Meet Sarah Stewart | Founder & Creative Director

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

Hi Sarah, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
One summer, when my kids were away at summer camp, I planned a trip to see my wonderful friend Veronica, who lives in Perth, Australia. Veronica and I met in Jakarta, Indonesia, where we both lived when our kids were young. During this faraway visit, I traveled up to Bali, Indonesia, just a four-hour flight from Perth. An idea for a business had been bubbling around in my mind during my travels. I wanted to create summer silk scarves to use as wraps, as the AC can be quite chilly. Three days into our stay in Indonesia, I had met with local artisans, created designs, and left with samples of handprinted silk scarves.

Upon my return to Houston, I brought the scarves to Tootsies, a beautiful women’s store, and the buyer placed my first wholesale order. The following year, I returned to Indonesia with an idea for a purse design. I searched for the artisan markets for a leather maker and tannery and had a sample bag made. Shortly after, the Sarah Stewart Handbag Line began and our leather jackets and shoes followed.

While I have an extensive art background, I have no formal design training. The business has been a self taught adventure. I’ve always loved color and fashion. Creativity always seemed to creep into my career, no matter the job.

I see Sarah Stewart, the brand, as a fun adventure and a dedication to the artisans and their families who make our beautiful pieces.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In the creative space, my strongest gift is the sense of mixing colors and textures. Bold, bright, and whimsical.

I get most excited about making new products. Having an idea and seeing it through is really important to me. At the moment, I’m the most excited and proud of the new store. Designing the hot pink interior and filling it with beautiful products has been so fulfilling.

I’ve had a few different careers in my life. My main priority has always been finding work that allows me to prioritize raising my three kids. Creativity found its way in no matter what career path I was on, from working in oil and gas to corporate event planning and consulting. As my kids got older, I had more freedom with my schedule to travel, source materials, and develop the wholesale side of my brand. Compared to other professional pursuits, this felt like a calling. When I had an idea for a new product, I couldn’t stop until I had it in my hands.

No, It was not easy! It has been tough but the second most rewarding thing I have done. The first would be raising my children. With support from my family, determination, and learning, I overcame many obstacles!

Our brand is closely tied to our artisan partners. They are part of our family. if you’re supporting Sarah Stewart, you’re helping us support artisan workers across the islands of Indonesia.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love spending time around my store in the Rice Village. I have the luxury of living and working in this beautiful part of Houston. I walk to work every day past some of my favorite restaurants and coffee shops. When I have friends or family visiting, we spend time at Coppa and Gratify, my two favorite restaurants. I can’t forget about Armando’s. They have the best Mexican food in the city. I love starting my day running or biking around Rice University or Memorial Park. Possibly playing a little tennis, when time allows. One of my favorite spaces to visit in the city is the Menil Collection. If you’re visiting Houston, I always recommend visiting during Rodeo Season!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My three children: Trevor, Morgan, and Kendall. To the artisans and the beautiful culture of Indonesia. Lastly, the unforgettable support and work of my close friends and Leedia, who works with me!

Website: https://www.shopsarahstewart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsarahstewart/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sarah-stewart-llc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsarahstewart