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Creators and Magic Makers • Sarah Reid, Founder of Sarah Reid & Others
Please tell us a bit about yourself and the work that you do.
For over fifteen years, I have worked in the architecture and interior design industry. I now run my own interior design practice, SR&O, based in Melbourne. Recently, I stepped out of my comfort zone to launch Her Design, Her Story - a podcast celebrating the stories of Australian female creatives. I’m also the mother of three girls, aged 6, 8, and 11, so life is a busy and a constant balancing act between family, friends, and my work.
Through your work/business what is the impact that you hope to make and why
Through my design work, I aim to enhance people’s everyday lives and lived experiences by creating thoughtful, intuitive and beautiful solutions that bring a sense of ease, connection and inspiration into my clients daily routines.
More recently, I’ve extended my interests through hosting a podcast, which is largely dedicated to inspiring women to pursue their own creative paths. I believe in the power of storytelling and representation, and I hope the conversations we share help other women feel capable and encouraged to embrace their creativity on their own terms.
Ultimately, I want my work, both visual and verbal, to help foster a more intentional and creatively fulfilling environment.
How would you say you arrived into finding your purpose?
I’ve always been drawn to design and creative-inspired pathways, but my journey to finding my purpose has been an ongoing evolution. I tend to follow my intuition, gravitating toward things that genuinely interest, inspire, and motivate me. I thrive on being continually challenged and learning new things.
Starting my own business was a significant step that allowed me to shape my work on my own terms. Now, being in a space where I can also connect with others - through design and my podcast - fulfills both my creative drive and my desire for meaningful connection.
How do you balance your social life, work life, health, family?
I feel like finding the comfortable balance is also an ongoing and evolving process. As my girls are getting a bit older, I’ve found it easier to carve out time for myself and seeing friends, which are important aspects of my routine.
Running my own business gives me some flexibility to manage my schedule, and my husband and I share equal responsibilities with our daughters in a way that supports that balance.
I’ve also learned not to be afraid to ask for help - accepting that I can’t do it all has been an important and empowering lesson.
What do you do in order for you to carve out some time for yourself?
Carving out time for myself is an important part of maintaining my well-being. I try to exercise regularly each week - whether it’s a walk, tennis, or pilates - and I often align it with friends so there’s a social element too.
Working for myself gives me some flexibility, so I usually make space for at least half a day each week to do something non work-related, like having lunch with friends, visiting a gallery, or indulging in self care.
Allowing time for myself helps me reset, recharge, and return to both work and family life with more clarity and energy.
What do you do to get yourself into a state of creativity?
To get myself into a creative state, I usually start by clearing my head. I find that doing something relaxing - like listening to music, flicking through a design magazine, or even just stepping away for a walk - helps shift my mindset and open up space for new ideas.
Inspiration doesn’t always come on demand, so I try to create a calm, unpressured environment where it can flow more naturally.
Sometimes, simply giving myself permission to slow down is the most powerful way to reconnect with creativity.
If you were to share something about your business/work to a stranger what would it be?
I’m a designer focused on creating thoughtful, everyday experiences through simple, purposeful design. My work spans objects, spaces, and visuals - always with the aim of improving how people feel and interact with the world around them. I also host a podcast that shares stories from creative women, encouraging others to explore their own paths with confidence and curiosity.
Also given your line of work, let us know any advice you'd give mothers.
My advice to mothers - especially those craving a creative path - is to give yourself permission to explore, even if it feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable. So often, we wait for the perfect time, but creativity doesn’t need ideal conditions to thrive. Start small, follow your curiosity, and trust that your perspective is valuable. Stepping into something new isn’t selfish - it’s a powerful act of self-expression that can ripple out and inspire your children and those around you.
See Instagram post here.