What do you think?
Rate this book
Seize the Yay
Kick goals in your business or career and stay happy in the process - Seize the Yay show you how to do both.
There are so many wellness and business titles on the market, but not many which share the journey to happiness and fulfillment through running your own business . At least, not without collapsing in an overstressed heap.
A well-known entrepreneur and Founder of Matcha Maiden green tea, Sarah Holloway started her first business after suffering from a case of complete adrenal exhaustion. As a young lawyer looking for a caffeine-free fix to supplement her serious coffee habit, she ordered ten kilos of tea from Japan by accident. Starting up a side hustle to shift the nine kilos she didn't need, Matcha Maiden was soon born. It is now a multi-million-dollar company with success in various markets.
With no background in the area, business experience, family money or investment behind them, Sarah and her partner built Matcha Maiden from scratch. Here, Sarah shares how it can be done without losing your joy or sense of appreciation for the journey. Sharing practical tips and life advice to help you realize your own business dreams while staying grounded and well, Seize the Yay is your one-stop shop for achieving millennial success.
There are so many wellness and business titles on the market, but not many which share the journey to happiness and fulfillment through running your own business . At least, not without collapsing in an overstressed heap.
A well-known entrepreneur and Founder of Matcha Maiden green tea, Sarah Holloway started her first business after suffering from a case of complete adrenal exhaustion. As a young lawyer looking for a caffeine-free fix to supplement her serious coffee habit, she ordered ten kilos of tea from Japan by accident. Starting up a side hustle to shift the nine kilos she didn't need, Matcha Maiden was soon born. It is now a multi-million-dollar company with success in various markets.
With no background in the area, business experience, family money or investment behind them, Sarah and her partner built Matcha Maiden from scratch. Here, Sarah shares how it can be done without losing your joy or sense of appreciation for the journey. Sharing practical tips and life advice to help you realize your own business dreams while staying grounded and well, Seize the Yay is your one-stop shop for achieving millennial success.
- GenresNonfictionSelf Help
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 16, 2021
23 people are currently reading
482 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 3, 2022
DNF - Seize the Yay has lots of promise, but no substance. There is nothing new or outstanding in this book, and nothing overly inspiring either. Although I of course praise the author for her hard work and accomplishments, I don’t feel that I was at all educated or grown by reading this book. Unfortunately, by only halfway through, I was bored and underwhelmed, and thus the book went back the library shelf without being completed.
September 21, 2020
I'm so relieved to finally have a real, authentic, and thoughtful account of what it's like to work towards your dreams. Every single word in this book resonated with me right now. I love the combination of vulnerability and playfulness that Sarah uses to tell her story - a story that inspires me to be more fearless in my everyday life, as well as encourages me at the same time to build in play and rest into a lifestyle that works for me.
This is such a modern philosophy to life and it really addresses the world that we face - one of instagram comparison which can cause issues if we don't see it through an educated lens, one of seeking something more in life beyond the pre-forged paths we all know too well.
Sarah's poetic writing is both joyful and creative. Books like these are the ones we all need to push us all a little closer to living a life we truly want for ourselves.
This is such a modern philosophy to life and it really addresses the world that we face - one of instagram comparison which can cause issues if we don't see it through an educated lens, one of seeking something more in life beyond the pre-forged paths we all know too well.
Sarah's poetic writing is both joyful and creative. Books like these are the ones we all need to push us all a little closer to living a life we truly want for ourselves.
January 27, 2022
Sarah Davidson is an Australian entrepreneur and content creator. I picked up her book because I thought her story would be interesting and had seen good reviews. Unfortunately turns out this book is not my cup of tea.
She talks about her experience of imposter syndrome, self doubt, under thinking, over thinking, and perfectionism, amongst other things. They are all important issues that I've researched to understand before. Her ways of handling these included power posing, journaling, surrounding yourself with supportive people etc. Nothing new or insightful there. I'm disappointed because the author seems to be a good business woman. Maybe it was just the chatty and unstructured writing style that put me off. The story wasn't told in a linear way, and after a few "I'll tell you more about that later" comments I wanted the thing to have a good edit. I stopped reading appx 25% in.
She talks about her experience of imposter syndrome, self doubt, under thinking, over thinking, and perfectionism, amongst other things. They are all important issues that I've researched to understand before. Her ways of handling these included power posing, journaling, surrounding yourself with supportive people etc. Nothing new or insightful there. I'm disappointed because the author seems to be a good business woman. Maybe it was just the chatty and unstructured writing style that put me off. The story wasn't told in a linear way, and after a few "I'll tell you more about that later" comments I wanted the thing to have a good edit. I stopped reading appx 25% in.
January 4, 2021
Easily readable and straightforward advice. She is an excellent writer and is great at distilling her learnings from others into a coherent and enjoyable narrative.
It got a bit repetive at the end and began to read more like a memoir and less like the personal development book. I think it would have benefited from a bit of editing and more external sources or additional non personal examples.
She does this meld of personal with her interviewees in her podcast so it would be good for future books to take more use of this skill.
Overall it was a good book to start the year with and hopefully this is a start to her writing career.
It got a bit repetive at the end and began to read more like a memoir and less like the personal development book. I think it would have benefited from a bit of editing and more external sources or additional non personal examples.
She does this meld of personal with her interviewees in her podcast so it would be good for future books to take more use of this skill.
Overall it was a good book to start the year with and hopefully this is a start to her writing career.
January 12, 2021
This is a fantastic book for anyone looking to learn from a genuinely down to earth, vulnerable and authentic entrepreneur who is fearless in sharing her highs and lows of pursuing her truth. It's an easy-read with meaningful takeaways about setting up business, looking after yourself and methods to pivot your life in the direction you deserve. I also found my love for reading again after picking up this book as Sarah is a beautiful and engaging writer. I've just started my next book and I miss reading Sarah's book LOL.
September 15, 2020
Yay This Book
I absolutely love reading Seize The Yay - I spotted the Author’s ~ Sarah Davidson’s - Happy Smiley Face on The Cover than I saw the book title and loved it.
When I went to pick up the book and turned it around I than discovered it was all about Kicking Goals in your business or career and finding happiness and fulfilment in the process.
Reading about her start up business entrepreneur journey has been so inspiring and I love how real, raw and vulnerable Sarah Davidson truly is.
I love how she shares practical tips, advice but also real life stories from other people.
I loved how open and honest she was especially in Chapter 4 - Comparison is the thief of Joy.
This is definitely one book that I didn’t want to put down which is such a positive and Seize The Yay feel good happy experience.
This will be one book that now goes into my favourite book read collection.
This is one Down To Earth - Aussie Author, Entrepreneur, Podcast Host, YAY-Boss I am so happy and proud to cheer on.
I absolutely love reading Seize The Yay - I spotted the Author’s ~ Sarah Davidson’s - Happy Smiley Face on The Cover than I saw the book title and loved it.
When I went to pick up the book and turned it around I than discovered it was all about Kicking Goals in your business or career and finding happiness and fulfilment in the process.
Reading about her start up business entrepreneur journey has been so inspiring and I love how real, raw and vulnerable Sarah Davidson truly is.
I love how she shares practical tips, advice but also real life stories from other people.
I loved how open and honest she was especially in Chapter 4 - Comparison is the thief of Joy.
This is definitely one book that I didn’t want to put down which is such a positive and Seize The Yay feel good happy experience.
This will be one book that now goes into my favourite book read collection.
This is one Down To Earth - Aussie Author, Entrepreneur, Podcast Host, YAY-Boss I am so happy and proud to cheer on.
September 14, 2020
This book is wonderful. I couldn't put it down and had to stop myself from folding over the corner of EVERY page to 'read again later'.
Sarah speaks honestly, humbly, and openly about her own experiences - not just the good, but the challenging parts that taught her the most. She's taken lessons from that, along with the many podcast guests she's spoken to, and curated it into a practical book of life advice.
I think this book will add value to anyone's life, but particularly women in their 20s (I can't speak on behalf of anyone else)!
If you're trying to decide if this book is for you - I'd suggest having a listen to the Seize The Yay podcast - and if you love it, you'll love this book even more. I can't recommend either highly enough.
Sarah speaks honestly, humbly, and openly about her own experiences - not just the good, but the challenging parts that taught her the most. She's taken lessons from that, along with the many podcast guests she's spoken to, and curated it into a practical book of life advice.
I think this book will add value to anyone's life, but particularly women in their 20s (I can't speak on behalf of anyone else)!
If you're trying to decide if this book is for you - I'd suggest having a listen to the Seize The Yay podcast - and if you love it, you'll love this book even more. I can't recommend either highly enough.
September 15, 2020
Having interviewed Sarah before, being a listener to her podcasts - both as the interviewer & interviewee, I thought purchasing the book would be basically a donation.
As I didn't think there was anything more to her story I didn't already know.
BOY WAS I WRONG!
Seize The Yay contains so much more detail, personal thoughts and experiences that I had never heard Sarah speak about before.
This book is as interesting and entertaining as it is inspiring.
Regardless of age, gender or background - I promise this book is one that will prove to be invaluable, in more ways than I could explain.
If you are going to read a book this year - I couldn't recommend this highly enough!
As I didn't think there was anything more to her story I didn't already know.
BOY WAS I WRONG!
Seize The Yay contains so much more detail, personal thoughts and experiences that I had never heard Sarah speak about before.
This book is as interesting and entertaining as it is inspiring.
Regardless of age, gender or background - I promise this book is one that will prove to be invaluable, in more ways than I could explain.
If you are going to read a book this year - I couldn't recommend this highly enough!
September 14, 2020
Seize the Yay is an amazing podcast that I have been following since day 1 so I was super excited to get into this book. And it absolutely did not disappoint!! Such a great read!! So much awesome advice on how to find your way to 'yay', building a business, thriving in a busy world and more! All presented in a fun and insightful way. Sarah Holloway is a total inspiration - smart, ambitious and fun! I would totally recommend this book (and podcast!) to everyone. Amazing work Sarah, thank you!! xx
September 15, 2020
I’ve admired Sarah for so long and have been a regular listener of her podcast, so when she released her book, I definitely had to read this one. Sarah’s smart cookie and friendly personality really shines well in her book and her inspirational stories and learning outcomes really make you want to continue to read on her stories. I highly recommend this book to those who follow Sarah but even if you don’t follow her or know of her, the book itself is nonetheless inspirational and a great motivator. Definitely worth the read.
September 21, 2020
This book has come to us from a person who can only be described as a courageous adventurer. The reader is able to travel into and identify with the ups and downs of complex, high octane/empty tank, emotional experiences of life and business of the author.
Wisdoms, understandings and emotions that come from her life are shared unreservedly.
Hers has not been an overnight success, there have been storm clouds along the way. Through this extraordinarily fast paced life to a slower place, it is evident that Sarah connects and engages with you from start to finish in this page- turner. Bravo!
Wisdoms, understandings and emotions that come from her life are shared unreservedly.
Hers has not been an overnight success, there have been storm clouds along the way. Through this extraordinarily fast paced life to a slower place, it is evident that Sarah connects and engages with you from start to finish in this page- turner. Bravo!
September 14, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I adore reading about women kicking goals in the business industry and Sarah is doing just that, plus so much more. This book is Sarah's journey from hot-shot lawyer to pun-loving business owner, as well as advice on how to take that leap of faith for yourself. Lots of thought provoking tips and inspiring quotes along the reading journey. A must read if you’re looking to find your ‘yay’!
Such an inspiring, real and funny read. Loved it.
Such an inspiring, real and funny read. Loved it.
October 22, 2020
Sarah is an absolute legend! This book has given me so much courage to step outside of my comfort zone and actively looking for what I'm passionate about. It's so detailed and teaches you so much life lesson yet so easy to read. I've always wanted to start my own side hustle but been so hesitant for years until I read this book. Now I'm in the process of launching my first business ever!
Couldn't recommend this enough for everyone
Couldn't recommend this enough for everyone
September 14, 2020
Sarah your talent far exceeds your businesses you speak and write so eloquently I’m in awe 💖
Every spare minute I’m reading this as my self-care, I can’t put it down! It’s absolutely amazing and it’s funny how alike we are mentality wise. Love every page and I will definitely be recommending on to others.
Thank you for the inspirational words!
Every spare minute I’m reading this as my self-care, I can’t put it down! It’s absolutely amazing and it’s funny how alike we are mentality wise. Love every page and I will definitely be recommending on to others.
Thank you for the inspirational words!
Read
September 14, 2020I love everything about this book. Sarah is beyond phenomenal. It’s full of extraordinary nuggets for entrepreneurs and anyone wanting to live their best and bravest life. I can’t recommend it highly enough! If you want more yay and play in your day, look no further. Grab a cuppa, curl up, enjoy and get ready to have your world rocked in the best possible way xxx
Read
July 21, 2025A light, feel-good read reminding us to slow down and find joy in the everyday. While it repeats much from Davidson’s podcast of the same name, it’s still a helpful nudge to reflect on what makes you truly happy. “Busy and happy are not the same thing; we too rarely question what makes the heart sing.” Simple, positive, but not essential if you’re already a podcast listener.
September 14, 2020
If you’re looking for the sign from above that you need, a kick up the butt, a friend to encourage you to take a step forward... this book is all of those. Incredibly valuable advice for anyone looking to take hold of their career.
September 14, 2020
An incredible book! So inspiring and motivating no matter where you are in your career or life journey. I highly recommend anyone who wants to succeed in anything and make the most of everyday to even read 50 pages of this masterpiece!
September 14, 2020
I’m loving this book! Sarah not only expresses herself with such authenticity but provides an insightful view on life and business. Thoroughly enjoyable...find it difficult to put down!! A must have for everyone’s book shelf!! Thanks Sarah in sharing how we can Seize Our Yay 😊
September 17, 2020
This book is fab! Great and easy to read. It’s very practical, honest and has some learnings / insights. I went away reflecting on some many elements.
Beautifully executed also! This book was read in one day. Thanks Sarah xx
Beautifully executed also! This book was read in one day. Thanks Sarah xx
January 4, 2021
I love listening to the ‘Seize the Yay’ podcast, so I couldn’t wait to read this book. I loved reading the journey that Sarah went on to get to where she is today with her start up business. I found this book so motivational. Dreams really do come true if you’re willing to put the work in.
September 14, 2020
I loved the conversational tone. Definitely an inspirational read with lots of business know-how to take away and plenty of chapters dog-eared to revisit and reread again and again.
September 14, 2020
Fantastic book for anyone wanting to find more joy in their life. Sarah is a fantastic writer and it goes into more depth than her podcast. Highly recommend!
September 14, 2020
I took away so much value and inspiration from Sarah’s book, just as I do with her incredible podcast 🙏🏻 Thank you legend!!!
September 14, 2020
Really enjoyed this. Well written by someone clearly very intelligent. An entertaining read. I look forward to her next book!
June 30, 2021
I loved this book! The podcast is amazing so for me this was a must read
September 16, 2024
Uplifting self help ones.
November 25, 2020
Sarah has written a such a fabulous book filled with lots of little gems and pearls of wisdom! This book is funny, witty, insightful and thought provoking. Brilliant read, highly recommended!!
September 21, 2020
What an easy to read and exciting book this is. I was given this book and told “you must read it.” Well I did and wasn’t disappointed. There are the personal events which lead on to the idea of ‘seizing your yay.’ I found myself saying ‘of course’ or ‘what a good suggestion’ many times while I was reading. I felt empowered too, as I read how what can seem to be a negative can actually become a positive with a different mindset. This book is a page turner full of gems and hard won wisdoms. This book speaks from the heart.
October 11, 2021
Big fan of Sarah’s and found this book to be very motivating and informative
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews