Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Huggins.
Hi Taylor, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My partner and I created Sage & Oak during the early days of the pandemic. The whole world was going on shutdown and everyone was scared of the uncertainty. Places of employment no longer needed as many employees to keep their businesses operating and, as a result, many people were let go and left jobless. We were one of those unfortunate families who had to scramble together ways to make ends meet. During this time, we noticed an overall theme: a lack of hope and despair with a collective anxiety towards what the future would bring. Instead of letting the fear set in, we decided to do something about it. We decided to put our skills to use and create products with a positive message to spread hope with our handmade goods.
I have worked endlessly, from morning until night over the last 2 years, to create things that have meaning and that add value to someone’s life, things that I am proud of. I constantly research ways to be better while raising a family with my parter. It’s hard work, but I am so proud of myself for building something that continuously creates smiles. There’s nothing better than knowing you’ve made someone feel important, worthy, and loved.
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?
Honestly, is anything worth it ever obtained down a smooth road? That’s what adds character to the journey.
In all seriousness though, it really hasn’t been easy. We started in the middle of a pandemic where we faced shortages on supplies and what we did find was now even more expensive.
Struggling with mental illness and what we call “imposter syndrome” has been challenging. There are days where I am super productive and then some days when it’s hard to get out of bed because everything hurts and “there’s no point.” I oftentimes let that discourage me to the point where I literally do nothing all day, but then I remember the whole reason I got started and get back to it. After all, the world does need my sunshine a little each day.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create a wide variety of things like stickers, coasters, tote bags, earrings, keychains, glass cups, etc. I have always said you can never know too much and I sometimes take that too seriously.
Our waterproof stickers are definitely our most popular product with our polymer clay earrings trailing behind. I started making stickers around 6 years ago and within the last year and a half, I’ve picked up polymer clay (as well as tons of other things).
Everything that I make, I make because it’s something we believe in. Sure, I could start selling things that are more popular like pop culture, but that’s not who I am or what I want to be spending my time on.
I want to bring light and joy into the world. I want to make people feel like they matter and that they’re important to the world, but most importantly, I want people to know they’re not alone. Almost every single one of my products has an uplifting message that I needed to hear at one point or another so I feel inclined to share them with others. In my opinion, that is why Sage & Oak is different and why I’m so proud of what I do.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
With more and more people wanting to join the work-from-home and small business owner trend, I definitely see businesses like mine flourishing in the next 5-10 years. It’s easy to get on the Internet and learn a new skill these days. There are tons of helpful videos and resources out there that are ready to be utilized.
Also, the overall understanding that we should be supporting small business owners versus big box stores is becoming more apparent and that’s great for us.
I’m friends with a ton of small business owners and I’m in all kinds of groups on Facebook. Seeing how supportive people are of new businesses is heartwarming. In fact, Sip & Dipity Paint Bar and Sage & Oak hold a monthly First Friday Makers Market where we allow businesses a chance to sell their products for free in hopes it could eventually change their lives. I even write monthly blogs where I often give tips and other advice to new and future small business owners. I want to be the help I didn’t have so I’m doing just that.
I hope I’m right because I love to see small businesses growing and developing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thesageandoak.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesageandoak/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSageandOak/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/TheSageandOak/
