories. Through authentic narratives, they bring their values, challenges, and vision to life. Their approach transforms complex ideas into relatable, engaging content, building trust and deep connections with customers, partners, and stakeholders.
By weaving personal experiences into their brand narrative, they’ve cultivated a loyal following and positioned themselves as thought leaders across industries. Their commitment to clear, genuine storytelling turns abstract concepts into actionable insights, inspiring others to pursue innovative and socially responsible ventures.
The Journey as a Central Theme
The name “Safar,” meaning “journey” in Persian, perfectly reflects the twins’ entrepreneurial philosophy. For them, success isn’t a static achievement but an ongoing evolution of learning, growth, and resilience. They openly share both triumphs and setbacks, offering a transparent look into the realities of building something meaningful.
This honest, process-driven approach highlights the importance of adaptability and perseverance in long-term success. By embracing change and continuous learning, they reinforce a powerful message for emerging entrepreneurs: true innovation comes from the journey, not just the destination.
Combining Impact with Creativity
The Safar Twins prove that business can be both profitable and purpose-driven. Their ventures address urgent global challenges — healthcare workforce shortages, medical education accessibility, and unsustainable fashion practices — while setting new industry standards.
By merging creative strategy with social impact, they demonstrate that innovation isn’t just about disruption, it’s about building solutions that drive lasting change. Their balanced approach serves as a model for others, showing that success is most powerful when it’s both financially and socially transformative.
Lessons for Emerging Entrepreneurs at SXSW 2025
The Safar Twins will take the stage at The Lively Grit Daily House for a panel discussion, “From Vision to Visibility: Building a Personal Brand with Storytelling,” on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 3:00 PM.
Joined by Isabella Di Stefano, a social-first entrepreneur, they will dive into the power of storytelling as the foundation of a strong personal brand. Their discussion will explore how blending insights from healthcare, technology, and fashion can create a brand identity that is both authentic and resilient.
Attendees can expect practical strategies for turning diverse experiences into a cohesive narrative that attracts audiences, investors, and opportunities. From brand positioning to leveraging digital platforms for greater impact, this panel will offer actionable insights for entrepreneurs looking to elevate their presence and build businesses that leave a lasting impression.
Additionally, the twins will be recording a podcast during the event.
Join the Conversation at SXSW 2025
SXSW 2025 is where industries evolve, and The Lively Grit Daily House is where those conversations get real. Across panels, live podcasts, and networking, the event brings together innovators shaping the future of AI, media, storytelling, and brand-building.
For the Safar Twins, this is a chance to showcase how multi-disciplinary entrepreneurship can drive meaningful change. Their approach to blending creativity, technology, and social impact offers a roadmap for those looking to build something bigger than just a business.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of the conversation. Grab your ticket on Eventbrite (promo code audience101) and experience the ideas shaping what’s next.
Also, don’t forget to check out their 2024 panel for more great insights from the Safar Twins.
