We recently connected with Sara Maria Jensen and have shared our conversation below.

Sara Maria, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I am a self-taught creative with graphic design, photography, digital marketing, and blogging expertise. My formative years were primarily spent in the realm of the hard sciences, where I began my academic career at the age of 16 on a full scholarship, specializing in chemistry. However, prior to this academic journey, I was deeply immersed in the arts—I was an avid writer, an artist, a violinist, and a professional ballet dancer. Yet, as I pursued higher education, I felt a growing sense of longing for the creative side of myself I had left behind.

During medical school, I purchased my first “real” camera, eager to rekindle that artistic spark. I devoured every free course and YouTube video I could find, practicing by recreating various looks and angles I had seen online. This cycle of learning and experimenting became my creative outlet for the next couple of years.

Two years into this journey of self-exploration, my partner encouraged me to share my talent with the world. He suggested that I could represent a new generation of women in fashion, beauty, and homemaking while balancing a career in medicine. Upon reflection, I realized that this particular facet of womanhood was underrepresented in the beauty and blogging industries.

At this point, I was already doing photography on the side, capturing senior portraits and headshots. Taking my partner’s advice to heart, I decided to pursue blogging more seriously and enrolled in online courses focusing on blogging and SEO. Within a few months, I had launched my website, brimming with content— and, as they say, the rest is history.

Looking back, the most significant obstacles I faced were twofold: (1) the steep learning curve associated with being a visible, digital presence in today’s world, and (2) the realization that what often appears effortless online is, in fact, the result of hard work and intentional effort.

In an era where digital creators seem to rise to success effortlessly, many fail to realize that success requires thoughtful intention and meticulous planning. Every outfit, prop, and keyword was carefully chosen—and this is where many individuals falter. What initially starts as a passion project can quickly become a full-time commitment, demanding time, effort, and strategy.

Additionally, creating and posing in public spaces requires significant confidence. Sometimes, strangers offer kind words of encouragement, while other times, judgmental glares may be the only response. Nonetheless, the journey of navigating these challenges has been a rewarding one, further shaping both my creative and professional endeavors.

Sara Maria, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

SaraStylings’s creator is the daughter of a first-generation immigrant and a surgeon-in-training, both of whom have profoundly influenced my passion for creativity and my commitment to balancing multiple facets of life.

My journey into this world began when friends, family, and colleagues consistently praised my outfits, makeup, and home decor, often suggesting that I should share my style on social media. Initially, I dismissed their comments as mere flattery, but over time, I began to think, “Perhaps they have a point.”

As I ventured further into the digital realm, I noticed a gap—few beauty and lifestyle influencers were also navigating the rigorous world of science. Many of my favorite role models seemed to present only one side of themselves: either their professional persona or their feminine, artistic nature. I began to wonder, why should women be forced to choose? Why can’t we embrace both aspects of our identities?

This realization led me to launch my own accounts, where I can share my journey as a woman who enjoys beauty, fashion, and lifestyle topics, while simultaneously pursuing a career in the sciences. There are moments when I post less frequently or must shift my focus to other priorities, but my goal is to show like-minded women that we can have it all. We don’t have to sacrifice one part of ourselves to honor another—we can thrive in all the spaces we inhabit.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

BySophiaLee completely changed my perspectives on blogging– I highly recommend checking out her entire journey and story.

She inspired me to pursue this passion of mine, and perhaps, that’s just because her sheer resilience resonated with my own. However, I’ve taken almost all her courses and continue referencing them.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Transparently, monetization was my initial motivation—at least, initially. Like many medical students, I found myself struggling financially due to the expensive and time-consuming nature of the profession. I needed something I could do on my terms, a creative outlet that could offer some financial relief.

However, as time has passed, while finances remain a factor, they are no longer the primary driving force behind my work. Today, my focus has shifted toward creating content that is meaningful and authentic, with the goal of connecting with others and sharing experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sarastylings.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atsarastylings/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SaraStylings
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarastylings
  pinterest.com/sarastylings

Image Credits

Photography by SaraStylings & WashAve Media