Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Carroll.
Hi Sara, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up surrounded by beauty and craftsmanship in the foothills of North Carolina, where furniture was more than a business—it was part of our family DNA. My father owned a retail showroom in Hickory, so from a young age, I was immersed in the world of furnishings. I attended my first High Point Market at just 13 years old and still remember the sense of wonder I felt watching my dad thoughtfully select pieces that would inspire our customers back home. That early exposure gave me a deep appreciation for quality, design, and the stories behind each piece.
I later pursued photography and design in college, both natural extensions of my passion for aesthetics. After school, I joined the family business and spent several years learning the industry from the inside out. Over time, I expanded my experience—designing custom cabinetry, representing top-tier brands across Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, and taking on design projects that spanned from residential homes to international installations. I’ve led design teams in high-end showrooms and collaborated with some truly talented creatives on a range of commercial and residential projects.
But I always found myself drawn back to the heart of it all—creating beautiful, personalized homes. That’s what inspired me to open Sara Carroll Home, our new showroom in the Dallas Design District. It’s a place that reflects years of experience and the trusted brands I’ve used in my design work for over a decade. More than anything, it’s a space where we bring dreams to life with a client-first mindset.
Every project we take on is different, and that’s what I love most about what we do. I genuinely enjoy getting to know our clients, understanding their needs, and crafting spaces that are as unique as they are. Design should be personal, intentional, and joyful—and that’s the energy we bring to every project.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road—but every twist and turn has been valuable. Over the years, I’ve moved and started over more times than I can count—living and working in cities like Austin, San Francisco, Melbourne (Australia), and now splitting time between Dallas and North Carolina. Each new city meant rebuilding my network, learning a new market, and reestablishing my business from the ground up. It was exhausting at times, but it also stretched me and gave me a much broader perspective.
One of the biggest challenges early on was figuring out exactly where I fit in this industry. I’ve worked on all sides—from sales and brand representation to showroom management, cabinetry design, and full-scale interiors. At times, it felt like I was bouncing around, but in hindsight, those experiences were a blessing. They gave me a deep understanding of the entire design and sourcing process, which now directly benefits my clients. I can speak the language of every phase of a project—from manufacturing to final installation.
Splitting my time now between Dallas and North Carolina has its challenges too. It’s a lot of travel and juggling, but having strong roots in both places feels essential. Both are home in different ways, and I’ve found that staying connected to my North Carolina beginnings while growing something special in Dallas keeps me grounded and inspired.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At my core, I’m a curator of bespoke spaces—someone who deeply believes that a well-designed home should feel personal, intentional, and utterly unique. My work centers around honoring the individual style of each client, then elevating it through thoughtful curation, quality craftsmanship, and a refined, cohesive vision.
I specialize in residential interiors, offering a full-service design experience that’s rooted in versatility. My approach is highly adaptable—no two homes, clients, or projects are alike, and that’s what makes the work so creatively fulfilling. I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with clients who trust me to translate their vision into something truly livable and beautiful. There’s no greater compliment than someone walking into their finished space and saying, “This feels like me.”
What sets us apart is the combination of deep industry experience and a client-first mindset. Having worked on every side of the business—from brand representation and showroom leadership to cabinetry design and interiors—I bring a comprehensive understanding of how to bring a space to life efficiently, and beautifully.
We’re a great fit for clients who value clear communication, expert guidance, and the gift of time. Our team manages every detail, from early concepts to installation day, while offering access to custom furniture, exclusive resources, and trusted artisans. If you’re someone who appreciates seamless style, quality craftsmanship, thoughtful service, and the power of a cohesive design story—we’ll work well together.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Absolutely. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that mentorship doesn’t always have to look formal—some of the most valuable mentors in my life have been people I met through everyday professional interactions. I’ve found that simply being open, curious, and respectful in conversations with experienced peers often leads to the most meaningful connections.
For me, networking has always been about genuine relationship-building, not transactional exchanges. Whether it’s at market, a design event, or a showroom visit, I make it a point to ask questions, really listen, and show appreciation for others’ work. People are usually generous with their knowledge when they sense that you truly care.
My advice? Don’t be afraid to reach out to people you admire. Send the message, ask the question, compliment the work. Stay in touch, show up consistently, and offer help where you can. Over time, those small gestures grow into a network of mentors, collaborators, and friends who genuinely want to see you succeed.
Also—don’t underestimate the power of mentoring others. Sometimes, giving guidance can be just as enriching as receiving it. It keeps you grounded, sharp, and connected to the broader creative community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.saracarrollhome.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saracarrolldesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saracarrolldesign/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/JjXu2Iceb1w
- Other: https://www.saracarrolldesign.com
Image Credits
Rebecca Patton – Beckley Photo
