Meet Sarah Djarnie

We were lucky to catch up with Sarah Djarnie recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sarah, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I draw my resilience from failure and the determination. Every setback has been a lesson, shaping my creativity and perseverance.

As a doll maker and artist, I’ve faced challenges technical obstacles, creative roadblocks, and even moments of self doubt but each failure has pushed me to refine my skills and rethink my approach.

Resilience, for me, is about embracing mistakes as part of the process. It’s about seeing failure not as an end but as a stepping stone toward growth. Every time I’ve stumbled, I’ve found new ways to improve, innovate, and push my craft forward.

Ultimately, resilience is the belief that every failure holds the seed of success—it’s about having the courage to get back up.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Through my craft, I tell stories deeply rooted in African culture. Each doll I create carries a rich narrative, reflecting history, tradition, and the beauty of Black heritage. My work is more than just artistry, it celebrates culture, identity, and storytelling through handcrafted figures.

When I’m not making dolls, I’m sharing my passion for fashion and design by teaching sewing and fashion drawing at a local public school in my community. Inspiring the next generation of artists and makers is as fulfilling as creating my work.
I’m excited about upcoming projects that continue to honor and highlight African influences in fashion and doll-making. Stay tuned for new collections and future exhibitions where my dolls will continue to tell their unique stories.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Resilience – The ability to persevere through challenges has been crucial. As an artist and doll maker, setbacks are inevitable whether it’s a design that doesn’t work out or an opportunity that falls through. Advice: Develop resilience by embracing mistakes as learning experiences. Keep going, refine your skills, and trust your creative process.

2. Craftsmanship – Honing my technical skills has allowed me to create high-quality, meaningful work. From sewing techniques to doll construction, every detail matters. Advice: Dedicate time to mastering your craft. Study techniques, experiment with materials, and always aim to improve your artistry.

3. Storytelling – My dolls are more than just objects; they tell stories rooted in African Culture and Heritage. Being able to infuse meaning and history into my work has connected me to a broader audience. Advice: Think about the deeper purpose behind your work. Whether you’re making art, fashion, or dolls, find the story you want to tell and let that guide your creative vision.

For those just starting out, my advice is to stay curious, keep creating, and never be afraid to evolve.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Yes, there is! I have been participating in craft shows for several years, and while I love traveling and vending at these events, my ultimate dream is to have my dolls featured in museum stores across the country and internationally.

In 2021, I applied to become a vendor at the National Museum of African American History and Culture Museum Store in Washington, DC, as well as other museums. Though I haven’t yet achieved this goal, I remain determined. I refuse to give up because I wholeheartedly believe in my work and its significance.

I am committed to pursuing this opportunity and sharing my dolls with the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shopvolta.com
• Instagram: shopvoltabk

Image Credits

Sarah Djarnie