Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Godfrey.
Hi Sara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Homes and all things homes have always been a passion of mine. Interior Design was on my radar as a young girl and grew from cleaning/organizing for clients to going back to school when life allowed me the privilege of doing so, to become an Interior Designer in my thirties. My path into design wasn’t perfectly linear, and in many ways, the challenges I faced early on really shaped how I approach my work today. There were seasons where I had to push through uncertainty, learn as I went, and build confidence in my voice and abilities. Those experiences taught me resilience, but more importantly, they deepened my understanding of what it means to truly listen and show up not only for my clients, but for myself.
From the beginning, I’ve been drawn to the idea that design is incredibly personal. When a client brings me into their project, they’re not just asking for a beautiful space—they’re trusting me with their home or business, their investment, and often a very meaningful chapter of their life. I don’t take that lightly. Its truly an hon0r.
A big part of my process is helping clients articulate what they may not yet fully see themselves. I work to create an environment where they feel heard and supported, while also trusting me to guide them with my experience, expertise, and perspective. That balance—honoring their vision while elevating it—is something I’ve worked hard to refine over the years.
Getting to where I am today has been a combination of perseverance, passion, and a deep commitment to my clients. Every project has helped shape my approach, and I’ve grown not just as a designer, but as a collaborator and problem-solver. At the core of it all, I still feel incredibly grateful to do work that allows me to bring a vision or idea to life in a way that feels authentic, intentional, and lasting.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many small business owners, there have been a lot of growing pains along the way.
One of the biggest challenges has been deciding what kind of firm I truly want to be. There’s constant pressure to scale, take on more, and grow quickly—but I’ve had to be really intentional about staying smaller and more personal so I can maintain the level of care and involvement my clients deserve. That hasn’t always been the easiest choice, but it’s been the right one for me.
There have also been the realities of economic shifts and uncertainty, which can impact timelines, budgets, and decision-making. Those moments come with a lot of behind-the-scenes stress—sleepless nights, problem-solving, and learning how to adapt quickly while still keeping projects on track.
On a personal level, learning to say no has been a big hurdle. Early on, it’s easy to second-guess yourself or feel like you have to take every opportunity. Over time, I’ve realized that being selective allows me to show up better for the right clients and projects.
And of course, balancing family life with self-employment is an ongoing challenge. When you run your own business, it doesn’t always turn off at the end of the day. Finding that balance—and giving myself grace in the process—has been an important part of the journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in residential and small commercial design, with a large portion of my work focused on remodels and new construction. Many of my clients are working on secondary homes and legacy properties, which adds a unique layer of intention to each project—these spaces aren’t just lived in, they’re experienced, shared, and remembered.
I run a full-service design firm, and I truly believe the best results come from being involved from concept to fruition. That continuity allows me to fully understand the vision, guide the process, and ensure every detail is carried through. I collaborate closely with builders, trades, and artisans, and I really value that team dynamic—it’s essential to bringing a project to life in a thoughtful and cohesive way.
What I’m most proud of is that I built this business from the ground up and have sustained it for over ten years. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to work on some incredible projects with amazing clients. The fact that so much of my work comes from repeat clients and referrals is, to me, the greatest compliment—it speaks to the trust and relationships that have been built over time.
As for what sets me apart, I think it’s my ability to truly visualize a space from the very beginning—to see it fully realized before it exists—and then clearly communicate that vision through drawings, renderings, and collaboration. Because of that, my clients tend to feel a strong sense of confidence in the process. There’s a level of trust that develops early on, and that allows the project to move forward in a really seamless and intentional way.
What does success mean to you?
For me, success isn’t defined by scale or volume—it’s defined by alignment. It’s about building a business that reflects my values, allows me to do meaningful work, and supports the kind of life I want to live.
Success looks like having clients who trust me fully and invite me into their homes and projects, knowing I’ll bring their vision to life with care and intention. It’s seeing a space come together in a way that feels effortless, but is actually the result of thoughtful collaboration, experience, and attention to detail.
It’s also the ability to be selective—choosing the right projects, maintaining a more personal approach, and not feeling the need to constantly chase growth for the sake of growth.
On a personal level, success is balance. It’s building something I’m proud of while still being present for my family and creating a life that feels full, not just busy.
And ultimately, success is longevity—having built something from the ground up and continuing to sustain it, evolve it, and find joy in the work even after all these years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://saragodfreydesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saragodfreydesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saragodfreydesign
