Sara Walker: Unwinding and Reflecting

Did you think of yourself as a creative kid? What did you do for fun?

As a child, creativity wasn’t just a pastime for me—it was a form of self-expression and comfort. I spent hours in my room, immersed in activities like scrapbooking, coloring, and sewing. It was during these quiet moments that I felt most connected to myself. I loved the solitude and the chance to create something beautiful from nothing. By the age of 12, I was already sewing my own clothes for fun—nothing fancy, but the act of creating something from fabric felt empowering. I also dove into scrapbooking, where I meticulously arranged photos and mementos to tell stories, even when I didn’t have the words for them yet. It was my way of processing feelings and moments that were important to me. Creativity was always a space where I could reflect, unwind, and tap into a deeper sense of joy. These early experiences shaped who I am today and reinforced the power of creativity to ground me in the chaos of life.

What does creativity look like for you these days?
As an adult, creativity has become a diverse and integral part of my life, showing up in different forms that blend my personal and professional passions. After working as a Marriage Family Therapist and navigating significant health challenges, I made the decision to shift my career into a space that was more flexible and nurturing to my overall well-being. That decision opened up the opportunity to embrace creativity in ways I hadn’t before. These days, I’m constantly finding new ways to express myself—through my work, my businesses, and simply for fun.

Running my own businesses and writing on Substack provides a perfect outlet for creativity. Marketing, for example, requires an innovative mindset, and I love how it allows me to create meaningful connections with people. But the most fulfilling aspect of my work right now is writing. Substack has given me a personal space to share my thoughts, process my feelings, and connect with others in a meaningful, and yet, slow-paced way. The creative freedom that comes with writing has been one of the most rewarding parts of my professional life.

Beyond that, I also create art. I paint and sell monthly self-care kits, which gives me the opportunity to paint regularly—something I’ve always loved. Art has become a way for me to reconnect with myself and to make room for self-care, something that is so necessary in today’s busy world. Just as important as these creative endeavors is the joy I find in working on my junk journal—a no-pressure space where I can let my creativity flow without expectations. It’s a space of play and self-expression. I work on it a few evenings a week just for fun, often alongside my daughter, who has her own junk journal where she records her book reads and reviews. It’s become a shared creative practice, and I love how it brings us closer together.

How did motherhood change your creative practice?
Motherhood has been both a catalyst and a challenge for my creative practice. When I became pregnant, I was filled with excitement to create things for my baby—a handmade blanket, baby clothes, and decor for the nursery. That sense of creation took on an even deeper meaning as I prepared to bring a new life into the world. But it wasn’t just about making things for my child; motherhood opened up a whole new avenue for my creativity in the form of blogging. In 2012, I started blogging to document my journey into motherhood, and it became an incredible outlet for me to reflect, process, and share my experiences. I had never blogged before, but it gave me a voice in a community of other mothers who were going through similar challenges and triumphs. It was in those early years of motherhood that I gained the confidence to express myself through writing, and that confidence would later extend into other aspects of my work.

Motherhood also taught me the importance of being intentional about carving out space for creativity and self-care. It’s easy to get lost in the demands of parenting, but I’ve learned that in order to be a good mother, I need to nurture my own creativity and well-being. I now understand that being creative and practicing self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. It keeps me grounded, inspired, and connected to who I am outside of being a mom. I’ve also come to realize that creativity isn’t always a spontaneous, flowy experience—it often requires planning. Whether it’s setting aside time to write or planning a creative project, I have to make space for it in my busy life. I’m learning how to embrace the ebb and flow of creativity, knowing that it can be cultivated, nurtured, and shaped over time.

Who would you love to collaborate with? What’s a dream project for you?
One of my greatest dreams is to collaborate with two of my best friends from college. They are both incredibly creative and talented women, each with unique skills. One is a business owner and content creator, and the other is a dental hygienist and content creator. We’ve been best friends for 16 years, and over time, we’ve supported each other through various business ventures and personal milestones. The bond we share goes beyond friendship; it’s one of deep trust and mutual respect. We’ve often talked about working together on a special project or business, but we haven’t yet found the perfect opportunity to make that happen.

I truly believe that when the stars align, our combined skills and shared values will create something extraordinary. Whether it’s a product, a service, or a community-building project, I have no doubt that the collaboration will be meaningful. What excites me most about the idea is the potential to blend our individual strengths in a way that feels authentic and impactful. It’s the kind of project where the whole will be greater than the sum of its parts. I trust them deeply, and I believe in the power of collaboration to create something even more special than what we could accomplish individually. In the meantime, we continue to support each other’s work, and I look forward to the day when we can finally bring our dreams to life together.

---

Sara is a writer, artist, and entrepreneur, balancing her passions with life as a mother to a 12-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old son. With a background as a Marriage Family Therapist, Sara shifted gears to pursue creative ventures that allow for flexibility and personal fulfillment. She writes on Substack, runs her own businesses, and creates art with a focus on self-care. Whether she’s painting, journaling, or brainstorming business ideas, Sara’s creative practice is central to her well-being and the way she connects with the world. When she’s not creating, you can find her playing games with her family, traveling, or reading fiction. Sara writes about slow, intentional parenting at The Heirloom Club Substack and she writes about self-care at the Self-Care Power Hour Substack. You can find Sara's self-care artwork on her website Dorothy & Norman.

---

Nebula Notebook is a place to meet kindred spirits, get inspired, and learn how to find ease and joy in the creative process—even when life is bananas. 🍌🍌🍌

---

✏️ PS—The fastest way to grow as a writer is to book a manuscript critique or a creative coaching session with an expert. My clients get agents, sell books, and win awards. They also learn how to enjoy the creative process, so they can keep going when life gets hard. 👏