We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sarah Sarbacker a few weeks ago 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?
Our resilience comes from the life we’ve built together—one that intertwines work, family, and creativity under the same roof. My husband, a third-generation dairy farmer, milks 65 cows twice a day, while I’ve run my event design business for 16 years. Neither of us has the security of a traditional job with benefits or paid time off, but we’ve found that the flexibility of entrepreneurship, while challenging, is what allows us to be present for our three children and each other.
Resilience is riding the waves of uncertainty—when sales are slow, when every decision rests on our shoulders, when the weight of wearing so many hats feels overwhelming. It’s in the moments when we remind each other why we chose this path: because it lets us create a life together, on our terms.
What keeps us going is our ability to lift each other up daily, to see the beauty in the mess, and to lean into the freedom and creativity this lifestyle gives us. Some days, that means working on separate projects; other days, it means collaborating—bouncing ideas off each other and building something from nothing. The hardest part of entrepreneurship is that there’s no calling in sick, but the best part is that we get to do this together, with our girls by our side.
At the end of the day, resilience for us isn’t about avoiding hardships—it’s about facing them head-on, knowing that as long as we have each other, we’ll always find a way forward.
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 own an event design and production business, where I create immersive experiences that bring people together in meaningful ways. What makes my work so special is the ability to transform ordinary moments into something extraordinary—whether it’s a wedding, a large-scale community event, or even just a beautifully curated gathering at home. I’ve always believed that the right atmosphere can transport people, making them feel inspired, connected, and part of something magical.
But beyond event planning, my life is deeply rooted in entrepreneurship alongside my husband. We live on his family’s third-generation dairy farm, where he milks 65 cows twice a day. Our lives are a blend of creativity, tradition, and hard work, and that mix influences everything we do.
A New & Exciting Venture
One of the most exciting projects we’ve built together is the Christkindlmarket—a Hallmark-worthy holiday market that celebrates small-town charm while supporting around 85 small businesses. It’s more than just a shopping event; it’s an experience, full of twinkling lights, festive music, and that nostalgic holiday magic that makes people feel like they’ve stepped into another world. It embodies everything we love—bringing people together, fostering creativity, and making memories that last.
A Creative Lifestyle, Not Just a Business
Even in the smallest ways—like hosting after-school parties for our daughters or making a simple family night feel special—we are always creating experiences. Whether it’s in event design or life on the farm, we believe in crafting moments where creativity, connection, and joy come to life.
At the heart of it all, our brand is about immersive experiences—whether through beautifully designed events, community-driven markets, or simply the way we shape our everyday life. It’s about stepping into a moment and feeling something unforgettable.
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?
Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in our journey as entrepreneurs:
Willingness to Take Calculated Risks – Entrepreneurship is built on risk, but it’s about making smart risks. Whether it was launching a new event concept, expanding our services, or balancing life on the farm with running a business, we’ve learned that success comes from stepping outside your comfort zone while still making informed, thoughtful decisions.
Adaptability to Change – No matter how much you plan, things will change—markets shift, client needs evolve, and unexpected challenges arise. Learning to pivot, problem-solve, and embrace new opportunities has been crucial to sustaining and growing our businesses over the years.
Passion for Your Business – Passion is what keeps you going when things get hard. It’s what fuels late nights, keeps you motivated through slow seasons, and drives you to continually improve. If you don’t believe in what you’re doing, it’s hard to expect others to.
Advice for Those Starting Out
The best advice we can give is to reevaluate every day. Ask yourself: What’s working? What needs improvement? How can I grow? Holding yourself to a high standard while staying open to learning and evolving is what sets successful entrepreneurs apart. Stay curious, stay adaptable, and most importantly—stay committed to the vision that made you start in the first place.
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?
After 16 years of entrepreneurship and raising three kids (now 15, 13, and 11), our biggest challenge is avoiding burnout while balancing work, family, and personal well-being. When you run your own business—especially alongside your spouse—it’s easy to always be “on,” constantly thinking about the next task, project, or decision.
To combat this, we’re prioritizing small but meaningful moments of self-care throughout the day. That might mean taking a midday walk, listening to a quick meditation, sneaking in a 20-minute power nap, or even playing a round of air hockey at lunch to reset. These intentional breaks help clear our minds, relieve stress, and remind us that we don’t have to be in work mode 24/7.
We’ve learned that taking care of ourselves isn’t just beneficial—it’s necessary. The more we prioritize rest and reset, the better we show up as business owners, parents, and partners. Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint, and sustaining it long-term means making space for joy and balance along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cherrybevents.com
- Instagram: @cherrybevents
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cherrybevents
- Other: Fischerdale Farm Social Media (my husbands farm) – Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/fischerdaleholsteins FB – https://www.facebook.com/p/Fischerdale-Holsteins-100064812291388/ Our Country Home Blog – https://www.ourcountryhomeblog.com
Image Credits
Maison Meredith Photography – https://www.instagram.com/maisonmeredith/
