Creative problem-solver and product photographer, Sarah uses eye-catching color palettes and intriguing layouts to create content for fun brands. From conceptual planning, to thoughtful photo styling and retouching, Sarah is passionate about helping brand’s dream visuals come to life.
Image courtesy of Sarah Meyer
Tell us about your career path leading up to starting your own business.
I’ve taken a lot of different career paths. In college I went through several majors and schools before finally deciding to stop trying to force things that didn’t fit me and go to art school, where I majored in photography. I did a commercial photography internship in Austin, and then went a completely different path into child care for several years, while having a small family portrait business on the side. I moved to LA in search of a more creative career and ended up teaching preschool art for a year, then finally went back to my original college plan of doing freelance product photography.
What made you want to start your own business?
I’ve always wanted to work for myself making my own art. I had a little success with family/child photography and there were a lot of things I loved about it, but ultimately it didn’t quite scratch the creative itch I had. After moving to LA, I landed a job as a preschool art teacher at a private westside school, thinking my career path was going to be teaching art. It was great until it wasn’t, and I ended up getting let go by the new administration after my first year. After that, I realized that there is no more stability (and certainly no more appreciation) in working for someone else than there is in taking a risk on yourself, so I decided to just go for my ultimate dream, because why not?
Image courtesy of Sarah Meyer
How did you go from idea to execution?
I feel like I’m still constantly on the path from idea to execution. I’m still learning a lot about what I even want out of my career and how to make it happen. I started doing colorful still life photography in college, mostly out of my desire to work alone (major introvert over here), so I had already put A LOT of hours of practice into my art. When I unexpectedly lost the job, I just naturally gravitated towards that kind of art again because I was motivated by it. I started spending my days pouring through inspiration photos and working on new still life’s, then posting them on Instagram. Through IG, I’ve found a wonderful network of inspirational women who are just so willing to help lift each other up. I’ve learned so much from watching some of my creative heroines, and attending workshops. Eventually after posting my work, people started to find me through social media and reach to out to me.
What were some unexpected hurdles you faced when starting your business?
It’s been tougher than I realized facing rejection and having projects fall through after spending so much time on the early parts of the process. It gets hard to not take things personally when the creative process is such a personal thing. I'm learning how to find the silver lining when things don't work out the way I hoped, but it can definitely be challenging.
Image courtesy of Sarah Meyer
Best advice you’ve received?
To try to view failures as a part of success. No one has it all figured out from the beginning and failing is so often a necessary part of achieving your goals.
What does Support Your Local Girl Gang mean to you?
To me it means helping lift up the women around you. I think an amazing thing is happening where women are so willing to help other women get ahead. There isn’t competition, there’s an attitude that we all succeed when we help each other. It's been amazing to witness and be a part of this new era.
Favorite books, podcasts, tools, and or apps:
Podcasts: Good Life Project, Unladylike
Apps: Pinterest, Photoshop Fix, Instagram, Happify. Currently reading: Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine.
Instagram: @sarahwinonaphoto
Website: sarahwinona.com
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