Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Pace.
Hi Sarah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My path hasn’t been a straight line, and honestly, that’s been one of my biggest strengths. I started my career as a middle school English teacher, which gave me a deep appreciation for communication, storytelling, and understanding people. Teaching showed me how powerful the right words can be—and how much clarity and confidence matter when you’re trying to connect with others.
After teaching, I moved into photography, where I continued telling stories—this time visually. I worked with individuals and businesses and loved helping them present themselves in a way that felt polished and intentional. That chapter of my career shifted after a life-changing spinal fusion related to being born with scoliosis. The physical demands of photography were no longer sustainable, and I was forced to reevaluate what my work could look like long term.
Around that time, my two Pomskies, Nakita and Georgia, became an even bigger part of my day-to-day life. They keep me grounded in ways that are hard to put into words—pulling me out of my head, reminding me to slow down, and bringing balance to the intensity that comes with running a business. They’ve taught me the importance of presence, routine, and compassion, and they’re a constant reminder that success means nothing without well-being.
What initially felt like a setback became an unexpected opportunity. As I stepped away from photography, I leaned more heavily into branding and strategy and realized how much I loved helping people build their brands and make meaningful first impressions with their audiences. I found just as much fulfillment guiding clients through clarity and confidence as I had behind the camera.
I also hold an MBA with a specialization in Human Resources, which I chose because of my passion for training and development. That background shows up in my branding work every day. Through Wanderlust Elevated Marketing & Branding, I don’t just create visuals—I teach my clients about their brand, help them discover what makes them and their businesses unique, and guide them in showing up with intention and consistency.
Each chapter—education, photography, resilience, and business—has shaped how I lead and serve today. What began as a necessary pivot has grown into a purpose-driven business rooted in strategy, creativity, and helping others step confidently into who they are—while building a life that leaves room for balance, growth, and the things that matter most.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most entrepreneurial journeys, it’s been full of pivots, learning curves, and moments of real uncertainty. One of the biggest challenges was navigating a major career shift after my spinal fusion. Letting go of photography as my primary focus wasn’t easy—it meant redefining my identity professionally and trusting that I could build something new from the ground up.
Building a business while managing health limitations also required me to slow down, set boundaries, and work smarter, not harder. That shift was uncomfortable at first, especially coming from careers that rewarded constant output and hustle.
Another challenge was learning to fully step into the role of strategist and educator, not just creator. Early on, it was tempting to do “all the things” for clients instead of teaching them and setting clear expectations. Over time, I learned the importance of boundaries, systems, and valuing my expertise—not just my time.
There were also the quieter struggles: self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to make the right decisions without a roadmap. But each challenge forced me to grow, refine my vision, and build a business that’s sustainable and aligned. Looking back, those struggles weren’t detours—they were shaping points.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Wanderlust Elevated Marketing & Branding?
Wanderlust Elevated Marketing & Branding is a full-service digital marketing and branding agency built around strategy, education, and collaboration. At its core, we help businesses clarify who they are, how they want to be perceived, and how to communicate that consistently across every touchpoint. Our work spans brand strategy, logo design and re-design, newsletters, social media content, website design, mobile app development, and overall brand experience.
What truly sets us apart is how we work with our clients. We don’t just “do marketing” for them—we teach them about their brand. My background in education and training shows up in everything we do. We guide our clients through discovery, help them understand what makes them unique, and empower them to show up with clarity and confidence long after a project is complete.
Our team is a huge part of that success. Wanderlust Elevated operates with a collaborative digital team made up of specialists in strategy, design, and technology, allowing us to serve clients with intention and depth rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. We recently brought a graphic designer onto our internal team, which has been an exciting milestone and allows us to further elevate the visual side of our work while maintaining consistency and quality across client brands.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust we’ve built. Many of our clients come to us through referrals, stay with us long-term, and grow alongside us. That tells me we’re doing more than delivering deliverables—we’re building relationships and helping businesses evolve.
I want readers to know that Wanderlust Elevated is about more than aesthetics or trends. We focus on building brands that feel aligned, intentional, and sustainable. Our goal is to help business owners stand out in a way that feels authentic to them—while giving them the tools, education, and support to grow with confidence.
How do you think about luck?
Luck has absolutely played a role in my life and business, but I’ve learned that luck tends to show up when preparation, timing, and relationships intersect. Both good luck and unexpected challenges have shaped my path, often in ways I couldn’t have planned.
Networking, in particular, has been a huge driver of my business’s growth. Through BNI, I’ve built meaningful relationships that have opened doors far beyond traditional marketing. I was able to bring on my digital team after connecting through the global BNI app, which expanded my capacity and allowed me to better serve my clients. More recently, I brought on a graphic designer at a time when I felt truly ready—both personally and professionally—to expand the business. That timing felt less accidental and more like alignment.
Not all luck has been good. There have been personal and professional setbacks, including health challenges, that forced me to slow down, pivot, and rethink my direction. When those moments happen, I try not to dwell on them. I take time to pause and reflect and ask what the experience is meant to teach me, rather than staying stuck in the setback. Many of those moments ultimately created space for opportunities that were more aligned than anything I could have planned.
I believe luck is often about being open, showing up consistently, and building genuine relationships. The connections I’ve made through networking didn’t just help my business grow—they helped me build a team and a community that aligns with my values. That combination of timing, trust, and relationships has been one of the most impactful factors in my success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wlemb.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustelevated/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wlemb
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahrpace/
