Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sara Spurk. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sara, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
My generosity comes from a genuine desire to help those in need, whether human or animal. I find fulfillment in helping others. Marine life and protecting our oceans have always been important to me. I volunteer at a sea turtle hospital to help sick and injured turtles, with the goal of releasing them back to the ocean. I also volunteer at an animal shelter as a surgical assistant, mainly helping with spay and neuter surgeries to reduce the number of homeless animals. Our family fosters kittens and we have cared for over 60 kittens in our home. I started a new job this year doing tax preparation and I aim to ease the anxiety of my clients by offering guidance and expertise in an area that can be stressful for them. For me, it’s all about making the world around me a little better, one act of kindness at a time.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I run a laser business where I create custom ornaments and signs that hold sentimental value for people. What sets my work apart is the ability to take special moments, like a baby’s footprint, a pet’s pawprint, a child’s drawing, or even a loved one’s handwriting, and turn them into lasting treasures. There’s something truly magical about preserving those precious memories in a way that people can cherish for years to come.
What excites me most about my work is the personal connection I get to make with each item. Every design is unique, and I love that I’m able to help people celebrate their most cherished memories through my art. Whether it’s a gift for a loved one or a keepsake for oneself, these items have such a meaningful impact on those who receive them.
I’m also really excited about the direction my business is headed. In May, I plan to focus more on expanding and growing my brand. Right now, I’m working as a tax preparer since business is always slow after the Christmas season. I’m looking forward to creating new pieces, offering fresh designs, and getting even more creative with the products I make. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
First, finding things I love has been huge. I was a stay-at-home and homeschooling mom for over 17 years, so it was important to find things to do just for me. I’ve always had a love for the ocean and have a degree in Marine Biology. We have a sea turtle hospital nearby and I have been volunteering there for 9 years now. When my kids went back to public school 2.5 years ago, I decided to go back to school to be a vet tech and started to volunteer at our local animal shelter to get hands on experience. Since then, I’ve decided the vet tech field isn’t where I want to go with my career, but I love helping at the animal shelter. We still go in about twice a week to help the surgical team and our family fosters kittens. We’ve had over 60 kittens in our home, and they bring so much joy to everyone in our family! Even though volunteering with animals has been very fulfilling, I also wanted a creative outlet. Starting my laser business has been so much fun! Creating custom laser items doesn’t feel like work because I truly enjoy the process. Everyone should take time to explore a variety of activities. Whether it’s volunteering or building a career, when you’re doing something you love, the work doesn’t feel like a chore.
Second, enjoying the learning experience has been key. There’s always something new to learn, especially when you’re working in a creative or science field. Instead of being overwhelmed by the challenges, I embrace them as opportunities to grow. For anyone just starting out, remember that the learning process is part of the journey. Take it step by step, and don’t rush. Enjoy the process!
Third, don’t worry if you’ve had to take time away from working to focus on your family. I took a break to raise my kids, and while coming back to work had its challenges, it was totally worth it. Life experience and the time spent with family can bring a unique perspective and strength to your work, so don’t feel like you’re starting behind. This applies to my laser business, but even more to my tax preparation job. I was really nervous to return to a “real job” after being a stay-at-home mom for over 17 years, but raising kids and running my own small business has given me a lot of experience I can use on the job.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The number one challenge I’m currently facing is getting my business seen by more people. I’m currently taking a few months off during the slow season, and plan to grow my business again in May, but I’ve realized how important it is to actively market myself and my work. I’ve found that marketing can be overwhelming, especially because I’m not always comfortable asking for help and I tend to try to do everything on my own. To overcome this, I’m focusing on learning how to market my business by researching different strategies, like social media marketing and networking, and trying to build a plan that works.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cememories.com
- Facebook: @cememories
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