We were lucky to catch up with Sara Glenn recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sara, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

My husband and I first fell in love with Italy during our time studying abroad, and when we got married, we chose to celebrate our wedding in Rome. It was then that our dream of one day moving abroad began to take shape. In 2015, we decided to take the leap and make it a reality. My husband was accepted into an MBA program, and I found a job with a tour company—an unexpected shift from my career in design. We arrived in Rome in September 2015, without any concrete expectations, figuring we could always return home once he completed his degree. But, as often happens with Italy, we found ourselves falling even more in love with the country and its way of life, prompting us to stay and build a life here.

In 2017, an unexpected job offer led us to Milan, sight unseen. We arrived in the dead of winter, to an apartment without electricity (a story for another time) and no established network. I joined every expat group I could find and connected with friends of friends to slowly create a community. Milan, being the design capital of Italy, inspired me to return to interior design. I founded my design studio, Atelier Glenn, and began the challenging process of navigating the vast cultural differences of the industry in a new language.

At the time, I still worked remotely in tourism, but when the pandemic hit in 2020, my job vanished overnight. Faced with an uncertain future, I took a leap of faith and devoted all my time and energy to growing my design studio. It has been a steep learning curve, and progress has come slowly, but I’m proud of myself for taking the risk. Venturing out of my comfort zone has opened doors to projects I once only dreamed of.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

From a young age, I was drawn to the creative world, influenced by the design sensibilities of my family. My grandfather was an architect, and both of my grandmothers had impeccable taste, which ignited my passion for design. I vividly recall how certain rooms in their homes made me feel—those early experiences shaped my aesthetic sensibility. Initially, at the encouragement of my parents, I pursued a degree in business, a decision that has proven valuable in many ways. However, after two years in the corporate world, I realized my true passion lay in interior design. I took a bold step, quitting my job to pursue a Master’s in Interior Design and subsequently worked as a project manager at a design studio, which accelerated my career in the field.

However, my journey in design has not been a straight path. When we moved to Rome, I took a hiatus from the design world. At the time, I didn’t speak Italian and had little knowledge of how the design industry operated in Italy. Nevertheless, over time, I transitioned back into the design field. Today, I am proud to lead my own studio, Atelier Glenn. Our studio thrives on the deep understanding of both American and Italian design sensibilities, which allows us to bridge cultural and stylistic differences with ease. We understand that design is not just about aesthetics—it’s about the people who inhabit the spaces. Atelier Glenn’s approach is highly personalized: we don’t adhere to a single design style but instead tailor each project to the unique lifestyle, personality, and needs of our clients. This philosophy ensures that every space we create is a true reflection of those who live in it, blending functionality and beauty.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Word of mouth! Nearly all my clients have come through recommendations of past clients and friends.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the true art of design lies in expressing each client’s personal style while remaining mindful of current trends. I love incorporating family heirlooms and vintage pieces that carry a sense of history and tell a unique story. Just as personal style is anything but one-size-fits-all, I believe that homes should reflect the individuality of those who live in them. One of the most rewarding aspects of this work is taking the inspiration images my clients have collected and adapting them into something fresh and exciting—creating spaces that feel uniquely theirs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.atelierglenn.com
• Instagram: @atelierglenn.com

Image Credits

Rhianna May Photography