Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Pearson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Ever since I was young, I’ve always known that I want to help people through writing and lettering. My love for the lettering was fostered from a young age when I would doodle and write on anything and everything I could! I loved journaling and processing my experiences, feelings and prayers through writing.
I started creating custom canvases when I was sixteen, and people around my small hometown would ask me to make signs for different things. In 2013, I opened an Etsy store that I really saw as more of a hobby. I would create custom wood and acrylic pieces for weddings addressed invitations and created various home decor pieces.
But there was always a longing or nudging in my heart for something deeper when it came to my business. I had prayed for friendships/relationships with depth, for experiences I could use to help others, and I had a desire to encourage and offer hope to women through whatever they’re facing. I loved hearing peoples’ stories and I just wanted to be a source of empathy in any way I could.
I wanted to combine all the things I love into one – journaling, lettering, writing, people, and encouragement. This led to me starting a blog to go along with my online shop. Honestly, starting a blog seemed so cliche to me because it seemed like everyone was doing it. For me, it was less about trying to be everything to everyone, and more about hoping I could help at least one person. Praying at least one person would feel a little less alone in what they’re going through. It’s where I get to share my experiences, the truths that have been made real to me, and encourage others by letting them know they aren’t alone. They have a safe place to process and be themselves fully.
That’s how Sage and Haven came to be — combining my love of lettering with my passion for encouraging others in Truth and listening to their stories. Whether that means printables for their workout plan or grocery lists, stickers reminding us of truisms, or having a drink together and talking about the deep parts of our hearts that we keep hidden — I want to encourage women everywhere to know they’re not alone in what they’re walking through. That life isn’t about the earthly, fleeting things we thirst for. That our ultimate Hope and satisfaction isn’t found in friends, career, marriage, status, or likes on social media. Those things will never ultimately satisfy.
I absolutely LOVE getting to use my giftings in script, writing, and listening to inspire and remind others of Truth. Because ultimately, the undercurrent behind everything I do is my relationship with the Lord. He has given me these gifts and these desires, and I want to use those gifts for a greater purpose than just myself. My life is in service to Him, and I can’t wait to see all the ways He grows and uses Sage and Haven.
Has it been a smooth road?
Starting my own business has definitely not been a smooth road! It’s been a journey of soul searching, trusting, wondering, waiting, confusion, and figuring things out. Honestly, it’s still hard at times. Keeping up with a society of social media with so many voices out there is daunting. It’s hard to feel like you have value or that you really have anything to add to the world when there are other people out there doing what you’re passionate about too.
My advice is to find what you love, what sets your heart on fire and pursue that. Even when it seems like you’re hitting a lull, or you’re not growing at the rate you wish you were. Finding what you love and what you’re passionate about will keep your business going even when the numbers or orders or sales aren’t what you want them to be. The passion is what will keep the flame burning on your business.
Be willing to change and evolve in a way that connects with your audience but yet also stays true to who you are. That’s the fun part of having your own business — is you can make it whatever you want it to be! Remember, there’s only ONE you. Ever. In the history of life. That means you were put on this earth for a reason that only YOU can do. A little bit of researching your competition is healthy, but put a limit on how much you look at. It can quickly turn into comparison, which can quickly turn into negative self-talk, fear, and discouragement.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sage and Haven – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Sage and Haven exist to bring encouragement and hope to every day by combining my gift of lettering with my passion for encouraging others in Truth and listening to their stories. Whether that means printables for their work out plan or grocery lists, stickers reminding us of truisms, or having a drink together and talking about the deep parts of our hearts that we keep hidden — I encourage women to know they’re not alone in what they’re walking through. That life isn’t about the earthly, fleeting things we thirst for. That our ultimate Hope and satisfaction isn’t found in friends, career, marriage, status, or likes on social media. Those things on earth will never satisfy.
Meeting people where they’re at in life is what sets Sage and Haven apart. It isn’t just for one age or one season of life. It’s for every woman who longs to be heard, seen, and encouraged.
Who have you been inspired by?
One of my mentors and “second mom”, Carmen. She is a voice of wisdom and encouragement in my life, and I always feel close to Jesus when I’m around her. She’s always ready to laugh or listen with her infectious laugh and wise advice that leaves you wanting more. Carmen has been through brokenness, heartbreak, pain, and yet has allowed herself to be transformed. Her story of restoration, honesty, vulnerability, and surrender has not only encouraged me but hundreds of other women who she shares her story with. She lives her life in complete freedom from her past mistakes and is always ready to love you where you’re at.
My mom has inspired me because she is selfless, kind, and a prayer warrior. She is a brilliant marketer, has taught me so many things about business and marketing, but even more about life. Everything she does is from a place of love and selflessness, and I want to be just like her in that way.
My best friend, Tarrah. Tarrah has been through some of the darkest times in life, but nobody is more positive, encouraging, wise, and ready to laugh like Tarrah is. She inspires me to be authentic and unashamed, to take the mask off and allow you to just be you. She celebrates the less than and pursues the overlooked. Tarrah’s friendship is evidence of God’s goodness to me and is more proof of how God loves through people. Throughout Tarrah’s hardships, she never fails to laugh, listen, give wise advice, make you feel valued and seen. Her life is a reflection of the work and love of Jesus to all who know her, and she inspires me daily to be 100%, fully authentic without fear of judgment.
Contact Info:
- Website: sageandhaven.com
- Email: sageandhaven@gmail.com
- Instagram: @sageandhaven
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/sageandhaven
- Other: sageandhaven.etsy.com
Image Credit:
Paul Pearson
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