An Inspired Chat with Sara Free of Atlanta / Buckhead

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sara Free. Check out our conversation below.

Sara, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity, for sure.
Intelligence and energy are important, but integrity is what gives them meaning. It’s how you show up, how you treat people, how you follow through, even when no one’s watching. To me, integrity is about staying true to your word and your values, even when things get messy or hard. It’s about consistency, being the same person in every room, with or without an audience.

I think it’s easy to be smart or energetic for a moment, but integrity is what lasts. It builds trust, creates real connection, and keeps your work, and your character, solid. That’s what I value most: doing things with honesty, heart, and intention.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a multidisciplinary Graphic Designer and Creative Professional, and my journey in design has always been about curiosity and connection. I started in industrial design, learning how things are built and experienced, but over time, I found myself drawn to the stories behind brands, how they move people, spark ideas, and create experiences.

That curiosity led me into branding, creative direction, art direction, photography, and layout design across both print and digital. I love blending these disciplines to create work that feels thoughtful, cohesive, and a little unexpected, a reflection of both the brand and the people it touches.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
The people who taught me the most about work are my parents. They instilled in me the value of showing up, working hard, and always doing your best, not just doing a job, but doing it well. They also taught me patience: not to rush opportunities, not to be greedy, and to trust that good things come to those who wait.

Both my Mom and Dad have shared so much insight that has shaped me as an employee, colleague, and manager. They emphasized the importance of following through on what you promise, taking the high road when needed, and being as helpful as you can. At the same time, they showed me how to protect myself and set boundaries. They’re both strong advocates for work-life balance and focusing on what truly matters, lessons I carry with me every day.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me to keep trying, even when things are hard. Failure shows you more about who you are than success ever could; it reveals how you respond when life doesn’t go as planned. If I had gotten everything right the first time, or exactly what I wanted, I think I’d be a very different person, and I’m not sure I would like who that person would be.

I truly believe that suffering, in any form, shapes you and can make you stronger, or at least that’s the goal. For me, it also draws me closer to my faith. Even in the moments when I question why it’s happening, those challenges bring me back to trusting the higher power I believe in. And through that, I feel I’ve learned empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of others.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
The truth that’s most foundational in my life is my faith and belief in God. It’s something that feels deeply rooted in me, at the core of who I am, and it shapes how I see the world, even if I don’t always speak about it. I believe there is something so much greater than I could ever fully comprehend, and that belief gives me comfort, guidance, and a sense of purpose.

I sometimes get emotional just thinking about it, the vastness, the mystery, but it’s not something I share lightly. When I do talk about it, it’s usually with someone I deeply trust, because it feels sacred. My faith quietly informs how I approach challenges, relationships, and even the small decisions in life, reminding me to lean on patience, empathy, and trust in a higher plan.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I would stop sweating the small stuff and let things go. I often get worked up over things that, in the grand scheme of life, are really minor, and later, I usually realize how unnecessary my reaction was. I’d focus on releasing those moments instead of holding onto them, and just keep moving forward.

I would also take more intentional time to be present in every moment, really noticing and appreciating the people, experiences, and little joys around me. It’s something I still try to practice every day, regardless of how much time I have left, because it’s easy to let little things bother you when, in reality, they’re not worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sarafreecreative.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saraofree
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-free/
• Twitter: https://x.com/saraofree

Image Credits
N/A – All taken by me.