One of our signature activities is the Social Media Detox Day, where people come together offline to connect, create, and share without screens. So far, I’ve hosted or collaborated on almost 10 of these, and each one has been incredibly rewarding.
My community-building journey began in 2024 after a major turning point in my life. I started going on 50 solo dates as a way of rediscovering myself, sharing those experiences online.
In a world where “self-love” often feels like a buzzword rather than a genuine practice, Gnei Naafia Sariffodeen is building something refreshingly real. As the founder of Sedang Saayang, a name that beautifully translates to “I love me,” Naafia has created a safe, inclusive space dedicated to helping people nurture themselves, connect beyond screens, and embrace personal growth one small step at a time. Balancing her role as Managing Director of DigiDaze Global, her creative agency The Kontent Kreatorr, and her growing online community, Naafia wears many hats. In this conversation, she opens up about her journey, her mission, and the heart behind Sedang Saayang.
Q: Let’s start with you; who is Naafia behind the screen?
A: At my core, I’m a passionate person who genuinely believes in leaving a positive impact on others. Professionally, I’m the Managing Director of DigiDaze Global (Pvt) Ltd, a Sri Lanka-based digital agency. I also founded The Kontent Kreatorr, a content creation agency dedicated to personalities and events. On the side, I run a passion project called Sedang Saayang, which is all about helping people love themselves regardless of gender. And because I’m a creative at heart, I also make content for fun and occasionally model for brands.
Q: You wear many hats - content creator, entrepreneur, community founder. How did your journey begin?
A: Honestly, I never imagined this seven years ago. Back then, I had a typical corporate job, but deep down, I knew it wasn’t my forever path. I’d experimented with several business ideas, none of which really stuck. Then I started posting fashion-related content on Instagram purely for fun. That led to opportunities in modelling from 2018 onwards. Around the same time, I landed a role as a Digital Marketing Executive, and that was the real spark that set me on my current path. My community-building journey began in 2024 after a major turning point in my life. I started going on 50 solo dates as a way of rediscovering myself, sharing those experiences online.
Q: Tell us about Sedang Saayang. What does the name mean and how did it come to life?
A: Sedang Saayang means “I love me.” I’m Sri Lankan Malay, and I wanted a name that felt personal and rooted in my heritage. Most self-love spaces have similar-sounding names, so I thought, why not make it unique? My 50 solo dates became the foundation. I posted about them, and the response was overwhelming; people loved it. That’s when I realized I could build a space focused on self-growth and healing, not through huge transformations, but through small, meaningful steps. Right now, our online community is small but steadily growing on Instagram and TikTok. We also have over 30 members in our WhatsApp-based self-love club. One of our signature activities is the Social Media Detox Day, where people come together offline to connect, create, and share without screens. So far, I’ve hosted or collaborated on almost 10 of these, and each one has been incredibly rewarding.
Q: What would you say is the core mission or purpose of this community?
A: The mission is simple yet powerful: to inspire people to truly love themselves. I learned the hard way that you have to fill your own cup before pouring into others’. I wanted this to be inclusive, something for men, women, or anyone interested in self-love. When people tell me I inspire them, that’s my sign I’m on the right track. It’s not just about hearing it, it’s about knowing that what I’m doing leaves a genuine impact. I’ve met incredible, like-minded friends through Sedang Saayang. Recently, I co-launched a workshop series for women aged 50+ with my friend Sara. Connecting with women twice my age and learning from their life experiences was truly special.
Q: How do you decide what to focus on within the community?
A: Most of it is inspired by what I personally want to learn or experience when it comes to self-love. If it resonates with me, chances are it will resonate with others too. I also draw inspiration from social media, adapting ideas to fit our unique space.
Q: What has been your most touching or memorable Sedang Saayang moment so far?
A: Without a doubt, my very first Social Media Detox Day. I wasn’t sure anyone would turn up, but 6–7 people came. We sat in Viharamahadevi Park, painting together, no fancy setup, just pure connection. That day showed me this idea had real potential. Another standout moment was hosting one in Kandy. I had doubts about attendance, but it was a full house, even with last-minute sign-ups. The feedback was beautiful, people told me it helped ease their social anxiety and gave them confidence to meet new people.
Q: You juggle multiple side hustles. How do you manage your time and energy?
A: Planning is everything. I allocate specific time blocks for each part of my life, my company, personal projects, Sedang Saayang, or any collaborations I’m working on. I try to dedicate at least a couple of hours daily to each priority. I’m lucky to have a team managing the agency, which frees me up for other work. And rest is non-negotiable, burning out helps no one.
Q: Do you work solo or do you have help behind the scenes?
A: I have a wonderful team for my company. But for my passion projects like Sedang Saayang, I’m a one-woman show, handling everything from planning to execution.
Q: Have you faced burnout or self-doubt along the way?
A: Absolutely. I’ve had plenty of self-doubt. But I’m also a risk-taker, so even when I’m unsure, I push forward. Every good thing happening now came from taking a leap despite fear. When I’m burnt out, my body tells me, usually through illness, so I’ve learned to listen. Rest is a priority. I also use creative outlets like colouring and drawing to recharge.
Q: Looking ahead, where do you see Sedang Saayang going?
A: I’m working on expanding it beyond social media posts. A few launches are in progress, including a self-love podcast that will feature different voices and stories. It’ll be on YouTube soon. My vision is for Sedang Saayang to be a space people can actively participate in, whether online or offline.
Q: Finally, if someone is reading this and feeling stuck in their own journey, what would you tell them?
A: Start small. Don’t wait for the “perfect moment” to love yourself, it’s not coming. Take yourself out for coffee. Try that hobby you’ve been curious about. Write a kind note to yourself. Self-love is built in these small, consistent acts. And remember, it’s okay to put yourself first. That’s not selfish; it’s survival.
