Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah.
Hi Sarah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My career has never followed a traditional path, and for a long time I wondered if that was a disadvantage. Looking back, I now see that every chapter has been connected by a common purpose.
I’ve had the opportunity to work in professional sports, medical technology, enterprise product management, nonprofit leadership, consulting, fashion design, photography, and the arts. While those industries may seem very different, I’ve realized they all reflect the same passion: creating meaningful experiences, solving complex problems, and building things that improve people’s lives.
One of the defining experiences of my early career was helping open Rio Tinto Stadium with Real Salt Lake. It wasn’t just about opening a new venue—it was about creating a place where families would make memories, communities would gather, and young athletes would be inspired for years to come. That experience taught me that the most meaningful work isn’t measured only by what you build, but by the lasting impact it has on people.
Throughout my career, I’ve been drawn to roles that sit at the intersection of people, creativity, and systems. Whether leading enterprise product initiatives, improving operational processes, serving on the American Red Cross Board of Directors, or designing couture collections, I’ve always been motivated by the same question: How can this make someone’s experience better?
That philosophy continues to guide my work today. I believe great design, great technology, and great leadership all begin in the same place—with understanding people. When we truly see and understand the people we serve, we’re able to create products, experiences, and communities that are not only effective but genuinely meaningful.
Today, my work continues to evolve across creative direction, product strategy, leadership, and the arts, but the purpose remains the same: to build things that help people feel seen, solve meaningful problems, and leave a lasting positive impact.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like many people with an unconventional career, there were times when I questioned whether I was on the “right” path. My career has spanned professional sports, healthcare, technology, nonprofit leadership, fashion, photography, and the arts. Looking at those experiences individually, it was easy to wonder if I had changed directions too many times or whether I needed to fit into a more traditional career path.
Over time, I realized that while the industries changed, the purpose never did. I have always been drawn to creating meaningful experiences, solving complex problems, building trust, and designing systems that improve people’s lives. Once I recognized that common thread, my career stopped feeling fragmented and started feeling intentional.
Professionally, I’ve also learned that meaningful innovation often requires challenging the way things have always been done. Whether helping develop Intelligent Swarming in enterprise technology, contributing to the opening of a major sports venue, or building creative work from the ground up, some of the most rewarding opportunities came from embracing change rather than avoiding it.
Like everyone, I’ve also experienced setbacks, difficult leaders, and moments of uncertainty. Those experiences reinforced the kind of leader I strive to be—one who creates clarity, builds trust, and helps people feel supported enough to contribute their best work. They also taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying grounded in purpose rather than titles or expectations.
Looking back, I no longer see my unconventional path as an obstacle. I see it as one of my greatest strengths because it allows me to connect ideas, people, and disciplines in ways I might never have learned by staying in a single lane.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My work sits at the intersection of creativity, strategy, technology, and human experience. While the projects I take on may look very different—from couture fashion and photography to enterprise product strategy, operational transformation, museum exhibitions, and consulting—they’re all driven by the same purpose: helping people and organizations create experiences that are both meaningful and enduring.
One of the things that sets my work apart is that I don’t begin with the product, the technology, or even the design. I begin with people. I believe the most successful products, brands, organizations, and experiences are created when we genuinely understand the people we’re serving and design with their needs, aspirations, and experiences in mind.
Whether I’m designing a custom gown, leading enterprise technology initiatives, creating an art exhibition, or helping organizations navigate change, I’m always asking the same questions: What problem are we solving? Who are we serving? What impact will this have long after we’re finished?
I’m especially passionate about bringing together disciplines that are often treated separately. My background has allowed me to bridge creative thinking with operational strategy, technology with human-centered design, and long-term vision with practical execution. That ability to connect ideas across industries has become one of my greatest strengths.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that my work reflects authenticity rather than trends. I believe trust is built through thoughtful relationships, exceptional craftsmanship, and consistently delivering work that serves a meaningful purpose. Whether someone experiences my work through fashion, photography, consulting, technology, or community projects, I hope they come away with the same feeling—that they were genuinely seen, valued, and part of something meaningful.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’ve never thought of myself as someone who takes risks simply for the sake of taking them. I’m much more motivated by purpose than by risk. If I believe something is meaningful, solves an important problem, or has the potential to create lasting value, I’m willing to step into uncertainty to pursue it.
Looking back, my career has involved several significant leaps. I’ve transitioned across industries, pursued graduate education while working full-time, built a creative business from the ground up, shown collections at New York Fashion Week, and continually embraced opportunities that required learning entirely new disciplines. At the time, each of those decisions probably looked risky from the outside. To me, they felt like the natural next step in pursuing work that aligned with my values and curiosity.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that not changing can be just as risky as changing. Organizations that refuse to adapt eventually fall behind, and the same is true for individuals. I’ve always believed in learning, evolving, and being willing to rethink how things have always been done when better solutions exist.
That perspective has also shaped how I approach innovation. Whether leading enterprise technology initiatives or building creative work, I don’t believe in taking risks for novelty’s sake. I believe in thoughtful experimentation, listening to the people you’re serving, learning quickly, and adapting based on evidence rather than assumptions.
Ultimately, I think the greatest risk is allowing fear of failure to prevent growth. Some of the most meaningful opportunities in my life began with uncertainty, but they also led to the greatest learning, the strongest relationships, and the experiences I’m most proud of today.
Pricing:
- “Start Again” Guided Keepsake Journal $79
- Commercial Photography & Creative Production: Starting at $750
- Corporate Headshots & Branding Sessions: Starting at $350
- Custom proposals are provided for full creative productions, multi-day events, commercial campaigns, and ongoing brand partnerships.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vanderrose.com
- Instagram: IG@vanderrose_studios
- Facebook: FB: @vanderrose.studios
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahnavarre
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VanderRose
- Other: https://www.sarahnavarre.com
