behind the brand | Sarah from Where Watermelons Grow

Jun 18, 20213 min read

Updated: Jun 21, 2021

We don't have the words to describe our love for Where Watermelons Grow jewelry. Neither of us has taken off our saltaire wraps since we got them in April + are complimented everywhere we go on them.

We are known to drop hints for our husbands about Where Watermelons Grow pieces that we are swooning over.

Sarah's pieces are timeless, high quality, + made for life by the sea.

I'm Sarah Jean, the heart behind Where Watermelons Grow. I live in Marshfield with my husband, our 3-year son, our dog Tito, and 3 chickens. Where Watermelons Grow is a jewelry business that began as a hobby, organically grew as a side-hustle, and is now my full-time labor of love.

When did you start your business?

Oh, it was sometime around 2012. Perhaps a little before. I always made jewelry so from the time it went from gifting the jewelry I made to selling it is a blur!

What inspired you to start Where Watermelons Grow?

My Mother inspired me! She is incredibly creative. I was always in such awe by the beauty she could create with her own two hands and her eye for design. I always made jewelry, macrame at the time, but it wasn't until a jewelry course I took in High School that I realized this was the kind of art I craved to create.

Tell us about your products + the process behind the final product.

I love to use natural elements, with pearls being my absolute favorite. They are timeless and look beautiful on everyone. In our designs, we use high-quality materials like 14k gold filled and sterling silver metals and test each design to make sure that it not only looks good but feels good and can stand up to everyday wear. The final design is broken down in a tech pack stating exactly what materials you need and how much of those materials you need as well as how long it takes to make. This system is my lifeline and allows me or an employee the ability to easily recreate the design seamlessly. Most of the time, my designs are produced in batches. When you work like that it's almost just as fast to make 20 of one piece as it is to make a single one. It's also useful when ordering materials for large orders and mapping out how long that order is going to take to make.

What do you enjoy the most about owning your own business?

The flexibility to stop what I am doing to enjoy the sunshine. During the week I make it a point to have a picnic lunch outside with my son. It's my favorite part of the day. I never used to take a lunch break, but now I see how important that break is to the rest of your day.

What ( if any ) challenges do you face while trying to balance business, family, + you time?

Mom-guilt is such a challenge! I like to think that I'm a laid back/go with the flow kind of person, but I have a very structured way of doing things. However, sometimes I have to throw in the towel, get down on all four, and play cars with my 3-year-old son. I struggle with that work/family separation. When you work from home, you don't really clock in or out, and as a mom, you're always on call. That work/family balance is something I am improving on, but some days the mom-guilt gets me. Today it got me.

You learn so much about yourself when starting/owning a business - what is something you’ve learned about yourself personally + professionally?

I have found that I work best when I have a clear, scheduled plan, and a deadline. Even better when I have a short timeline. It leaves zero room for doubts or procrastination.

What about your business are you most excited about for the future? What goals do you have for Where Watermelons Grow?

I am excited to expand Where Watermelons Grow with a team and take it to the next level. We will be looking to hire again at some point and I can't wait to have that studio camaraderie again. It's been a lonely year for sure!

Anything else you might want to share?

My secret...to a clear head and a successful day. I wake up just before 5am to have my coffee and workout. I would say it's my "Me Time" but my husband started joining me, haha. I understand that everyone's sleep schedule is different, especially when you have kiddos so this might not work for you but if it could I urge you to try it!