We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sarah Salvatoriello a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sarah, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
When I spent the first chapter of my career in corporate, I was frequently the only one in the room that looked like me. For starters, I was a plus-sized woman working in fashion, but beyond physicality, there aren’t many other women in senior-level creative director in-house roles. I learned quickly to align myself with others who shared my values and create a community that could transcend our differences. When I look around, I see a TON of marketers and a TON of designers, yet rarely are they both (and rarely they’re women over 40), so I’m on this entrepreneurial path to see if I can find them. If you see any kindred spirits, tell them I’m looking for them!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Sarah, the brand strategist and founder of Ampersand & Ampersand, a creative studio that helps businesses by aligning the vision, voice, and visuals in their marketing and promotional efforts. I spent the first 18+ years of my career building in-house creative teams at global media companies like Condé Nast, Tripadvisor, and The Knot. In 2020 (unlikely to be known as the best year for a career pivot), I turned away from solo freelance to launch my virtual agency as a Mary Poppins-style support system to find clarity amidst the chaos of change. I swoop in to focus on one client at a time when help is needed the most and teach self-sufficiency before the wind changes.
I like to seek out the overlooked with a “Yes! and…” approach. I blend cheerful nihilism and compassionate-capitalist business empowerment holistically. Between client projects, I host brainstorms and soundboard sessions for fellow creatives. I love to connect over deep talks about the struggles of running a business as a female, breadwinning, introverted, working parent in a subjective industry.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
First, prioritize your network. I constantly work to nurture my network. As I’ve navigated through different jobs, relationships have been the most valuable thing I have taken with me.
Second, be the beacon you seek. I see so many wonderful creatives hiding behind their work while craving connection with others. There are lonely introverts seeking a fractionalized companion while the perfect extroverted counterpart hopes to find them. It’s hard to know what is possible if you don’t see possibilities you understand. With so many either choosing or feeling pushed into a creator’s economy, we need a broader range of what this path looks like.
Lastly, make room for wonder in your day. Find the fascination about your moments, wherever they are. Some days are far from idyllic as an entrepreneur. It can feel easier to rationalize and objectify your decisions, stifling creativity and subjective solutions.
For folks in the early steps of their journey, get clear about what drives you. Know the values that will naturally push you forward and commit to them as early as possible.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking to collaborate with folks. My agency is partnering with course creators for a beta offering, so if you have a course and are looking to launch your next one, hit us up. Beyond that, I host salons with creatives and designers for the Jersey City Chapter of Ladies Wine & Design (@ladieswinedesign_jc). I always want to connect with copywriters and project managers who want to create client work together. I would love you to get in touch @ampersand.ampersand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yesandandand.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ampersand.ampersand/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahsalv/
Image Credits
Image 1: Jahmar Chance | @quasifoto_
Image 2: Becca Mathias | @beccamathiasphoto
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
