Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Dart.
Hi Sarah, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story
2015/2016 to Now – Animation Dreams to Empowering Brands:
It started well before 2015, my childhood shaped who I am today, but my career story started in 2015 when I left New York and my small hometown, the only place I had ever known.
My journey ironically started at one of the lowest places in my life, and yet at one of the happiest places on earth, Walt Disney World.
I had just graduated with my bachelor’s in digital media animation, and I aspired to be an animator one day, working at DreamWorks or Disney. And I was on my way to that dream, I had just been accepted into the Disney program lined up in Florida, but I had nowhere to live, I had just been kicked out, and had very little support for a career in art. My program wasn’t for another month…so I was very fortunate to have a friend offer me a place to stay and prep my move. Then reconnected with family in Texas (i hadn’t seen in 10 years) for the remaining two weeks, where I stayed before flying to Orlando, Florida, to start my program. So much change so fast, but i guess it kept me in motion and survival
Disney World brought me so much happiness and experience. I worked inside Cinderella’s Castle, got to explore the parks on my days off, and this was my first real start on my own. I worked at Disney for 6 months, and I thought that was my dream and that’s where I would end up, only to realize that at nine dollars an hour and 7 roommates is not livable and not very much a sustainable dream. Disney has always been a big part of my heart, growing up turning on the Disney Saturday morning cartoons, I couldn’t imagine a better place to be when it felt like the whole world was crashing down, it allowed me to escape, have a bit of whimsy, and learn so much. But after Disney ended, I moved back to Texas because I mean, realistically, I had nowhere else to go. I did not have much money, no place to live, so I’m very fortunate to have had family in Austin, Texas, willing to take me in at 23 years old. Never did I see myself moving to Texas, but now 10 years later I’m still here and loving it.
In 2016, just starting over my life, not knowing anybody, not having any friends in this big city of Austin. I know it’s not Dallas or New York City, but coming from a small town in upstate New York it was huge and scary, but also so amazing and opened my eyes to so many things. I feel like I could go on, but I put myself out there for interviews, friendships, and landed an internship at an animation studio. From that experience as a production assistant and part-time waitressing, I needed a change, I steady job with benefits a 9-5 (so I thought).
In 2017 I then ended up getting my first job at a women’s nonprofit as a Web and Technology Design Specialist – aka I wore so many hats from full-on website management and design, to creating web graphics and event posts, filming and editing videos, and starting up an event app. This job taught me a lot over the 6 years. I grew to love web design, which helped me realize what I wanted and what I did not want in a career. But I became so burnt out, always over-delivering and getting nothing in return, until I just decided to put the effort into myself. I attended one networking event, and little did I know that one event would open up the possibilities of my career. I was surrounded by women business owners, not just individuals seeking jobs pitching to one another. I saw the passion in everyone about their journey, their business, and even their struggles. I immediately felt connected and drawn towards the community. I never even imagined starting a business; it was not a thought in my mind. I was too shy, I didn’t know the first thing about owning and running a business…
Through a business course, some accountability partners, and A LOT of mindset reframing, I started my business, Sarah Dart Design. I had done design for years, but never really had more than 2 freelance website clients, and mostly free graphic design work. I networked in person, I started a business on Instagram and got a few clients set up, so fall of 2023 I officially quit my 9-5 to pursue my business full-time. And it was not an easy decision, I’m a chronic overthinker, and I felt like no matter how much prep I wouldn’t be ready. But my body was literally telling me to leave. I had become so sick at my 9-5 (physically and mentally) I couldn’t do it anymore.
I found clients through in-person women’s networking events and Instagram, mostly, but my first big client I happened upon at one of my favorite speakeasies, Here Nor There. I met a businessman willing to take a chance on me, and quite honestly, he told me I was selling myself short. It was the first kick I needed to take a step toward making branding and website design a full-time career.
Since I started my business, it has been a season of ups and downs. I’ve had to learn sales, marketing, and to have confidence in myself so others would too, and that hasn’t been easy. I’m still always learning, still am, but it helps so much to surround yourself with others that share the same values and lift one another up. I have come so far from where I was, through abuse, no home, no job, no money, to rebuilding a life in Texas – saving up, purchasing my own house all on my own, and starting my own business. And most recently married to my now husband as of October 2025:) Owning my own business has not only given me more freedom (time not so much, I ironically work more ha), but has taught me so much about myself, and I have grown so much. When you begin to do something you’re passionate about, your everyday life becomes less mundane. I’ve met so many amazing women entrepreneurs and have been introduced to so many things I never even knew existed as a small-town girl. One of my biggest suggestions when starting out and trying to build your network is trade of services with other women business owners. This not only opened my eyes to so many new skills and services, but also allowed me to build my community, my skills, and experience so many other things I would have never experienced or sought out, like Reiki, sound baths, and bouidor.
I’m a girl with a big heart who loves design and her dogs and wasn’t until I was about 30 years old when I truly started finding myself. It’s never too late to start up with an idea, go for your big idea, do it scared because it will never feel easy until you just do it. I still have a long ways to grow my confidence and my business even more, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come. And hope to continue to connect with other heart-led entrepreneurs like myself.
(Feel free to take what you need or remove unnecessary things. I trust your expertise!)
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I kind of combined all my obstacles in my story as I went! Let me know if there is anything you want me to elaborate or clarify. I think I wrote TOO much detail, so use what you wish.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a Brand & Web Designer for Women Entrepreneurs – I design modern, soulful brands and websites for heart-led women and creative founders who want their business to look and feel like their truest, most confident selves. Through thoughtful collaboration and intentional design, I help you express your vision, clarify your identity, and step confidently into your next chapter.
What really sets me apart is that I intuitively get people. I’m deeply empathetic and naturally introverted. I listen closely, not just to what someone says they want, but to what they’re trying to express underneath it. I pay attention to tone, energy, hesitation, excitement…all the in-between moments.
Clients often tell me I “read their mind” or “crawl into their brain,” and that’s because I take the time to truly understand who they are, not just what they sell. I’m very attuned to people’s energy and personality, and I have a natural ability to translate that into visuals that feel honest, expressive, and aligned.
A lot of my background working with spiritual and mindful clients has strengthened that intuitive approach. I design in a way that feels both intentional and emotional, not just strategic.
The result isn’t just a beautiful brand or website. It’s something that gives my clients confidence, the kind that helps them show up more fully, attract the right people, and step into the next version of their business feeling grounded and excited.
So everything I do really comes back to that – listening deeply and designing with intention.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is that my work consistently helps women feel truly seen and confident. I think of both myself and my brand as a safe, supportive space, one where women feel comfortable showing up as they are, sharing big ideas, and trusting the process.
Seeing clients step into their next chapter – whether that’s opening their first studio, attracting more aligned opportunities, finding the confidence to step into spaces like Shark Tank, or simply feeling proud to share their website- is what means the most to me. That kind of impact feels far more meaningful to me than any single project.
Working with me is about more than a transactional design experience. My process is deeply collaborative, and I want my clients to feel like a passenger alongside me on the journey, supported, guided, and never rushed.
I offer both brand and website design, with website packages that meet clients where they are. From one-page, multi-section sites that are perfect for getting started, to fully built-out, multi-page websites for growing businesses. I design on WordPress and Showit, always with the goal of creating something that feels aligned, expressive, and confidence-building.
My work is for heart-led women entrepreneurs and creative founders who want more than something that just looks good; they want a brand and website that support them as they grow, evolve, and show up more fully in their work.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
As much as I’ve tried to sit down and read or listen to a podcast, i haven’t been able to fully. I think what truly helps my creativity and work is music. I’m a big fan of indie and love all indie folk, indie rock and a lot of international singers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sarahdartdesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahdartdesign/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-dart-7a6836b1/
Image Credits
the wedding one: Lomonico Photography
