Ode to Color from Sara Joy, a Westchester-Based Resort Wear Collection
Whether you’re spending your summer days at one of Westchester’s beaches or pools, or you have a fun family getaway planned, one thing is for sure: you want to feel comfortable. The Westchester-based resort wear collection, Sara Joy offers a versatile and colorful way to mix up your summer and everyday looks in their cotton swing dresses, caftans, cover-ups/sarongs, and accessories. This includes one-sized cotton pieces that are made to be worn in a variety of ways. Each piece can be configured into something new, such as the sarong that could also be a skirt, dress, or even a top.
The brand was created in 2020 by Westchester mom Sara Annapolen after working for over a decade in the fashion industry. She decided it was time to launch her own business that leaned into her talents, creativity, and love of color and prints.
This beautiful collection of resort wear empowers positivity and strength through the use of print and color. Sara creates and designs all of the prints, which currently includes white floral, painted floral, lavender floral, sunshine, and striped geo. Additionally, Sara Joy is a zero-waste business where she creates the pieces in small batches as well as uses waste fabric for their new products. Check out more about the brand and the founder below:
Meet Sara Annapolen, Founder of Sara Joy
Westchester Family: How did the idea for Sara Joy come about?
Sara Annapolen: I lost my job in corporate fashion when my daughter was a baby. I had always wanted to launch my own collection and the timing was right. I started with resort wear because I knew I wouldn’t have to limit my use of color!
Westchester Family: What can consumers find in your resort wear collection?
Sara Annapolen: I offer a collection of summer dresses and cover-ups, caftans, and beach sarongs. I create all the artwork with my own paintings and mixed media projects so you can expect vibrant colors and special prints. Sara Joy is an eco-conscious business. I use my waste fabric, digital printing which uses less water, and I also use mostly organic cotton.
Westchester Family: What inspires you to create?
Sara Annapolen: I’m inspired by nature. I take daily photographs of the sunrise and I’m really into gardening and love flowers! I’m also inspired by my customers. The emotional connection to the product I see when someone approaches the rack of clothes. It’s beautiful to see the spark ignited immediately. It’s amazing to witness and truly the reason why I’m doing this.
Westchester Family: How do you find balance as a mom and entrepreneur?
Sara Annapolen: It has taken a long time but I finally figured out how to set boundaries. I prioritize exercise. I leave my phone away as much as I can when I’m with my family. One tip: Get the important mom/life stuff done in the mornings. This allows me to work up to the last minute right before the morning school bus rolls in.
Westchester Family: Where can we find Sara Joy in Westchester? If so, where?
Sara Annapolen: I am proud to be in local retailers Lilies and Lace in Armonk (400 Main Street #3, Armonk, NY 10504) and I Am More in Scarsdale (6 Spencer Place, Scarsdale, NY 10583). I’m always hosting additional local pop-ups as well. Sign up for my newsletter list to stay connected to the latest news.
Westchester Family: Any advice for other moms who want to be an entrepreneur?
Sara Annapolen: Network, connect, ask questions, and listen to anyone who is willing to talk with you. You should also start right away! The faster you get going the faster you’ll learn. Have fun and create something that you are passionate about.
Westchester Family: Anything else to add?
Sara Annapolen: Trust the process – put all the good energy out into the universe and it’ll come back to you.
Connect with me on social media @shopsarajoy where I give a behind the scenes look at entrepreneurship and fun ways to wear the pieces. You can shop online at www.shopsarajoy.com
