Meet Sarah Bowden | Local Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Bowden and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The concept behind creating inspirational pieces of art stemmed from a desire to bring my own personal story to life. I had gone through a rough storm in life and emerged on the other side with a renewed faith and understanding of why life may sometimes unfold in ways we would not expect or want it to. Someone mentioned to me that I had been assigned that mountain to show others that it could be moved. I had never looked at my failures or disappointments thinking that anything positive could come from them. With a new perspective, I realized that we aren’t meant to walk this life alone. Each of us is fighting our own battle and we’re really all in this together. We never know how we can change someone’s perspective with just a small uplifting word or gesture of kindness.

I started creating pieces of art that were bright, colorful, and spoke words of encouragement; I used words like hope, faith, believe, and love. Phrases like “let your light shine”, “be the light”, and “choose joy” can be found on my frames, crosses, keychains, bracelets, trinket dishes, and magnets. I wanted my creations to be a source of peace; small reminders that hope is not lost and that the sun will rise tomorrow. My desire was to reach and encourage just one person. I knew that if one person was inspired by my art, this was enough. There was a possibility that this one person would share their encouragement with others. There is a quote by Buddha that states “thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the single candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” Life can be really hard and unfair sometimes, but there is always faith that better days are ahead. Creating uplifting and inspirational pieces of art brings me so much joy. It is a hobby that truly sustains my soul and the emergence of a small business from it was an unforeseen gift. Each design has the intention to bring something positive to its recipient; a small reminder that life is worth celebrating.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started You Got Framed in 2006. I was solely designing picture frames at first. In addition to inspirational frames, I also created themed frames such as sports teams, frames for cat or dog-lovers, babies, weddings, etc. Over time my style changed a bit and I started incorporating other items such as wall panels, notebooks, coasters, and magnets. I frequented vendor markets and maintained an online Etsy store. I’ve always had so much support along the way. My family and close friends have always been incredibly supportive of me, which has been a huge blessing.

My business has not always been consistent though. I am a single parent to my 9 year-old son and also work a full-time job which can be challenging. During those times when I was not actively creating art, I knew something was missing from my life. It’s like getting a good work out in after you haven’t been to the gym in awhile, and you forget how good it feels. Every time I pick my art back up again I promise myself to never put it down. Today I make sure to set aside time for my art. Even when I feel like I am too overwhelmed with life and simply cannot find the time, just spending 5-10 minutes on a new item restores my soul. My designs remind me that I am not alone in this world. Often when I think I am making a cross or a keychain with a quote designed to inspire someone else, it ends up speaking directly to me. “Choose joy Sarah.” “Let your light shine, Sarah.” “Pray more, worry less, Sarah.” These are little tokens of encouragement that I need just as much as anyone else.

I want the world to know that no matter what your story is, or your past, or your current circumstance, you are not alone and it doesn’t define who you are. We are spiritual beings living a human experience and we’re all doing the very best that we can. My experience is that life is a lot easier when you have things to hold onto like love, hope, peace, belief, and faith. Find a good friend to walk alongside you. Helen Keller said that “walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.” I find that the majority of sales I make from my business are gift purchases; one friend encouraging another. It’s what life is truly about; empathy, compassion, extending unconditional love, and giving without expectation. So in a world where you can be anything, be kind.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live a little north of Houston so we would be frequenting some places closer to The Woodlands. Friday evening I would take them to Market Street to hang out and people watch before dinner at Sixty Vines. Saturday I would suggest we go to the Houston Interactive Aquarium and Animal Preserve, where you can have animal encounters with giraffes, lemurs, birds, and even a sloth. (I am a huge animal lover!) Lunch at State Fare Kitchen and Bar! Then Immersive Gamebox at The Woodlands Mall and dinner at Deacon Baldy’s Food Truck Park and Bar. Sunday brunch at Brooklyn Cafe and a quick stop by Whole Body Therapies for a cryotherapy session. Then off to Lifetime Fitness to lounge by the pool in the afternoon! Or get a quick work-out in!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d be so honored to dedicate my shoutout to my dad. He is truly my hero and the reason for my success. He was such an amazing person, father, and was always my biggest fan. Growing up, he taught my sister and I the importance of giving back and being of service to others. My dad never met a stranger and he would help anyone. He knew what life was about; that it wasn’t about fancy cars, a big house, nice clothes, or having all the newest things. He knew it was so much more than that. Life was about leaving a legacy that would outlive your time here on earth. He showed unconditional love to everyone he crossed paths with. Like Mother Teresa encouraged, he did “small things with great love.” My dad passed away in 2023 in a tragic accident that left my world turned upside down. Art has helped repair my broken heart and brought joy back to my life once again. There is a quote I try to live by that says “be the things you loved the most about those who are gone.” This is for you dad, I love you forever!

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/yougotframed27

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