Meet Sara Golden

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sara Golden. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sara below.

Hi Sara, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

A few years ago I watched a documentary called “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” about a Japanese sushi master who had focused solely on his craft over 9 (9!!) decades. At one point he’s asked how he got so good: “Time.” It’s a simple answer that says everything.

I originally threw myself into jewelry-making because I loved it so much, making so many mistakes along the way and designing things that, looking back now, were laughable and so cringey! And maybe (probably) future me will be saying the same things about 2024 me!

But I’ve been at it for long enough that my confidence and self-esteem have inadvertently grown after 13 years of designing, learning, messing up, and looking for a better ways each time. No one starts something new knowing all the answers already, and I was bashful about what I didn’t know at the start. I’d get so bent out of shape when someone (reasonably) called me out on something I didn’t do well! But sticking with something long enough means you get to know it inside and out — it’s impossible *not* get better at it.

When I get stuck in my own head or doubt my work, I think of Jiro, put my head down, and keep at it. Fingers crossed I get even halfway to 9 decades!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m an independent jewelry designer making every piece by hand in a small Catskill Mountain studio in upstate New York. Though I spent almost a decade designing costume jewelry (plated brass with imitation stones) in New York City for other companies, I couldn’t resist making pieces for myself where I could play with the things that were off-limits in the costume jewelry world: unusual, one-of-a-kind stones; sustainably sourced metals — like 14k gold, silver, and brass — that would stand the test of time; making just *one* of something because it was an idea you were excited to pursue.

Now, I get to make pieces that feel more hand-wrought than factory-made and that you can enjoy for a lifetime. I fabricate each piece of jewelry using recycled metals, natural gemstones, and centuries-old jewelry making techniques. I’m inspired by storytelling and ancient mythology, the personality of the materials I’m working with, and anything that sparkles.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I think a willingness to work hard, being curious to learn more, and finding the humor in everything have helped me immensely so far. Find a thing that you love enough that the sacrifices you’ll have to make will feel so worth it. Ask questions and get as many perspectives as you can, because answers can pop up in really unexpected places. Be able to make fun of yourself and laugh at anything — can things really be that bad if you’re laughing?

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

My husband, Zach, has been an amazing human in my life. He’s my opposite in so many ways — always able to communicate really clearly what he wants right off the bat, great at evaluating anything objectively, and isn’t stumped by simple math. Because we’re such contrasts, he’s able to keep me honest and push me outside of my comfort zone in ways that are beneficial. Find yourself someone who’ll call you out on your BS because they care about helping you be a better person, whether it’s a friend, relative, or partner.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.saragolden.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saragoldenjewelry/

Image Credits

Zach Golden, Sara Golden