Sometimes clients become friends, and sometimes friends become clients. Thankfully, Sarah with SarahB In Stitches has done both! I’ve known Sarah for around 5 years now, through my work with Old Colorado Brewing Company, and I’m excited to see her evolve into a business owner herself! Learn more about Sarah and be sure to connect with SarahB In Stitches on Facebook and Instagram.
Sarah, tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania with my mom, dad, and little sister. After graduating high school, I attended a small liberal arts college in Maryland where I played field hockey, ran track, competed on the Equestrian team, and earned a degree in Communications. While in Maryland, I also worked and lived on a High Ropes Course where we ran a summer camp and day camps throughout the year. I spent two years working on a master’s degree in Athletic Leadership and Administration before I decided I no longer had any interest in that and, instead, picked up and moved to Colorado.
When I first arrived in Colorado, I worked at Pingree Park running their ropes course and Eco Week program. From there, I worked as a Special Education Para in the Poudre School District before meeting my husband in 2010. I began taking over classes as a substitute and then teaching at Mountain Sage, a Waldorf-inspired charter school in Fort Collins. I realized after a few years that teaching wasn’t what I wanted to do and I was lucky enough to land at Old Colorado Brewing Company working part-time as a beertender. I quickly grew to love our little family there and began managing the taproom and overseeing all of the events. When Old Colorado closed, I began working part-time at Cantina Liquor and teaching a small homeschool pod of kiddos. I’m still doing that currently and also raising two little turkeys!
How long have you lived and worked in Wellington?
Adam and I moved to Wellington in 2012 shortly before we were married. I began working for Old Colorado in 2016 and quickly realized what a neat little town this is. Working in a local business really allowed our family to put down roots here, and I’m excited to be a part of our growing town.
What’s your professional background and what inspired you start your business?
I’ve done a little bit of everything when it comes to my professional work. I’ve always been drawn to jobs that involve being around lots of people so this past year has been challenging with the pandemic. I learned how to knit when I was in elementary school and have always done a bit of it, especially in the winter months, but this year knitting helped me keep my mind quiet and focused. I’ve always had a collection of hats/knitted items, and my husband finally got fed up with me buying so much yarn. So, I figured if I wanted to keep doing it, I should try to sell what I make! I’ve been lucky enough to have a lot of support the first few months of this year, and when I started to sell multiple hats a week, I figured it was worth making the jump into running my own business!
What have been the biggest challenges of starting your own business?
At this point, it’s honestly been questioning whether I can sell enough to make it worth it, and whether the demand will consistently be there. I’m also not a business-minded person at all so I’m learning a LOT as I go!
What have been the biggest wins with starting your business?
I get to do what I love and get paid for it! It’s pretty rewarding to know that I can sell items I handmade.
Who and/or what has had the biggest impact on your business adventure?
I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by some badass local women who run their own businesses. They’ve been a HUGE support and network of information. Working with the other Wellington Brewfest women has been life-changing. I’m so thankful for Tara (Old Colorado Brewing Company), Megan (M Rock Creative), Mary (Soul Squared Brewing) and Annie (Cantina Liquor).
I’ve also found an incredible network of makers on Instagram. Jenny, who owns Wanded Knit & Crochet, has been incredibly encouraging whether it’s designing some amazing patterns or answering every single knitting-related question I have. Jamie, the owner of Life’s Little Things, pairs beautiful yarns with her handmade poms and has worked with me to find yarns that I need for projects and answer questions about running a business.
Final thoughts. Anything else you’d like to share?
I can’t thank everyone enough who has already supported my journey! I have so many amazing friends and family members who have purchased hats and shared my business. I wouldn’t be where I am without them!
I also need to thank my husband who has allowed me to take over a whole room in the house with my yarn and hats and puts up with me knitting every spare moment that I have.
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