Sunday Forever
On building a good life in real time, through friendship, faith in becoming, and the abundance already within us.
Happy Sunday,
We’re living in a time of abundance. I feel that deeply in my own life, not because I’m adding more, but because I’ve committed to using what I already have. To recognize the abundance that already exists within me.
To recognize the abundance already within us—the ideas, the thoughts we share, and the power of our networks and friendships.
One of the things I’m most grateful for is support. We often reach outward, to people we admire, to mentors, and that matters. But there’s something just as powerful about nurturing the environment we already have, especially our friendships. The truth is, we are surrounded by people who are becoming extraordinary in real time.
I’m focused on mastering my craft in film, but I also find so much joy in learning what the people around me are building. So many of us are legends in the making, but we don’t always pause long enough to see it.
That’s why spaces like Sunday Forever matter. They shine a light on people who are quietly raising the bar in their own lanes.
I met Sydney Farrar at Howard University, and I’m still grateful I decided to go there. There’s something powerful about being in an environment where you are constantly inspired by people who look like you, people who reflect your possibilities to you.
Sydney has always been kind, determined, and full of joy. Now she’s a Senior Manager, Brands in Culture at Diageo, living her life in New York City, and doing it beautifully. When I think back to who we were as freshmen, I know we would be proud.
There was fear in stepping into something new back then and moving to D.C., choosing ourselves, stepping forward anyway. But look at what that decision gave us: an environment that continues to pour into us, knowledge, faith, love, connection, and joy.
We grew up watching women who inspired us. And now, in our own way, we are becoming those women, at the beginning of our 30s, walking fully in our own lives.
As we grow, even our idea of a “good life” evolves. I still love a good cocktail—a girls’ night out, trying new things, discovering a new favorite. But balance looks different these days.
Even the girls who love a good cocktail know when it’s time to slow down, and sometimes, that looks like a cup of herbal tea, which she says matches her Sunday mood. I also love a good tea, a mocktail, a Recess, or fresh juice.
It’s the art of being outside, and still taking care of what’s within.
Our bodies change. Our priorities shift. And somewhere in that, we learn that we don’t have to wait for a peak to celebrate. We can love ourselves fully in the middle. Because the truth is, this is a good life.
A life where we get to experience both the simple and the extraordinary. A life where friendship reminds us that we are seen, and gives us the chance to do the same for someone else.
So, Sydney, we are cheering for you. You are doing amazing, sweetie.
And as I move forward, I keep coming back to this idea I read in Emma Grede’s new book Start With Yourself: A New Vision for Work & Life, quoting Fritz Perls: “Fear is excitement without breath.”
Maybe the work now is learning how to breathe through it. To find softer ways to meet what’s in front of us. Because on the other side of fear, something is waiting.
This week, I invite you to journal or even ask a friend about what lies on the other side of your fear.
A Conversation With Sydney Farrar
Abeni: Walk us through what you do.
Sydney: I’m a Senior Manager on Diageo’s Brands in Culture team, where I lead strategy and execution for our iconic vodka portfolio—including Smirnoff and Ketel One—, and I’ve previously worked across CÎROC, DeLeón, and Captain Morgan. My work lives at the intersection of brand, culture, and community. From celebrity and creator partnerships to experiential activations, PR, and strategic collaborations, I focus on building culturally relevant moments that bring our brands into the heart of what people care about. I’m also the co-founder of @CurrencyaCollective, a curated network for the next generation of multi-hyphenate leaders shaping modern marketing. We’re all about intentional connections that unlock exponential opportunities.
Abeni: What’s a small, everyday luxury you swear by?
Sydney: Movement is non-negotiable for me; I try to do something every day. It started as “I want to be healthier,” but now it’s the part of my daily routine that grounds me. Whether it’s the gym or just a long walk, it’s my favorite form of me-time and the best way to start the day feeling like I’ve already done something for myself. And on the days that feel extra intense, a quick walk is usually all I need to reset and refocus.
Abeni: What’s one habit you hope future-you never gives up?
Sydney: I love reading, I’m at about 60 books this year. I was an obsessive reader as a kid, then life got busy, and the habit disappeared for a while. Over the last couple of years, I found my way back to it, and now it’s something I genuinely look forward to every day. I’m not letting it go again.
Abeni: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned working in spirits?
Sydney: The regulations—hands down. It’s a fun industry, but it’s highly regulated, and the rules change by state. Many of the campaigns and activations people see in the world are backed by multiple legal reviews to ensure every detail complies with state liquor laws.
Abeni: What’s the last thing you watched or read that made you feel comforted?
Sydney: I’ve read a ton of really good books this year. It’s hard to pick one. My top three this year were My Friends, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. They’re the kind of books I wish I could read for the first time again, beautiful stories, beautifully written.
Abeni: What’s a moment from the past year that you keep coming back to?
Sydney: Hosting my nephew’s birthday at my house. It was the first time my family and my boyfriend’s family were all together in our home, and it felt really special, especially because we’ve been renovating. It definitely got me excited to host even more in 2026.
Abeni: Do you have a favorite campaign you’ve worked on?
Sydney: Leading Ketel One’s White Lotus integration. It was a major, year-and-a-half-long partnership with HBO, big cultural relevance, big scale, and super strategic for the brand. We brought it to life through talent integrations, commercial extensions, key accounts and bars across the country, retail POS, and creative across TV, digital, streaming, and social. The goal was awareness and audience growth, but it also perfectly aligned with our cultural pillars — TV & entertainment and coveted hospitality — while staying true to what Ketel does best: cocktail-forward moments.
Abeni: Your go-to cocktail when you want to impress somebody vs. the one you actually make at home?
Sydney: If I’m out and want the night to feel elevated: a dirty martini. I don’t drink much at home, but if I do, maybe wine.
Abeni: What advice do you have for someone who wants to work in spirits?
Sydney: My advice for anyone working in marketing—whether in spirits or any other industry—is to stay curious. Don’t assume something “isn’t your job” or doesn’t apply to you—those are often the best opportunities to learn. Read, stay informed, and keep up with what’s changing. It’s easy to get comfortable and run on autopilot, but the people I admire most are the ones who keep learning, constantly.
Abeni: How would you describe how you’re feeling today in 3 words?
Sydney: Thankful, Energized, Hopeful.
Until next time, stay rooted and hopeful where you are. Here are six affirmations to hold you until we meet next Sunday again.
I am a master of my craft.
I am constantly growing, evolving, and improving.
I am aligned with the flow of abundance.
Today, I walk in divine favor.
I am exactly where I am meant to be in this moment.
I move through life with grace and ease.