Inspirational Women Series #3 - Sarah McBrair

This month, in the spirit of meeting new people, I'm excited to highlight Sarah McBrair.  I had the pleasure of meeting her at the Young Designers Market in New York City this past summer.  We sat back to back selling our wares to locals and tourists alike.  And mid way through, I noticed her lovely jewelry - very classy.  So being a bit nosy, I leaned over to introduce myself and from there we started chatting.  It was exciting to hear about her endeavors as an entrepreneur doing something she really love.  As I continue down the road to my dreams, it is just the inspiration you need to be surrounded by.  When you follow your dreams, you always need advocates, trustworthy partners and true friends.


Can you tell us a bit about your business, Love of Pretty?

Love of Pretty is a unique, handmade, fashionable gemstone jewelry company. We specialize in “Design Your Own Jewelry” working with women to create custom pieces of jewelry. We take pride in hand-picking our materials and designing perfectly pretty pieces.

The purpose of  the brand is meant to be an easy way to make women feel pretty and give them an easy new look.

What inspired you to launch your business?

I was a marketing professional in the corporate world for seven years and knew I always wanted to do something for myself.  After designing jewelry as a hobby and passion for many years, it just clicked as the right business for me.

I have always loved to help my friends accessorize.  I love to base designs off of people’s personalities. The “Design Your Own” component of my business is my favorite. It is easy to find the perseverance and motivation when you choose an avenue you naturally love! Even when I am watching movies or just out an about I just stare down people’s jewelry…I can’t help it.

Why do you love doing what you do?  

It is the feeling I get when I see a customer’s eyes light up or have such a genuine reaction to the way they look when they try on a piece of jewelry they love is another one of my favorite parts of this whole experience.

I was recently at a holiday show in Old Lyme CT and I met a woman who you could tell just needed a little pick-me-up. She tried on a chunky pearl and citrine necklace.  When she looked in the mirror she smiled and her whole face lit up. It was the perfect necklace for her.  Right away other women looking at the jewelry made remarks about the necklace “That looks so pretty” or “that necklace was made for you” it’s moments like these that I get such a rush and feel so satisfied that I am genuinely helping women feel their best, I love it!

What challenges did you face in the beginning?

Everything took longer then I would have liked. When you start a business you want all your ideas up and running right away.  I have learned now everything takes time….but is worth the wait!

How do you define success?

Success is happiness. Being happy in your current position and reminding yourself all the time that is the most important thing in life.

What is a typical weekday like for you? 

Write a blog, post a Facebook update, sprint around New York City to find new materials, design new jewelry, take photos, send out orders….repeat!

When you are not running around…What do you do to unwind? 

My husband Brad and I have a three year old Gold Retriever, 'Russell', I pretty much give him all my attention!  We take two to three walks a day….well when it’s nice out.


Thanks Sarah for being an inspiration to those of us out there who are starting a business, are growing a business or dreaming of it!  Thank you for sharing your Spirit!!

Love of Pretty is starting a December “Holiday Helpers” campaign.  We design, we create, we gift wrap, and we ship directly to you! Enter “LOVELOP" at checkout for a special 10% off your entire purchase www.loveofpretty.com. 

In the Spirit for Living – My 2011 New Year’s Resolutions

As I reflect on 2010, it was a year of new beginnings (moving out of our home after 6 years; replacing our car) and significant growth (more work responsibilities, more travel, and more connections with people). In addition, I’ve been proud to work on Spirit for Living which launched in September 2010 and four months later we closed the year having come out with our first line of organic and natural basics. An added benefit was that we really connected with some great people –great active spirited women that share a common goal of living life to its fullest. I hope to continue this conversation with you in 2011. For those of you who have asked – we’re working on a few new tops and adding some accessories. Very soon! We’ve listened to your comments and feedback from this past fall and we are diligently working to make this a community driven brand of clothing.

This year, I am setting myself to similarly high standards for both personal and professional growth…yes, I’m a bit of a classic overachiever (which brings all kinds of emotional ups and downs). I am in the Spirit for Living and I pledge to live a more healthy life that encompasses not only the physical, but overarching mental and spiritual, elements to personal well being.


Physical. I pledge to challenge my body even further this year – gosh after all these years this is still #1. Physical fitness is not a sprint it is a marathon! I challenge myself every year to physically try something new – or keep up with an old favorite.

I’d like to ski more this winter - In New York, we’ve already had 3 snow storms after lackluster amounts of snowfall the past couple of years. And the most exciting pledge is to take my 3 and ½ year old nephew skiing for the very first time! I think he could be the next ski star!

To hiking more this spring – the East Coast does have some great mountains and trails. My husband is my favorite camping & hiking partner!

To swimming more this summer – This is really more of a challenge. I am definitely not what people would call a great or even a good swimmer… and actually the water has always posed a bit of fear in me. However, I’m thinking of possibly signing up for another triathlon sprint. And that sport dictates a swim….

And to go for jogs more this fall on the East River. I love running and jogging alone – this is when I best can clear my mind…realize my priorities in life.

What are your favorite activities? Do you do them with your friends or family? I always love to hear what other activities people find joy in….

Mental. I pledge to rejuvenate my mind by reading and spending quality time with family this year.

My niece and nephew are my two favorite little people in the world. I want to help them learn and enjoy many different experiences in life. Our family recently took them on their first train ride with Santa. It was no secret that I enjoyed it as much (or probably even more) then they did!

This past year I also took my nephew to the Zoo for the first time - he stared at that alligator - no fear!

I pledge to try to purchase new books on my Kindle (instead of a physical text) in my effort to nourish the earth. I enjoy the relaxation and mental stimulation that reading provides so I promise that I will continue to do more this year. My mother in law just sent me an Agatha Christie book which is next on my list. On my Kindle, my first download will be Bill Bryson – his novels are must reads!


Spiritual. I pledge to nourish my spirit by finding time just for myself. Finding time to be outdoors, enjoy what natural beauty and resources were given to us. And just to clear my mind.

I will reflect on the many positive things around me and within me. I will smile more and laugh more. I will be more in tune with my emotions and actions and gravitate towards all things positive.

So to end, I’d like to add one more resolution:

I pledge to bring greater awareness of Spirit for Living to women across the world in effort to build a strong foundation rooted in personal connectivity and shared consciousness.

I am in the Spirit for Living and I wish you a healthy, happy and active 2011!