We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sarah Gearhart. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Sarah, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
When I first started Gearhart Design Co., I tried so hard to fit the mold of what I thought a business owner should be: professional, polished, perfectly put together, like I had it all figured out. I thought that was the only way people would take me seriously. But over time, I realized that what really resonates with my customers isn’t a picture-perfect version of me. It’s the real me. The girl who sometimes shows up with paint on her hands, who snort-laughs at her own mistakes, who juggles a million things and admits when it gets messy. And let’s be honest, half the time I’m also showing everyone pictures of my cat, Dolly Purrton, because she’s basically the real boss of this business. That authenticity is what people connect with, and it’s been so freeing to lean into that. My customers don’t want a flawless facade, they want someone they can relate to, someone who feels approachable and human. And honestly, I think that’s why Gearhart Design Co. has grown the way it has, because it’s built on real connections, not just pretty products.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Sarah Gearhart, the owner and creator behind Gearhart Design Co., a Marietta-based studio where I create ‘sweetly snarky’ stationery, stickers, notepads, prints, and custom paper goods. My brand is all about mixing bold, playful designs with a cheeky sense of humor. Think sweet on the outside, petty on the inside (ok, petty on the outside too). What makes it special is that it’s rooted in authenticity. I started this business in my sisters garage in 2020, and over the years it’s grown into something I never dreamed possible. Alongside my products, I also run a mobile art-class business, bringing painting and creativity into local breweries, restaurants, farms, and small businesses around Marietta.
What makes Gearhart Design Co. stand out is the connection I have with my customers. Whether I’m creating a snarky greeting card, guiding someone through painting their pet, or oversharing my life story, I want people to feel like they’re part of something bigger than just a business transaction – a real community. Right now, I’m focused on growing my wholesale line, expanding my online shop, and bringing even more classes to the local area, all while still traveling to art markets and workshops. It’s chaotic, it’s colorful, and honestly, it’s the most fun I’ve ever had.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a kid, I believed I had to follow a very traditional path: go to school, get a steady job, and stick with it forever. I never thought I was ‘creative enough’ to make a living doing art, and if I did, I pictured it more as a fun retirement project, not a career. And let me tell you, this is exactly what I didn’t do. I got my degree in Sport Management, worked in college athletics for two years, realized I hated it, and ended up taking a minimum-wage job at a pottery shop I loved. That shop eventually became mine, and that’s when everything changed.
I grew up being taught that you had to stick with one job or else it looked unprofessional, but I’ve learned that’s such an outdated way of thinking. Life is too short to stay stuck in something that doesn’t bring you joy. Do what makes you happy, make career changes, and don’t be afraid to mix things up until you find what truly lights you up, no matter how old you are.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There are so many times I almost gave up. After my mom passed away, I fell into a deep season of grief and depression. Everything felt too heavy, like the joy had been sucked out of life and I didn’t have the energy to keep going with my business. I questioned whether it was worth it, or if I should just walk away completely. But slowly, art became a lifeline. Creating gave me moments of light in the darkness, and connecting with people through classes and products reminded me that I wasn’t alone. Grief doesn’t go away, it changes you, but it also gave me a new perspective. My business isn’t just about making pretty things, it’s about creating joy and connection, even in the hardest moments. And I know my mom would be proud of that.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. When I first started Gearhart Design Co., I tried to play the role of the ‘perfect business owner’ – polished, professional, all buttoned-up. Spoiler alert…that lasted about five minutes. Turns out, I’m much better at being myself: sarcasm, paint splatters, spicy disasters, cat stories, and all. What you see is what you get, and honestly, that’s way more fun.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
My freshman year of college, I started out as an Athletic Training major. After one semester, I quickly realized that wasn’t for me…mostly because the sight of blood makes me lightheaded. When I changed my major, my mom and one of my brothers were so upset. They thought I was just being impulsive, but it wasn’t a whim. At the time, switching to Sport Management felt like the right move. And for a while, it was.
But a few years down the road, working as an equipment manager, I was completely burnt out at 23. That’s when I made the huge career jump into something creative. Everyone thought I was a little crazy, but deep down I knew it was what I was meant to do.
Fast forward to now, and I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. I get to work with people, share my love of art through classes, and create stationery and artwork that genuinely bring people joy. It took a lot of twists and turns to get here, but I wouldn’t change a thing, because this is what I was born to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gearhartdesignco.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/gearhartdesignco
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/gearhartdesginco
