International Women's Day | a conversation with Sarah Marschall

Meet Sarah, a local to Vancouver who has turned her passion into her dream job. She know what hard work is, has a hustle mentality, and she may be one of the kindest people you’ll run into (which can happen when you come to Suki’s). She’s one of many great examples of why we celebrate International Women’s Day. We sat down with her over Zoom to get to know her and The Find Studio a bit better. Here, is her story:

Q: Tell me a bit about yourself, and when your love for fashion and luxury brands began?
Sarah: When I was nineteen, I moved from Kelowna to Vancouver to attend John Casablancas, where I took the Fashion Marketing and Business program. I started a (not so glamorous) internship at Holt Renfrew in the shipping department. After my internship ended, I started working in sales at HR. This is really where my love for luxury fashion began!

Q: What’s the story behind The Find Studio and how it came to be, and why?
Sarah: After leaving Holt Renfrew, I started a job at a luxury resale boutique here in Vancouver. My role was head of buying and influencer relations. I worked there for about 2.5 years and learnt a lot about the industry during that time. At the end of those 2.5 years I knew I needed to grow and become my own boss. I wanted to continue moving forward and starting my own business was something I’d always dreamt of.

Q: What’s your favourite part about being an entrepreneur? 
Sarah: There are so many things I love about being an entrepreneur; connecting with so many inspiring people, the freedom to create my own schedule, getting to spend all the time with my dogs and to be in total control of my success. 

Q: What’s the hardest part about being an entrepreneur?
Sarah: Having my own business is both challenging and the most rewarding thing ever. Each day brings new challenges and when it’s all on you it can be so hard. The success of your business is 100% up to you, having a good support system is a must!

Q: Have you faced any challenges being a woman in business? 
Sarah: This far luckily no.

Q: What’s the most important lesson you have learned in your career?
Sarah: You are your brand. Creating core values and building your brand off of those is really important from the beginning. Also, lifting up and supporting other businesses and people in your industry without expecting anything in return.

Q: Who’s a female leader you admire, and why? 
Sarah: There are so many amazing women I look up to, especially in Vancouver. One in particular is Miriam Alden, the founder of BRUNETTE the Label. BRUNETTE has really strong company values that really translates into the brand and product. I love the story behind the brand, Miriam has inspired me and motivated me to start my own business. 

Q: What advice would you tell another woman who would like to start her own business? 
Sarah: Just do it! Starting is the hardest part and most likely you're never going to feel 100% ready. Continue moving forward and believing in yourself. If you want to do something, you can.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish with The Find Studio? 
Sarah: There are so many things I hope to accomplish with TFS. Right now we are based 100% online, which has been a great platform for us, especially starting out. I’ve always loved the in person retail shopping experience and that’s definitely something I miss. Opening a showroom and buying lounge here in Vancouver, is a big goal of mine for TFS.

Not only does shopping consignment save you money, but it also helps this beautiful planet! For the entire month of March enjoy 10% off all products at thefindstudio.ca by using the code SUKIS10 at checkout. And If you’re looking for a place to sell your luxury goods reach out to The Find Studio team and they will get you all set up! If you happen to consign with The Find Studio during the month of March, you will receive a one-time 20% off code to shop at sukis.com