We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sara Cohen. Check out our conversation below.
Sara, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
When I’m not working I really enjoy junk journaling. It’s something I started when I was a freshman in high school. Now 10 years and 10 journals later it’s still my favorite decompression activity. I treat my journals as a sketchbook/scrapbook/agenda and everything in between. They are my life in books and it’s my favorite creative outlet to recharge.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi everyone! My name is Sara and I’m a 24 year old living in Orlando Florida. I enjoy all things creative but found a passion in making jewelry for my fellow fan girls – specifically polymer clay earrings! I’d like to think that what makes my brand unique is I’m a huge fan girl and I am able to connect to other people like me through my passion of not only jewelry but also whatever tv show, movie, or musical I’m obsessing over so we can all fan girl together! I like to say that Sjstudio has subtle fan girl pieces so the ultra fan will love the designs and see the inspiration but you also don’t have to be a fan to wear a pair!
I’m currently finishing up a Broadway musical inspired collection with 12 shows represented! It’s one of my biggest collections to date and it’s been 4+ weeks in the making!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I’ve wanted to be an artist for as long as I can remember. With that certainty also came the stereotype that being an artist means not making enough to support myself. Growing up I never really knew what a successful business selling my art would look like. I felt that my skills weren’t up to par to be successful on my own. Now after having my business for five years I see how incredibly possible it is to sell my art and be successful while doing it. It just took trial and error!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh absolutely! I think most entrepreneurs experience this contemplation! I had this thought a few times in the first year or two of my business. The first time was before I even really started my business. I was harassed on social media for what I was creating and posting. The anxiety that came from that made me almost quit before I even started. As it turned out that bullying made me channel my creative energy into a different medium – polymer clay!! After that, I was quickly reminded that this is what I’m meant to do and I needed to stay passionate and ignore the negativity because those weren’t my people.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
100%
What I love so much about my brand and how I’ve established myself is I’m able to share new parts of myself all the time. I’m constantly working on a new themed collection that resonates with me in some way and then I’m able to talk about it to my audience and give deeper insight into who I am and why the collection connects with me!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I firmly believe I am doing what I was born to do. Maybe not the specific medium of polymer clay earrings but I know in my bones that I am meant to create. I get to live everyday knowing I’m doing what brings me joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sjstudio.shop
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjstudioshop?igsh=ZmpkbnYxYnZuM2hz
