For those of you who don't know me, I'm Sarah. I have a house in Sevenoaks, have three beautiful cats (sometimes a litter or two of foster kittens), a passion for travel and food, a group of friends who I couldn't live without and a lust for life.
I was once a corporate junkie; tied to my laptop, my blackberry (when we had those), panicked if I didn't have at least five work flights booked, never at home, spent more time with colleagues and clients than I did with friends and family, in a permanent state of anxiety (with no idea what the concept of "psychological safety" felt like) and with no understanding of who I was without my job title.
That all changed when I got made redundant in 2021. To combat my anxiety and depression - running rampant during COVID and without a job - I decided to make a garden bar from reclaimed pallet wood and french wine boxes. And then I made a wendy house (logical next project..). And then a garden bench. And then started playing with epoxy resin. And then...Sawn by Sarah was born!
My woodworking journey
It's been a surprising and unexpected path to where I am today. From my very first craft fair - where I met Judi Dench and she bought one of my serving boards - it's been continuous learning. I've done massive events, tiny events, tried Etsy, set up my own website and had to get to grips with instagram. I've met fabulous people I have learned from and I've made many, many, many mistakes that have (sort of) learned from.
I'm so proud of who I have become and the talent I have discovered. The biggest challenge I still face is how to actually make money from doing this thing I love!
So am I a full time woodworker?
Life is sadly not all sawdust and powertools. Unfortunately I need something to pay the bills and keep a roof over my head. For my "day job" I work as a business development consultant in professional services. I actually love the balance I get between the creative, dirty and physical side of woodworking (and actually making a "thing") with the more structured, cerebral and relationship based engagement I get from my consulting.
What's next
I love the fact that I am no longer defined by my job title. I am also no longer in constant fear that someone is about to put a knife in my back. I might stick the occasional chisel in myself, but that's just normal!
I'm going to keep improving myself, develop new products that fit with my brand and finding ways to get my beautiful products out to the world!
To find out where I'll next be exhibiting, click here. And please do let me know if there's something you'd like to see me start making.
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