We recently connected with Sarah Albertson (sparrow) and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Sarah (sparrow) thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?
Now that I am a parent myself I look back at my own upbringing and parents with utmost respect for the life they paved for my siblings and I. My parents took a massive leap of faith shortly after having me (their first child). They moved from London, England (where they were living temporarily) and took a position found in a newspaper for a bed and breakfast host in mid coast Maine. Upon moving to Maine they decided this was the place they were going to raise their family and I am forever grateful for that decision as it undoubtedly shaped me into the person I am today.
Growing up immersed in nature my parents took advantage of the opportunities to take us camping, hiking, skiing, sailing, swimming and generally spending as much time outside as possible. I believe by being so immersed into nature from such a young age it truly becomes part of your DNA and forever feels like the deepest sense of home.
My Dad and Grandfather are also both entrepreneurs. I watched my Dad transition to his business full time in a vulnerable time after the housing market crashed in 2009. It was certainly a difficult time for our family but my Dad knew it was the right step to take. He’s now happier than ever in the career he has build and enjoys his freedom and flexibility. I saw through his example the path of determination, hard work, hardship and in the end reward for all that he has put in over the years.
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.
Hi! my name is Sarah also known as ‘Sparrow’. I am 33, mother to my daughter Lyra Rose and currently reside in Nevada City California. My clothing brand ‘Sparrow co’ first began 10 years ago while I was traveling abroad in my early and mid 20’s. During my time in countries such as Guatemala, Peru and Mexico I was inspired to co-create with artisans to produce unique goods and clothing. I would then bring these items to the west coast to share with my friends and community at different music events during the summer. Each gathering I would make just enough money to pay for my gas and food but that was all I needed. Sharing my hand made creations felt like the biggest gift and blessing. Flash forward to 2020! I made the huge leap to put all of Sparrow co online and from there we have continued to grow and expand our offerings to include organic/hemp cotton clothing, naturally dyed goods and unique accessories from when we first began!
Many of our customers are repeat and I believe this is accredited to how people feel in our clothing. In a world that is dominated by fast fashion and cheaply made clothing our community values slow made clothing and the longevity it will provide in their wardrobe. I truly value making clothing for everyday life that will provide not only comfort and ease of wear but also flattering fits and cuts. The clothing you wear is far more than an appearance. its a vibration. When you wear clothing made in a good way, with high quality materials and dyed to colors that mirror the earths vibration you will naturally rise to that vibration as well. This is what drives my passion for clothing. I want to make clothes that will literally lift the vibration of its wearer inspiring them to live their best lives and be the best version of themselves possible.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy so far has been word of mouth and social media. Once on my socials I love to bring my customers (and potential customers) in as family and co-creators of the brand. I genuinely appreciate and use the input my community shares with me and find it so valuable! Since I am the person who has the skill and experience to design/create clothing I see it as my responsibility to create items my community will love and cherish. This has created a network of followers who loves and supports my work. For me it has always been about quality of the clientele rather than quantity. If you take really good care of the ones who show up for you initially naturally more will follow.
Any advice for managing a team?
The most important thing is to firstly work with people who you like and trust. Secondly, hire and work with those who are exceptional at their trade. I am extremely fortunate to have found my team that supports me in this work and also just want to mention this took a lot of time and trial and error (so don’t feel discouraged if it takes a little bit to find the right fit for you and your company). In terms of managing my team I always make sure first and foremost everyone feels they are being compensated fairly. Secondly, when mistakes happen use them as a learning experience rather then an end all be all. In my line of work mistakes happen all the time so i’ve learned its best to bring them to everyones attention but also to roll with it it doesn’t have to be a make or break as we are constantly learning how to work best together. Third, communication is key!! everyone communicates differently so getting on the same page as who you are communicating with is crucial. Also, there is never too much communication I value it SO much in my work its always better to be safe than sorry. Lastly be kind! we are all human so be one with your team its the little thoughtful things that go a long way in creating a loving, friendly company to work for.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shopsparrow.co
- Instagram: @sparrow__co
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparrowrose.co