Countryside Conversations: Sarah Flint, Founder and Creative Director of Sarah Flint

Countryside Conversations: Sarah Flint, Founder and Creative Director of Sarah Flint

 

English country style

We're beyond thrilled to have Sarah Flint, Founder and Creative Director of Sarah Flint, featured on the Sea to Skye blog as our first feature in our new series of Countryside Conversations where we chat with inspiring women with a love for the countryside. Not only has Sarah built an incredible brand (the most stunning AND comfortable shoes imaginable), she's also an inspiration to women entrepreneurs and those thinking about taking the leap into the entrepreneurial journey. (All images courtesy of Sarah Flint)

Q. You started your own company at only 25 years old. Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
I always knew I wanted to be a footwear designer, but the entrepreneurial part came later as I was studying patternmaking and shoe construction in Milan. I couldn’t understand why designers largely focused on editorial over everyday styles, and why, when you got down to it, all of these shoes were so uncomfortable to wear. I realized I wanted to create luxury shoes specifically designed with comfort top of mind, so women could wear them as part of their day-to-day lives. Since that didn’t exist in the market, I decided I would be the one to fill that gap.

Q. What is your creative process when dreaming up a new collection?
I’m usually inspired by travel, which I’m glad is gradually becoming a reality for me again (I’m fully vaccinated and still being careful). I’ve gathered inspiration everywhere from colorful gardens to ornate architectural details. Once I’ve decided on the theme for a collection, I’ll then spend weekends creating mood boards and making sketches, after which I’ll come up with ideas for different trims and materializations.

Q. When did you first fall in love with the English countryside?
My love for the English countryside started at a young age. When I was six years old, my family rented a cottage in Chapel Row near Tatcham and I have the best memories from that trip. Two years ago, I visited Yorkshire to gather inspiration for my fall/winter shoe collection called "Cozy Yorkshire Interiors." I took inspiration from Newby Hall & Gardens, as well as the beautiful Broughton Hall estate.

English country style
English country style

English country style

Q. What has been one of the most exciting moments in your career?
The Sarah Flint Pop-Up Shop in NYC was definitely one of my most exciting moments. It was a dream! The entire store was decorated in my favorite William Morris blue-and-white wallpaper and furnished with pieces from Oomph and Annie Selke. We even had fresh Maman chocolate chip cookies everyday and my favorite blends from Sloane Tea Merchants. Not to mention it was an absolute pleasure to meet and talk with customers and host amazing events with friends of the brand.

Q. What advice would you give to women wanting to start their own businesses?
Be relentless. Knock on every door and ask every question you have. If someone says ‘no,’ you pick yourself up and move forward. Just keep going.

English country style

To shop Sarah Flint, visit sarahflint.com or follow along @sarahflint_nyc

UK itinerary

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