Sara Fay Egan has worn many hats—event planner, entrepreneur, author, mother—but her latest chapter brings it all full circle. In her new book The Through Line, she reflects on the personal challenges and pivotal moments that led her to a deeper understanding of purpose, resilience and joy. As she has stepped into the role of president and CEO of the Beale Street Blues Company, Sara Fay is reconnecting with her Memphis roots while carrying forward her family’s legacy. In this candid Q+A, she shares insights on leadership, motherhood, writing and what it means to embrace every twist in the road with intention and heart.
What was the catalyst for writing The Through Line?
Sara Fay: I am blessed to have had an incredible life and an incredible career. People have told me over the past 20 years of wedding and event planning, "You should write a book". While I have unbelievable stories, it wasn't until I faced life-changing curveballs that I felt like I had something to say, and I wanted to share the lessons I learned in a positive way. I wrote this book to share the lessons I have learned about life and how to pivot and find happiness, even in the darkest times.
As president and CEO of Beale Street Blues Company, how has your role reshaped your perspective on Memphis?
Sara Fay: From day one, it was a massive pivot. I left Memphis in 2000 and have lived in Dallas ever since. I appreciated growing up here, enjoying the city's food, music, and culture, but it wasn't until I left that I fully appreciated it. I love living in Dallas, and the quality of life is great, but we don't have what Memphis has.
I have enjoyed diving back into the city and meeting with Memphis Tourism, the Mayor's office, the Grizzlies and other key leaders in Memphis. We are working closely with these players to plan what would have been BB King's 100th Birthday in September. It will truly be a special week, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working closely with local leaders to plan such a fun celebration.
How have the lessons you learned early on in your career continued to influence your approach to leadership and entrepreneurship?
Sara Fay: The biggest thing I learned was to be a sponge. I followed my boss around and took notes on everything he said. In my early years, my motto was "fake it till you make it". Honestly, everyone is just figuring life out together! Be honest. Ask questions. Find a mentor. Work hard and don't be afraid to get your hands dirty.
As a mother of two, what lessons from motherhood have most deeply influenced your perspective on success, purpose, or balance?
Sara Fay: My most significant lesson that I learned through the messiness of motherhood and owning my own business is – right here is perfect. Map out what is important to you and then build that into your daily and weekly routines.
Are you spending time with people who drain you and don't fill your cup? You are allowed to say no! I want to be surrounded by people who help me grow, but at the same time, embrace me exactly as I am today. I try my best to lead by example with my kids.
I apply a similar thought process to business. Not every person is the right fit for every business. Sometimes people outgrow their positions. It is important to have a mentor outside of your workplace who can provide an objective perspective.
You've built and led multiple businesses, and now you're at the helm of your family's legacy. How do you think about legacy—both the one you've inherited and the one you're creating for your own children?
Sara Fay: I had not thought much about legacy until this recent transition. Being back in Memphis and truly understanding what my father did in the 90s when he opened BB King's on Beale Street for the city has been eye-opening. At the time, Beale Street was rundown. When BB King's opened, it became the catalyst to revive Beale Street. I now realize what an important institution the restaurant is to the city, as well as to many locals and tourists. People from all over the world come to visit every day.
I appreciated growing up in Memphis, enjoying the city's food, music and culture, but it wasn't until I left that I fully appreciated it.