Meet Sarah Guarino: Earring maker, and photographer.

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

Hi Sarah, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Everything in life has a risk to it. If we spend our entire lives basing our decisions off of a possible downfall- we set ourselves up for failure. I’d rather try new things, go for that goal, and take that “risk”, because otherwise things will just stay the same. Without stepping your foot out onto the ice, you will never know if you can skate! So go for it. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been a photographer for over a decade now, and I honestly cannot believe how long it’s been! Sarah Guarino Photography is something that started as a hobby as a teen, and turned into something I deeply enjoy. Then you have ‘Ozen Earrings, my latest endeavor. ‘Ozen was birthed through grieving the loss of my mother last year, when I just needed SOMETHING to do. I started working with clay, and found it to be extremely therapeutic. After I started gifting earrings to friends, I was told I should start actually selling them. From there it just took off and became this hobby that I absolutely enjoy, and it brings people joy as well. The road to either of these creative outlets was not “easy”, but it also did not require striving. At every step through my growth, I found new guidance and learned new skills that helped me get to where I am today- through the people around me, and wonderful mentors. My most recent lesson would be that if you’re trying too hard to do something, and you’re pushing yourself to the point of stress about it- step back and see where you’re being guided mentally. You probably need rest, community, peace. Then when you come back to your piece, the work that blooms from that space will be more beautiful than anything that came from force. I would love for people to know that whether they come to me for my photography, or for my Earrings – you are receiving something that was birthed from true passion, care, and dedication to the gifts God blessed me with. I take my crafts very seriously, and pride myself of work that will not only last, but will spread joy and brighten lives. I love when clients have joy because of something I worked on, it’s truly the best reward.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This city is amazing. I was born and raised here, and wouldn’t have it any other way. Houston is the only place I’ve ever been that has so many unique and beautiful cultures effortlessly blended into one city. If my best friend was coming to visit me, we’d probably grab dinner at my favorite Thai place, Thai gourmet! I love a good patio bar with good cocktails, so maybe after we would check out Wooster’s Garden or Better luck tomorrow? As for Saturday- you definitely have to pick somewhere to have brunch- our last choice was Barnaby’s! Oh!- And we’d absolutely have to visit some of my favorite breweries! Platypus brewery, Holler brewery, or Buffalo bayou to name a few. All of these are super close to our beautiful parks, so maybe we’d swing by discovery green to see the latest art installment. If we’re SUPER lucky, it’ll be Second Saturday, and we could check out the open art studios!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely owe everything I am to God, I know that without Him I wouldn’t have been where I am today. From photography to earrings, and everything else- it’s all been divinely handed to me. I have a great community of friends and family that have also raised me up on the low days, supported my work, and been there for me through thick and thin.

Website:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahguarinophotography?igshid=gebbh35bbxao And. https://instagram.com/ozenearrings?igshid=1w23ozroe5z52

Image Credits
Myself