We recently connected with Sarah Alghazali and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Sarah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
It wasn’t a single moment but a series of experiences that shaped my journey. I was born into a musical family where my father was a master violinist, and my mother was a flutist and music teacher. From the age of six, I immersed myself in classical music, learning the flute at the Music and Ballet School in Baghdad, Iraq. But after the war in 2003, everything changed. We lost everything and were forced to leave, searching for safety and stability. We moved from country to country across the Middle East, finally settling in Jordan when I was 14. I continued my music career in Amman while balancing school, but the struggles we faced as a family were relentless. The greatest hardship came when my mother passed away from brain cancer, leaving me and my siblings feeling like newborn animals abandoned in the wild forced to navigate life alone, learning to survive without guidance. Living in constant uncertainty, frequently uprooted, and never having a true place to call home made me deeply cherish the rare moments when I could personalize my space. Decorating my room, no matter how temporary, became my way of creating a sense of belonging. It was in those small, meaningful acts that my passion for interior design took root. I realized the profound impact of space on our well-being and how deeply I wanted to help others create environments that reflect their identities and stories.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Sarah Alghazali. I am a 34-year-old married woman, a U.S. citizen originally from Iraq, and an interior designer. I came to the U.S. with my siblings in search of greater opportunities to pursue a dream I had been working on for ten years.
After my family was forced to leave Iraq due to the war of 2003, we had to start over from nothing while I was still in school. In Amman, I was focused on building a music career while dreaming of studying interior design in college. But life took an unexpected turn when my mother passed away from brain cancer. I was 19 and in my first year of college when I had to leave school for nearly two years to care for my younger siblings, as I was the eldest and my father was working overseas.
Eventually, we immigrated to the U.S. in 2013, seeking safety and a fresh start. I decided to begin again to pursue my passion for interior design, despite the challenges. The first year was especially difficult, navigating cultural and language differences. I spent that time learning English and adapting to the education system, and since I hadn’t completed high school in the U.S., I had to take extra classes. It took me four years to finish my associate degree in Fine Arts, which I earned in 2019.
Determined to take the next step, I applied to the Interior Design program at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) in Atlanta and was accepted in 2020, which was one of the happiest moments of my life! It was the moment I knew I was finally on the path to achieving my dream. And yes, I did it! I graduated in 2024, and now, here I am, Sarah, the interior designer. I also run my small business now, S.G Home Decor, which specializes in handmade, eco-friendly home pieces that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space but also promote a healthier environment.
All I want to say is don’t give up on yourself and your dream. I never gave up on mine, and I worked hard to be where I am today. I know the 19-year-old me would be incredibly proud. If someone had told me back then that I would one day become an interior designer, I wouldn’t have believed them.
No matter your age, no matter how difficult your circumstances, and no matter how long it takes, don’t EVER give up on your dream and keep going. If you have a dream, it was given to you for a reason!
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My creative journey is driven by a deep desire to create spaces that tell a story and foster a sense of belonging. Having experienced displacement and the constant search for “home,” I understand the profound impact a well-designed space can have on one’s well-being. Through interior design and my business, S.G Home Decor, my mission is to help others create meaningful, personalized environments that reflect their identities while promoting sustainability and a healthier lifestyle, and my goal is to merge aesthetics with purpose.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to bring ideas to life and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Whether it’s designing a space that feels like home, crafting a piece that resonates with someone’s story, or creating something that enhances well-being, the joy comes from seeing how my work affects others.
But beyond that, there’s also an incredible sense of freedom in being an artist. The freedom to express myself, to explore new ideas without limitations, and to push boundaries in design is something truly special. Creativity allows me to break away from conventions, trust my instincts, and bring visions to life in a way that feels deeply personal and authentic. It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about evoking emotions, fostering connections, and shaping environments that inspire and heal. Seeing someone feel truly comfortable, inspired, or at peace in a space I designed is the greatest reward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.s-ghazali.com
- Instagram: @sghazalidecor
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-alghazali
