Sara Obando shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Sara, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
One of the biggest misconceptions about my work is that a website is just a fancy accessory: something you throw money at so your business “looks legit”. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people think that they just need a pretty template.
The truth is, a website can be so much more than that! When you approach it strategically, it becomes an active player in your business. It’s not just digital décor; it’s a tool that guides your clients, builds trust, and actually drives your goals forward. I’ve seen businesses transform by aligning their site with the right strategy. Suddenly their website isn’t just sitting there–it’s working for them around the clock.
So what’s misunderstood is that a website isn’t just about design — it’s about direction, intention, and strategy. That’s where the real magic happens.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Sara Obando, founder of Stargazed Studio. We help service providers (especially in the health and wellness space) build mindful online presences that feel authentic, intentional, and aligned with their bigger vision. From simple guidance for those just starting out, to multi-functional online hubs for established businesses, we meet people wherever they are in their journey.
My love for design began at the turn of the millennium, when I was eleven and built my first Dragon Ball fansite. By fifteen, I knew I wanted to be a graphic designer. I went on to complete my Visual Arts degree in Mexico City and Provo, Utah, with an emphasis in Graphic Design. At the same time, I worked as a website designer for the IT department of a life sciences college, where I gained hands-on experience with coding, website management, and teamwork.
After the chaos of 2020 and while struggling with health challenges, I felt called to focus on supporting health and wellness providers in connecting with the people who need them most.
The name Stargazed Studio comes from my lifelong love of the universe. Stargazing is grounding and hopeful for me, and I want my clients to feel like stars too: shining, guiding, and lighting the way forward.
Right now, I’m especially focused on the Online Presence Library: a cozy, welcoming space where business owners can learn at their own pace, tap into supportive resources, and feel part of a community that understands the ups and downs of building a business online.
Long-term, my vision is rooted in mindfulness and impact. I believe small, intentional changes ripple outward to make the world better. I’ve seen my clients create incredible transformations, and it’s an honor to know my work plays even a small part. Those ripples, through the businesses I support and the people they serve, are the legacy I hope to leave for the next generation.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think bonds break when trust is lost; through dishonesty, disrespect, or simply not showing up when it matters. What restores them is intention: listening deeply, being honest, and showing up with care. It’s not about pretending the hurt never happened–it’s about creating a safe space where people feel valued again. That’s the same foundation I focus on in my work: helping entrepreneurs build mindful online presences that create trust and genuine connection.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I used to feel like I was missing out on opportunities because I was too shy and quiet. For years, I believed I’d always have to work under someone else if I wanted to succeed, because leadership didn’t feel like it could belong to someone like me.
Starting my business changed that. I realized I couldn’t grow by hiding. Reading Susan Cain’s “Quiet” helped me see that introverts bring depth over volume: careful thought, reflection, and focus instead of just speaking the loudest. That shifted everything for me.
I stopped trying to force myself into noisy rooms and instead leaned into 1:1 coffee chats, where I could make meaningful connections. My quiet observation helps me hear what people struggle to put into words, and mindfulness and intentionality have become my natural strengths as a leader.
That’s when I stopped treating my introversion as a weakness and started using it as power. And I want every introvert to hear this: leadership doesn’t belong only to the loudest voices. It belongs to the listeners, the deep thinkers, the space-makers. We don’t just belong at the table–we change it.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what matters most to me is living with intention: being mindful of how I show up for others and the kind of impact I leave behind. I care deeply about authenticity, connection, and making people feel seen and supported. Those are also the values at the heart of Stargazed Studio. For me, it’s never just about building websites; it’s about helping people create an online presence that reflects who they are and allows them to serve others with clarity and confidence.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Every day, I try to get closer to living out my true purpose. For most of my life, I was told what that purpose should be: marry, have kids, and if I wanted a career, make sure it was something I could do on the side while raising children. I never felt like I had the option to be more than that.
But here I am: running a business instead of following the script I was handed. And to be clear, I have deep admiration for mothers; their strength is incredible. But being told that motherhood was my only purpose, when it wasn’t the path I felt called to, was suffocating.
Choosing my own path has been the most liberating decision of my life. I’ve stopped listening to what others expect of me, and I’m building a life and business that reflect my dreams. That freedom to choose, and the dedication I put into it, is what fuels me every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stargazedstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/stargazed.studio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stargazedstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stargazed.studio
