Meet Taylor Huggins

We were lucky to catch up with Taylor Huggins recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Taylor, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I’ve always loved art, ever since I was a kid, but for a long time I didn’t see it as my purpose. I struggled with actually making my dream a reality, as many artists do. I worked a job that I loved as a graphic designer, but the company I worked for didn’t have proper management so it was run into the ground and closed after only a few years of being open again. After that, I took the first job I was offered even through it meant I’d have to change career paths and work somewhere that didn’t align with my artist goals.

It actually took working in a job that didn’t fit my life—right before the pandemic—for me to realize what I was truly meant to do. In the middle of the pandemic, my job was facing issues with staffing and I took that as a sign to walk away from something that drained me gave me the clarity to step into what fills me up: creating art that inspires and brings joy, especially during such a dark time.

Now, when someone visits my booth at a market and leaves with a smile, feeling seen, loved, and reminded that they matter, that’s when I know I’m living my purpose. I create the kinds of messages and designs that I need to hear myself, and I share them in hopes of making someone’s day just a little brighter. My purpose is less about the “things” I make, and more about the connections, encouragement, and joy they spark in others.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I started Sage & Oak back in 2021 as a way to not only make ends meet, but to bring some joy to the world during the pandemic. Back then, I really focused on creating stickers and home decor. Now, I offer an array of items like polymer clay earrings, hair clips, magnets, and trinket dishes, waterproof stickers, art prints, keychains, and sun catcher window clings.

I often design pieces with words or reminders I personally need to hear (like the fact that I deserve to take up space), and then share them with the world in hopes that they resonate with someone else, too. Hearing that my work has brightened someone’s day, or that a sticker on their water bottle lifts them up when they need it most, is what keeps me creating.

Recently, I’ve been experimenting with new products like screen printed tote bags and polymer clay bookmarks. Since it’s nearing my slow season, I’m looking forward to devoting more time to work on designing new products and perfecting the ones I’m currently working on.

You can shop online at www.thesageandoak.com or you can shop in person at one of our upcoming market events. If you’re close or local to Springfield, Ohio, you can find a small selection of our handmade goods at the following small businesses: Scout’s Cafe (both Northridge and East Side locations), at Mathew’s Family Farm Market (until December 31, 2025), and at Reimagine Gifts in downtown Springfield.

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?

For me, a few qualities/areas of knowledge that have led me to where I am now were dedication to my small business, my desire to learn new skills, and my consistency and willingness to keep showing up. If you’re early in your journey and are looking for some pointers, I will always recommend being dedicated, curious, and consistent.

If I weren’t dedicated to my small business, I definitely wouldn’t still be here today. There have been so many times I wanted to give up because things didn’t go as well as I would have hoped but because I didn’t, I’m still here working my dream “job.” Dedication is the heart of it all. You won’t go far without it. If you find what you love, you should devote your life to making it happen.

Starting up a business is expensive, especially when you’re working by yourself and starting from the ground up. I have always been one to love learning new things and new skills and that has really helped me get to this point. I taught myself (and then went to college to learn) photography so I can take my own product photos. I learned in high school how to build and manage websites so I built and manage Sage & Oak’s website. I have taken many online social media marketing courses so I can advertise and promote my small business. The list goes on and on but the point is that I didn’t have to hire someone to do these things for me and that saves a lot of money in the end. Is my work what a professional could produce? Probably not, but it works for now and I think it’s really important to be open to learning new skills.

Being consistent is one of the keys to success. By showing up and being consistent, you are building trust and loyalty. I went from being a brand new vendor at the Springfield Farmers Market to being a finalist in the Best of Springfield awards because I showed up, even when I didn’t want to, and was consistent. Every time you show up, you are gently reminding people of your existence. Now I go in public and people I don’t recognize know who I am. Every failed attempt is a lesson to be learned so don’t let failure get in your way of trying. I’ve had many product launches that didn’t have any sales, but I didn’t let that stop me from creating. Keep going, you’ve got this.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

If I only had a decade of life left, I would spend it with more intention. I’d focus on spreading joy wherever I could—through my work, my relationships, and even in the small everyday interactions that make life meaningful. I would travel the world, not just to see beautiful places, but to learn about people, cultures, and perspectives beyond my own. I’d challenge myself to do things that scare me, because growth often lives on the other side of fear. I’d give more than I take, leaving behind more kindness and light than I started with. Most importantly, I’d step away from the meaningless distractions that can easily consume time, like endless scrolling on social media, and instead invest my energy into experiences that matter—learning, connecting, creating, and truly living. In short, I’d spend those years making sure I was present, curious, and purposeful. I don’t need to know how much time I have left to recognize this how I should be living presently and I am working on creating a more meaningful and intentional life for myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thesageandoak.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesageandoak
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSageandOak
• Other: Faire Wholesale: http://faire.com/direct/thesageandoak