We recently connected with Sierra Starks and have shared our conversation below.

Sierra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

One of the best things my parents did was never place limits on my dreams. They didn’t carve out a specific path for me to follow, and not once did they dismiss a dream of mine as too far-fetched.

I remember telling my mom when I was 21 years old that I was moving to New York City for grad school and to break into journalism. She had her reservations—understandably so, since I was young, single, and broke *laughs*. But instead of discouraging me, she told me if I really wanted to pursue this path, then she would wholeheartedly support the move. When I later got the opportunity of a lifetime to continue my career in Alaska, she was right there helping me pack and settle into my new life.

Living in New York City and Alaska were two of the best experiences of my life. And while I’m sure I could have made it on my own, having my mom’s support through those transitions made all the difference. Her unwavering encouragement is something I still lean on today. Whether I’m starting a business, launching a podcast, or making another big move (I have lived in 8 states so far!), my mom remains my biggest fan.

Her only charge has always been, “Make good decisions, Sierra.” And I hope I have.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

At BFF Press, we craft luxury greeting cards that help people stay connected in a meaningful way, no matter the distance. I would say what sets us apart is that I am an authentic spokeswoman for the brand. I mean it when I say that friendships are some of the most important relationships in our lives. So BFF Press is not just offering a product; we’re offering an opportunity to stay in meaningful connection with the people you love.

The problem I’m solving is something many of us face but don’t often talk about: the growing sense of disconnection and loneliness, especially in today’s world. It can be hard to carve out time for the relationships that matter most, and sometimes, we struggle to express how much we care. Our cards are designed to make that a little easier—to give people the tools they need to communicate their love, gratitude, and support in a tangible, heartfelt way. There’s something timeless and powerful about receiving a handwritten note that someone took the time to send.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When I share the story of how and why I left my career in TV news, I have found that it resonates with so many people, not just those in broadcast journalism. Covering crime and tragedy every day takes its toll, you know? I was constantly in a cycle of having to be “on” all the time, my next story was always lingering in the back of my mind. I remember feeling so lost at one point like, wait, this is what I went to school for, this is what I have always wanted to be … why don’t I feel happy?

Asking myself that question was a watershed moment. There is still this narrative that you go to school for one profession, work in it for decades, and retire—that’s the path. It’s as if we can’t imagine any other reality!

But sometimes, that path doesn’t feel right, and we’re often scared to admit it. My pivot out of TV news was tough initially, until it wasn’t. Once I realized I would be successful in anything I do, because I have the talent and work ethic to back it up, I felt liberated. So I embraced what is now my second career with open arms, and I’m thriving.

I still have women reach out to me who are thinking of making their own pivots from TV news, and I make it a point to empower them: if you have survived the pressure of a TV newsroom, you can succeed just about anywhere.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

As a military spouse, I have had to say goodbye to close friends more times than I can count. So I have come to understand just how vital it is to nurture the relationships we cherish. My mission is to make it easier for people to stay in touch with their loved ones in a meaningful, tangible way—something as simple as a handwritten card. Every BFF Press card has been designed intentionally to foster those emotional connections, whether you want to say congratulations, send some encouragement, or simply say, i miss you, there’s a card for that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bffpress.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bffpress/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sierraleonestarks/