Sarah Yu is not your typical entrepreneur. While many rise in the business world driven by profits and prestige, Sarah has carved a different path—one rooted in purpose, resilience, and a deeply human commitment to uplifting others. As the co-founder and creative director of Scrim Hospitality Group and the founder of the nonprofit Project1K, Sarah Yu stands as one of today’s most inspiring women in business, a multi-hyphenate powerhouse who’s balancing leadership, legacy, and life with grace. 

A proud wife and mother of two boys, Sarah’s story is proof that success doesn’t require sacrificing your values or your family. “Family is always the priority,” she says, and that ethos carries over into every venture she’s touched. 

From Humble Beginnings to Entrepreneurial Success 

Sarah’s entrepreneurial journey began with Frontrow, a local brand where she worked as a product distributor. “At 25, I earned my first million pesos,” she recalls, marking a turning point that shaped not only her financial independence but her personal growth. That early success taught her the importance of connecting with people from all walks of life, and how to present with confidence, build relationships, and expand her network—skills she would later use to launch and scale her own businesses. 

Then came 2020, the year that changed the world. When the pandemic brought everything to a standstill, Sarah decided to launch Pretty Withered, her own floral design brand. What began as a small passion project quickly blossomed into something greater, sparking a new chapter of reinvention. “I did everything myself—buying stock, taking product photos, handling inquiries, even packaging and shipping,” she says. 

The most touching part of that journey came from her interactions with flower vendors in Dangwa, Manila. “They started calling me ‘Mrs. Dry’ because I was the only one buying dried flowers,” Sarah shares. But beyond the nickname, it was the smiles of the vendors, grateful for a new source of income, that changed her. “That moment truly shifted something in me. It reminded me how powerful creativity and hope can be—and how you can create value from things others might overlook.” 

Building Vibe, Incanta, and a Hospitality Empire 

Following Pretty Withered, Sarah partnered with like-minded creatives and ventured into hospitality. Together, they launched Vibe, a trendy dining and social space in Quezon City’s Scout Limbaga. The success of the first location led to the opening of Vibe ArcoVia, and most recently, Incanta Cave Bar & Restaurant—a unique, atmospheric concept that quickly became a buzzworthy spot. 

At the core of her hospitality empire is an unwavering belief in collaboration. “Building a solid team is the biggest challenge,” she admits. “You’re not just managing businesses—you’re also navigating personalities and dynamics.” Yet, Sarah doesn’t see this as a hurdle, but a valuable learning experience in leadership and empathy. 

Her leadership style is defined not by command, but by compassion. “I’m not money-driven; I’m purpose-driven,” she says. “My purpose is to lift others up, and that’s what keeps me going.” Her team is not just a workforce—they’re a community bound by mutual respect, creativity, and shared goals. 

Project1K: Purpose Beyond Profit 

Sarah’s heart for others shines brightest in Project1K, her nonprofit organization. Though she hasn’t elaborated in detail, her tone when mentioning it speaks volumes. It’s clearly a mission close to her heart—an extension of her values, proof that success can (and should) go hand-in-hand with service. 

A Legacy in the Making 

Sarah’s vision for the future is grounded in family, balance, and sustainability. “I want to be at a point where I can slow down and really spend time with my family—especially by the time I turn 40,” she shares. But this isn’t a retirement dream; rather, it’s about reaching a stage where stability and fulfillment coexist. “There’s still a lot I want to build, and I’m ready to put in all the work needed to get to where I want to be.” 

For now, she juggles her roles as a businesswoman, wife, mother, daughter, and friend. “It’s still a work in progress,” she admits. Like many women in leadership, Sarah wears many hats—and she wears them all with intention. 

Always Learning, Always Evolving 

Despite her accomplishments, Sarah remains a student of life. “You always have to have an open mind—especially to change,” she says. She continues to take classes, surround herself with mentors, and seek inspiration from those ahead of her in the field. “Listening to their stories and learning from their journey helps me keep evolving.” 

That hunger to learn is also the advice she offers to future leaders. “Always listen. Understand your team. Don’t assume you know it all. Stay humble and stay hungry.” 

An Empowered Woman, Empowering Others Named one of the Top 100 Women in Charge of her generation under InCharge Magazine, Sarah sees the recognition as a full-circle moment. “If I could go back and tell my younger self who struggled through so much, that this moment would come, I think she’ll be in tears,” she reflects. For Sarah, this accolade is not just about success; it’s about healing and hope. “I want to use this recognition to inspire and motivate other women. We’ve come so far. Years ago we barely had a voice. Now we are leading, building, and thriving.” Her message to women is simple, but powerful: If I can do it, so can you. 

A Woman with a Vision Sarah Yu’s story is one of heart and hustle—a narrative of how passion, perseverance, and purpose can converge to build something truly impactful. Whether she’s curating dried floral arrangements, designing immersive hospitality spaces, mentoring young entrepreneurs, or simply being present for her family, she does it all with deep intention. She isn’t just building businesses but also building communities. She isn’t just leading teams but leading lives. In every way that matters, Sarah Yu is a woman in charge.