We were lucky to catch up with Sarah Ivey recently 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 go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
After “trying on” a few other brand names that I had jotted down onto pastel-colored postits, the name “Stardust & Pixel” suddenly came to me. The more I sat with it, the deeper we became connected.
“Stardust” symbolizes the imaginative and creative side of our brand. It represents the magic and uniqueness that each individual and business holds within. Just as stardust is the cosmic material that forms stars, our aim is to help businesses and individuals shine and stand out in the digital universe. It signifies the creative spark that ignites innovative ideas and designs.
On the other hand, “Pixel” reflects the pragmatic and structured approach we offer. It’s about the careful planning and execution required to achieve success. We understand that while creativity is the spark, pixel-perfect execution is the guiding force that turns dreams into reality.
The fusion of “Stardust” and “Pixel” in our brand name signifies the harmonious balance between creativity and practicality. We believe that every business, like the stars in the night sky, has a unique path to follow. By combining the magic of stardust with the precision of pixels and strategic planning, we aim to help our clients create websites and digital experiences that are not only imaginative but also effective in achieving their goals. It’s a name that represents the journey of turning dreams into reality, one pixel at a time.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
It all started at a coding bootcamp in Venice Beach that later led to a UX Design internship. Fast forward a few months, and I was working with start-up tech companies at a User Experience Design Agency in Silicon Beach, while also freelancing random projects on the side. After a few years, I hit a wall and experienced some serious burnout. It wasn’t until I slowed down and focused on my own well-being that I discovered the world of spiritual coaching. And guess what? I found a gap in the market for web design that specifically caters to intuitive businesses and found a way to blend the best of both worlds! In 2022, I made a bold move and pivoted my business to cater primarily to spiritual entrepreneurs, including coaches, product makers, service providers, and educators. I’m absolutely thrilled about the relaunch of this new business model! Connecting with like-minded business owners and using my skills to help them rise is what truly lights me up. Our motto at Stardust & Pixel is simple but powerful: “Rise and Help Rise”.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Starting from the most humble of beginnings, my husband and I embarked on our separate entrepreneurial journeys, a leap of faith that would define our future. Picture this: our family of four sharing a single bedroom for an incredible seven years. It was undeniably challenging, but it was during those times of tight quarters and financial constraints that we clung onto our dreams with unwavering determination. Sometimes, you have to hold onto your faith while navigating the discomfort that life throws your way. And you know what? All those years of hard work, sleepless nights, and unwavering perseverance have led us to an extraordinarily beautiful new chapter of our lives.
Today, we find ourselves nestled in a picturesque little town, a place of serenity and harmony that we now call home. Surrounded by the comfort of a stunning new house, we revel in the joy and peace that it brings to our lives. This newfound sanctuary is a testament to the incredible power of dreams and the extraordinary rewards that come with unrelenting dedication.
Throughout this remarkable journey, I’ve come to realize that mindset and success in business go hand in hand. It’s not just about the products and services you offer, though they are important. It’s equally about the mental and emotional resilience you build along the way. By nurturing a positive and unwavering mindset, I’ve been able to not only conquer the many challenges that life has thrown at us but also to stay focused on my vision and convert my passion into a thriving and fulfilling venture.
The struggle was real, but the rewards have been even more profound. It’s a testament to the potential that resides within all of us, waiting to be unlocked with perseverance, determination, and an unshakeable belief in the power of our dreams.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
In a world that constantly glorifies being busy and striving for perfection, I, as a web design agency owner and a mom of two, once found myself stuck in an endless pursuit of an impossible standard. I was completely neglecting my own personal needs and putting literally all my tasks ahead of my well-being.
Recognizing the problem, I embarked on a journey to break free from these toxic habits. One of the biggest lessons I learned was the power of embracing imperfection. I realized that chasing perfection in both my work and motherhood was unsustainable.
I redefined my view of productivity by focusing on meaningful work, taking essential breaks, and taking days off at a time. The result was a newfound sense of peace, allowing me to embrace the imperfections in both my professional and personal lives. Even though I still am not the best at taking pause from the hustle and bustle of my days, I have learned that rest is sacred, and I’ve relearned that it’s perfectly okay to take pause.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stardustandpixel.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahofstardustandpixel/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-ivey/