Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarah Stevens. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sarah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

As an artist it’s natural to gravitate towards creation and to do that well and with passion, but as an artist who wants to make a living at what they love to do, it’s imperative to understand business and money. If I were starting over, I would invest more time in financial coursework {for entrepreneurs}, economics, and accounting.

Sarah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

With a lifelong passion for art and creation, Sarah has always felt a deep connection to her craft, starting with art classes at the Worcester Art Museum. This early foundation led her to earn a BFA at Parsons School of Design in New York City, where she honed her skills and launched her career as a freelance graphic designer. Over the past two decades, Sarah has worked with top agencies, campaigns, and brands both in New York City and internationally, shaping a rich and diverse portfolio. Today, she runs Soleil Design Co. from her studio in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, offering brand identity, website design, and print design services.

At Soleil Design Co., we take a holistic approach to design, blending creativity with strategy to ensure your brand stands out and leaves a lasting impression. Every project we undertake is built on careful research and a deep understanding of the balance between form and function. We believe that when a brand is created with intention and care, it has the power to grow and thrive. Our branding process is a four-phase journey—Identify, Explore, Create, and Execute—designed to craft a unique brand strategy and identity that resonates with your ideal audience. Our Brand Foundations package is a proven method to help you create that strong foundation.

For businesses with an established identity—whether created by us or another team—we offer comprehensive website design services. Our core website design package delivers a responsive, mobile-friendly site, ready to launch in just one week. We specialize in Squarespace (as a Circle Member), Wix Studios, and Shopify, and can also integrate other tools and platforms to ensure a seamless experience tailored to your needs.

At the heart of our process is a commitment to clarity, strategy, and alignment with your vision. We’re dedicated to crafting brand identities, websites, and design accents that feel intentional, centered, and authentic to you. We take the time to listen to your needs, understand your brand’s essence, and collaborate closely with you every step of the way.

We’re passionate about partnering with businesses to help them thrive through thoughtful design. While design is often viewed as a luxury, we believe it’s an essential tool for growth. Every day, we interact with both great and poor design, and our decisions are guided by intuition, quality, approachability, and aesthetics. We understand that what people see first shapes their perception—and by creating a solid visual foundation, we help you foster loyalty, pride, and long-term success.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The people who have been part of my creative journey—my friends, family, and colleagues—have been my greatest source of support and inspiration. Investing in these relationships has been incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. I truly believe that word-of-mouth is one of the most powerful ways to connect with new clients. When you consistently show up for those who’ve supported you, they’re more than happy to recommend you time and time again. At the heart of it all, community is the key to lasting success!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I spent 22 years in New York City, working as a freelance artist and designer. It was a thrilling experience, but also undeniably challenging. Living in the city felt like being on a hamster wheel—each day was a cycle of creating, socializing, and pushing through exhaustion, only to repeat it all over again. It’s incredible how much we can adapt, but when I decided to leave NYC and return to my home state of Massachusetts in 2023, I realized I didn’t have to operate in the same way anymore. The pace of city life no longer felt necessary.

The transition from city to country has been a bit awkward, and with my network now mostly remote, I’ve had to adjust to a different rhythm. Things move at a slower pace in suburban areas, but I’ve been fortunate to have the space to pause, realign with my passions, and dive into learning more about business finance. This shift has allowed me to build Soleil Design Co., my branding and website design business, with a renewed sense of purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://soleildesign.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soleil.design.co/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/solieldesignco/

Image Credits

Sarah Stevens