03 May Meet the Team: Sara
an interview with jezebel's
owner and principle photographer
If you’ve been in for a session (or 3), attended a Jezebel birthday party or lurked from afar via the videos on our socials, you’ll recognize this gorgeous human! In our new monthly staff feature, we’re sitting down with Sara – Jezebel’s owner and principle photographer to talk all about who she is, what she loves and her dreams for Jezebel ♥
What's your role at Jezebel and how long have you been part of the team?
Hi! I’m Sara, the founder and photographer of Jezebel! I’ve been part of the team ever since creating Jezebel in July 2013, following my father’s passing. Big life events have a profound way of shaping who we become, and during that turbulent yet transformative time, Jezebel was born from a powerful mix of loss, love, and determination.
Dream photoshoot (That you haven’t done yet)?
Oh, this is incredibly tough! But my dream photoshoot would have to be set in a heavy, summer rain—the kind that smells incredible, feels refreshing, and creates misty magic as it hits warm ground. Imagine puddle jumping in lace, tulle, and bright rain boots! No studio set can fully replicate nature’s enchantment, but I strive to come close. I’d joyfully be behind the camera or dancing through puddles myself—messy perfection!
What's your favorite lingerie company?
Do you have a favorite piece? Why?
My favorite lingerie brand is anyone that I find that fits these vibes: bold, inclusive (in size and gender), creative, magical—bursting with vibrant colors, intriguing textures, soft velvets, cool leathers, and cozy robes. Think layers, rivets, fluffy skirts, feathers, and pure magic. Someone please open this dream store already!
Tell us one obscure thing about you that not many people know?
I have an extensive collection of gnomes, proudly displayed both inside and outside my home. Right now, there are easily 20 within my immediate view at my desk. Interestingly, I’m ordained both by the Church of Gnome and The Universal Life Church. Given that I don’t believe in a traditional god, it’s humorously ironic that I’m so heavily “churched.”
What are you reading/playing/listening to right now?
Currently, I’m immersed in Taylor Swift’s “Don’t Blame Me”—actually, I’ve been on a solid Taylor Swift journey since “The Tortured Poet’s Department” dropped last year, firmly sealing my Swiftie status. I’ve navigated significant loss and heartache lately, and Taylor’s music, particularly TTPD, landed exactly when I needed that burn-it-down-and-rise-from-the-ashes energy.
How do you spend your time away from the studio?
Truthfully, I’m rarely entirely away from Jezebel. When not physically there, I’m often editing at home or brainstorming fresh ideas for the studio—sets, marketing strategies, you name it. But beyond work, concerts are my sanctuary, my personal form of “church.” Live music replenishes me profoundly—except maybe a perfect beach day. Trips (even day trips!) to Ocean Shores or Long Beach, WA, especially with my family—blood, chosen, married, furry—make my heart soar.
Do you love a certain aesthetic?
If so, what is it and why?
I embrace maximalism wholeheartedly! Bold colors, mismatched patterns that somehow beautifully collide, or whimsical wallpapers and even ornate kitchen accessories—like our crystal butter dish, which has amusingly become quite the talking point at home because it’s so fancy for butter. I adore anything that’s delightfully “extra.”
What/Who inspires you?
Women, particularly in the face of misogyny, inspire me everyday when they stand up for themselves and other minorities. Integrity of the soul, to not just preach about the next right thing, but to DO the next right thing. When your words and your actions match–THAT is inspiring, especially when you use it to help someone else RISE.
What’s your favorite quote?
Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Eat, Pray, Love” touched my soul exactly when I needed it most. It’s the only book filled with my margin notes and the one book I refuse to lend out. It awakened something deep inside, prompting a profound spiritual and self-discovery journey. This passage particularly resonated:
“If you are brave enough to leave behind everything familiar and comforting (which can be anything from your house to your bitter old resentments) and set out on a truth-seeking journey (either externally or internally), and if you truly regard everything that happens as a clue, accept everyone as a teacher, and face (and forgive) difficult truths about yourself… then truth will not be withheld from you.”
These words guide me every day, encouraging a life filled with honesty, curiosity, bravery, and deep love.
Describe yourself in three adjectives
Loyal. Honest. Rebel.
What’s one item on your bucket list?
Paris. It’s been on my bucket list for 30 years. When I started the studio my desire intensified as I started seeing all the amazing places to be photographed or to photograph someone in a flowing, twirling dress all over the city. I want to fall in love in Paris while eating fresh bread, wearing a beret and strolling down a dark cobblestone street as the sun sets on the day.
If you were given one superpower, what would it be?
I’m currently reading “A Court of Mist and Fury,” and the idea of controlling elements sounds genuinely thrilling—conjuring fire for warmth, water for refreshment, darkness for protection. Also, imagine snapping your fingers for a flawlessly edited photograph every single time—that would be pure magic!
If you could have a conversation with any fictional being, who would it be and what would you talk about?
Nesta Archereon and we’d talk about “Girl, why you so angry!?!?!?!?!” Lol…..I havent read Silver Flames yet and I’m hoping there’s answers there…..beyond that, I think I’d like to “talk” to Dean Winchester in the back of the Impala for a night.
Best piece of advice for someone interested in coming in for their first session?
Breathe.
Trust the process. Remember this is our “everyday”, we know what we’re doing. We got you. We understand this is not your “everyday” and can feel hard, create anxiety and cause self judgement about your body. I promise you, whatever it is, we’ve seen it. And if we havent–it’s still okay. We’re not going to freak out, judge you or shun you. We’re going to love you, big, full and completely.
Where do you see Jezebel going in the next ten years?
Well….in 10 years I’ll be almost 60 and probably starting to think about retirement. Damn. 10 years. I hope to have met and blessed thousands more clients, watched them bloom and grow and stand tall. I hope to see faces at annual Jezebel birthday parties, maybe expand in the current building we’re actively in, maybe buy it. Ideally we’d be working with an additional photographer by then. Someone that embodies all the same beliefs and ideals we used and have to create the space we have now. A thriving makeup artist team and a full schedule of beautiful humans ready to be seen by our lens of unconditional love.
Sara is a passionate, vibrant and genuine human who’s behind you every step of the way as you navigate your radical journey of self-love and kindness. She’s a beautiful friend, a confidant and an inspiration. She is Jezebel. ♥
If you’d like to book a session or just want to know more about who Jezebel is and what we’re making happen in the world, feel free to reach out – we’d love to chat!