We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sarah Bowden. Check out our conversation below.
Sarah, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think each of us is fighting a battle everyday that not many openly talk about. Depression, grief, regret, and fear are things I know I struggle with daily and often keep to myself because there’s a lot of stigma involved with these topics. We live in a social media based world where appearances are everything. I went through a really rough time many years ago and remember someone telling me that perhaps God had put this mountain in front of me to show others that it could be moved. And I ended up using that struggle to help others going through similar situations; to give them hope that if I was able to move my mountain, they could move theirs too. Pain shared is pain lessened. We are all much more alike than we are different. There’s a quote that says “your story could be the key that unlocks someone else’s prison. Don’t be afraid to share it.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a single mom to my incredible nine-year-old son. I have a regular 9 to 5 job, so my small business, You God Framed, is something I do in the evenings and on the weekends. What I found is that when I am painting or creating art, I am fully present in the moment. I am so focused on what I am doing that I’m not dwelling on the past or living in fear of the future. I think what makes my art unique is that each piece is completely different and there is intention behind what I have created. My goal is to bring hope and to inspire the recipient. I most recently teamed up with The Woodlands Candle Co. to design one-of-a-kind candle jars. I also provide an art workshop for both kids and adults each month at Montgomery County Market Days in New Caney, TX. I love to help and watch others discover their creative side. I believe life should be celebrated one day at a time!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child and into my teenage years I desperately wanted to be accepted by everyone. It was so important to me to be liked by people, and I associated this with my worthiness as a person. I did things to try and earn other’s approval or convince them of why they should like me. Looking back it makes me laugh because none of it matters now! I realize now I don’t need to prove to anyone that I’m worthy of their acceptance. I started putting more energy into showing acceptance and love for others rather than desiring to receive it. There’s a lot of relief that came with that shift in energy. I no longer had to put time or effort into things that didn’t serve a purpose in my life. It really freed me to be who I was and do so knowing that not everyone was going to like me and that was completely okay. There’s a quote by Oscar Wilde that states “be yourself, everyone else is already taken”. There is so much beauty in being completely authentic no matter who the world tells you you should be.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one thing to my younger self it would be to stop caring so much about what others think about me. I would tell myself to be bold in my beliefs and stand up for what was right even if it meant standing alone. Malcolm X said “if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” I would tell myself to stop giving material things so much power and instead put more energy into making memories. I would tell myself to tell people how much they meant to me while I had the chance before it was too late.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I hold tight to is equality for all people. Actor Jesse Wilson states that “equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It’s not pie”. I believe everyone deserves the same freedoms and the same respect, from the janitor to the CEO of a company. Not one person is more important than another and we are all living this earthly life with unique gifts and talents to carry out a purpose.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
After my dad passed away unexpectedly in 2023, my world was turned upside down. A part of me felt like it died that day too and I’ve spent the past few years trying to navigate life without him. I know he wouldn’t want me to spend my days sad and angry that he’s gone. So I can say the thing I would most regret is spending too many days being so caught up in grief and sadness that I miss out on truly enjoying the rest of my earthly life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/yougotframed27
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yougotframed27
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yougotframed27
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