Sarah's teaching career began as a long-term substitute in remedial math for eighth graders. Despite math not being her strong suit initially, she found the challenge rewarding. Eventually, she transitioned to teaching English full-time, a subject closer to her passion. Her path wasn't linear; she stumbled into the math position and later joined the district as a paraprofessional before landing a full-time teaching role.

​Her first full-time position was at a magnet school for children with dyslexia. She was then "surplused" to Northwestern Middle School, a challenging environment that turned out to be one of the most amazing years of her life. She built strong connections with her students and witnessed their incredible transformations. Later, she taught advanced and gifted students, experiencing a completely different dynamic. However, her journey was marked by shifting roles and subject areas, leading to her desire for a more stable and fulfilling career path.

Sarah's teaching career took an unexpected turn when her position was eliminated due to COVID cuts. This unforeseen event left her without a job and forced her to re-evaluate her options. Despite having an MBA and teaching experience, she found herself overqualified for many entry-level positions and underexperienced in other fields. This realization sparked a desire to forge her own path and explore entrepreneurship.

Transitioning from teaching to entrepreneurship was not without its challenges. Sarah had to balance the demands of job searching with building a business. She meticulously managed her schedule, dedicating evenings and weekends to research, networking, and developing her entrepreneurial venture. She also had to navigate the uncertainty of unsteady income, a stark contrast to the stability of a teaching career.

Recognizing the power of technology, Sarah leveraged digital tools to streamline her business operations. She embraced online platforms, Canva, and CRMs (customer relationship management software) to connect with customers, market her products, and deliver services efficiently. Her love for tech systems allowed her to better reach and teach clients in a new context.

​Sarah's entrepreneurial journey began with existing side hustles: photography and a Rodan and Fields business. However, after major back surgery, she pivoted to focus on what truly ignited her passion: design and education. She founded Wanderlust Elevated Marketing and Branding, where she helps clients build their brand identity and marketing message.

Wanderlust Elevated offers a range of services, from logo design and marketing materials to a comprehensive "Build My Brand" course. Sarah's approach is highly personalized; she believes in guiding clients to discover their authentic voice and brand identity rather than simply doing the work for them. Her course covers foundational concepts like SWOT analysis and target audience identification, all the way to creating a cohesive brand message and online presence.

​Her course is designed with a weekly check-in, including video meetings and a private group for support and feedback. While she prefers a cohort model, she also offers individual modules and all-cart services for clients with specific needs. Sarah's teaching background shines through in her approach; she breaks down complex concepts into understandable steps, ensuring her clients truly grasp the material.

Sarah understood the importance of building a strong professional network. She actively participated in workshops, conferences, and industry events, connecting with like-minded individuals and seeking mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs. Through collaboration and partnerships, she gained valuable insights, support, and opportunities for growth, including a new partnership offering LinkedIn outreach and event curation services.

​She emphasizes the importance of one-on-one meetings for building genuine connections, rather than relying solely on elevator pitches. Sarah even developed a set of questions to guide these meetings, ensuring productive conversations. She also highlights the value of the Small Business Development Center of Northeast Florida and recommends finding mentors for guidance and support.

Sarah's advice for teachers looking to start a business is to first find what they're passionate about. She emphasizes the importance of embracing their teaching skills, which are highly valuable in any field. She also stresses the importance of trusting your gut, being open to learning, and building genuine connections.

She recommends making sure your business name is memorable and easy to spell, and your website is simple. She also suggests putting your photo on your business cards and including a QR code that links to your website or a link tree. Finally, she encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to remember that it's okay not to know everything and to seek help when needed.

Sarah's journey from teacher to entrepreneur exemplifies the power of resilience, adaptability, and seizing unexpected opportunities. Her story inspires educators who may find themselves at a career crossroads, demonstrating that with dedication and perseverance, anyone can achieve success beyond the classroom. Sarah's journey serves as a reminder that setbacks can be catalysts for new beginnings, allowing individuals to make a positive impact in diverse and meaningful ways.