Sara
Connection: I met Sara in 2021 when my husband and I moved into the neighborhood - both of us on our own walks. As I started to see more of her, I was always taking mental notes of her outfits, wondering how she looks good in everything she wears. Fast forward a couple years and some kids later, our two boys are in the same class at school and I get to see Sara pretty frequently. I’m so inspired by her kind personality, her warm presence, how she owns her own business, and seems to be this creative and talented friend and mother, so naturally, she was one of the first women that came to mind when working on iivy.
Name: Sara
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Self Description: Mother, entrepreneur, business owner, vintage connoisseur
On business
How did you get into vintage clothing?
It started out as just a side hobby. I always loved thrifting and collecting vintage. One day I was talking to a friend about how I found this amazing vintage thing but I was bummed it wasn't my size and my friend said "you should start an Etsy shop - they let you sell vintage now". This was back in 2013, I think before it was just handmade stuff, but around that time they had opened up the platform to vintage. I started a shop and things just kind of grew slowly from there.
How did you know you wanted to own your own business?
It was never a dream of mine to own my own business. My start came pretty slowly, then one day I realized this could be a career for me. But as I was growing my little shop on the side, I definitely tried my hand with other career avenues and part time jobs, and I wasn't quite sure what career to settle on - selling vintage was the only consistent thing that I truly loved doing. So eventually, I took a leap and decided to do it full time.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own business?
Baby steps. It's easy to get overwhelmed with the big picture. Think about what you can do today to make progress on starting your own business. Maybe it's selling on a platform like Etsy or Depop, or selling at a local market or trade show, for instance. Take one step at a time and things will feel a little less daunting.
Can you tell us a little bit about Barnaby Jack and the type of clothing we can expect to see?
Barnaby Jack offers a curated selection of vintage clothing and accessories that celebrate timeless style with a nod to current trends, we feature all decades but primarily focus on the 1960's up to Y2K. Our vintage is either restored to its original beauty or up-cycled/altered to adapt to current trends.
On health & wellness
What is your favorite thing to do with your friends?
I enjoy a not too vigorous nature walk. Or sitting somewhere in the sun to chat and sip on wine.
Favorite wellness tip?
If you're feeling overwhelmed, tired, or depressed - go outside and take a walk, get some fresh air. It helps the mind, spirit and body.
What is one piece of advice you would share with someone who is beginning their health and wellness journey?
#1, do it for you. Don't do it for someone else or because you think society expects it of you. Once that is established, go easy on yourself and take baby steps.
What advice would you give someone who is having a rough day?
Prioritize yourself. I know as women, that can be very hard (especially if you have children) as most of us are taught from very young to prioritize others. If you are having a hard day, it's okay to make some time for yourself in whatever way you can. Once you get that time, fill it with whatever activity fills your cup - whether it be exercise, a hobby, watching tv, hanging out with a friend, eating a yummy snack - anything that gives you joy.
What is something you changed in your life that changed your life for the better?
After my son was born, I was feeling very overwhelmed with being a mother and owning a business. Things felt very cloudy and confusing as far as how I wanted to move forward creatively and logistically. I was talking with a friend about how frustrated I was with the rut I was in and she mentioned journaling as a way to clear my mind. I wasn't quite sure how to go about journaling, but then I heard about an app/site called To Be Magnetic. At first glance, To Be Magnetic can feel a bit mystical and "woo woo" as it describes itself as a guide to "neural manifestation", but when you break down the manifesting jargon, it really is about looking inward, working on yourself to become a stronger and more authentic person, and gaining clarity on what you want out of life (whether it is your career, relationships, etc). I have found it incredibly helpful and therapeutic.
On motherhood
What advice would you give a new mom who is going through it for the first time?
Always remember that it goes by fast. I love to remind myself of this not only to savor and be present during the good moments, but also to help me through the really hard moments.
What are some of your favorite things you like to do with your kids?
I love walking outside with my son - in nature or just around our neighborhood. He loves being outside and this way we can get some exercise, enjoy the beautiful California weather and see all there is to see. I also love reading to him.
What is your favorite memory with your son?
Too many to share! I don't know if I could really boil it down to one favorite memory. I think it is easier for me to describe my favorite memory as the feeling I get every time he gives me a big hug. My heart explodes every time and I never want to forget that feeling.
Was motherhood something that came naturally to you or did it take some time to find your rhythm?
I think some things came naturally, and other things have been a slow learning process. I have always been a very organized person, so I think that has helped with nap schedules and mealtimes and basic daily routines (which I feel is important for kids). The hardest lesson for me has been practicing patience. Good lord, has that been challenging, especially with a toddler.
All favorable mentions are linked below with a brief description
Album: The one that consistently stays in rotation is In Rainbows by Radiohead. It always reminds me of the time of my life when I met my husband which always makes me happy to think about. Playlist: Your Sweet Love by Lee Hazelwood playlist on spotify. A good mix of old country, soul, and folk. Book: Last two books that I read that I found really helpful was Expecting Better AND Cribsheet by Emily Oster. I would describe myself as a worry wart, and being pregnant and having a baby was the ultimate in worrying about every little thing. Emily Oster's book helps anxious people like me break down the enormous flood of internet info/misinformation with real data and facts to help you figure out what you need to worry about and what you don't. Podcast: I am an avid listener of The New York Times, The Daily. With a toddler, I don't have a lot of time to read/watch the news every day. The Daily gives me a 30 min in depth coverage of the most important topic of the day. Skincare/Hair Tip: I will say that I recently felt like my hair lost some luster after having my son (could also be my age, too), so I tried Nutrafol vitamins and I feel like they have really helped. My hair feels fuller and seems to shed less. They have a formula for postpartum hair, and a formula for vegans, too. It's a bit on the pricey side, but if you are really worried about your hair, this could be worth it. Skincare Product: My skin went a little crazy when I was pregnant AND after I had my son. Nothing seemed to work until I started using Paula's Choice BHA exfoliant. I use it 2 or 3 times a week and I feel it has helped even out my skin texture and skin tone. Beauty Product: I don't wear a lot of make-up, but I do always put a thin layer of tinted moisturizer (I use Laura Mercier) - I like how it is an extra layer of moisturizer + SPF + a subtle tint to help even out skin tone. One product you'd recommend for a mom of a newborn/toddler: For a newborn: I remember we had a helluva time figuring out how to swaddle with a blanket. It felt impossible, especially when he would wiggle around, and ESPECIALLY when we're going on very little sleep at 3 in the morning. I found these velcro swaddle wraps to be tremendously helpful. For a toddler: A good push bike or scooter. If your toddler is very active and likes being outside, these are fun ways for them to zip around (and don't forget the helmet!). Small Business(es) we should support: Three that come to mind: 1) Kindred Black has an incredible "slow beauty" line or facial oils, make up and elixirs, and they come in beautiful handmade glass bottles. 2) Roam Studio makes sustainable and timeless clothing with a vintage feel 2) Rackk & Ruin makes handmade jewelry from Vermont, in beautiful and timeless designs. Recipe: I have a picky toddler who gets the sniffles often. I saw this super easy and delicious soup recipe that my son will eat when he isn't feeling well. Favorite store in another town, state or country: My hometown is Tucson, Arizona. Whenever I go back, I always make sure to stop by Merchant Mercantile. It's an antique mall with tons of housewares, furniture, jewelry and clothing. I always find something special there.
Want to follow Sara?
Follow Barnaby Jack on Instagram to check out vintage items that are dropping soon, sales, and places around Los Angeles where you can shop Barnaby Jack in person.
Shop online at www.shopbarnabyjack.com