74. Sarah Clancy, Founder of Sarah Marie Design Studio

Ali on the Run Show

“Yeah, there are times that I have no idea what I’m doing. But that’s part of the fun of it.” —Sarah Fitzpatrick Clancy

Sarah Clancy is the founder and creator of Sarah Marie Design Studio. The runner-specific apparel and accessories company was born two years ago, and almost instantly gained a devoted following including the likes of Kara Goucher, Molly Huddle, and Andrea Barber. Sarah is a work-from-home mom of two and full-time business owner, and on this episode, she shares her successes, failures, struggles, and victories. As for whether entrepreneurship was always the plan? Sarah says she always knew she’d be a business owner, but wasn’t sure what that would look like. It wasn’t until she honed in on her true passions — running the show and running — that she found her niche. Here’s how she made it happen.

Love Sarah’s stuff? Go shopping, and use code ONTHERUN at checkout for 15% off your purchase!

Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $30 off your wireless headphone purchase!

What you’ll get on this episode:

• Was becoming an entrepreneur and business owner young Sarah’s plan? (3:00)
• When, how, and why Sarah launched Sarah Marie Design Studio (6:30)
• The biggest challenges and learned curves Sarah faced when she launched her business (12:15)
• How Sarah manages being a work-from-home mom of two and business owner (14:45)
• The benefits and challenges of being married to a fellow business owner (16:55)
• How Sarah Marie Design Studio grew and gained fans like Kara Goucher and Molly Huddle (21:20)
• Exactly how much Sarah does (25:45)
• Sarah’s career a-ha moment (28:55)
• Where Sarah gets her inspiration (34:10)
• Sarah’s hopes, dreams, and plans for the future of SMDS (36:40)
• Sarah shares her definition of what it means to “work hard,” and admits to the less-sunshine-y aspects of her day-to-day business life (38:00)
• Sarah’s advice for work-from-home moms (41:50)

What we mention on this episode:

Sarah Marie Design Studio “Freaking Pregnant” racerback tank

Sarah Marie Design Studio “My Mom is Fast AF” infant bodysuit

Syracuse University

Sarah Marie Design Studio “Congrats On Not Pooping” card

Sarah Marie Design Studio “Elite Marathoner” performance tank

Kara Goucher

Molly Huddle on Episode 51 of the Ali on the Run Show

Molly Huddle on Episode 66 of the Ali on the Run Show

Sarah Marie Design Studio nail wraps

Sarah Marie Design Studio on the Today show

Sarah Marie Design Studio “Live Easy Run Hard” sweatshirt

Sarah Marie Design Studio “This Wine Tastes Like” wine glass

Sarah Marie Design Studio “Run All the Miles” muscle tank

Sarah Marie Design Studio “Life’s Short, Run Fast” sweatshirt

Sarah Marie Design Studio “Kinda Wanna Run” sweatshirt

Sarah Marie Design Studio “Track Queen” tank

Sarah Marie Design Studio “The Mountains Are Calling” tank

New York Road Runners training

Follow Sarah:

• Instagram @sarahmariedesignstudio
• Twitter @shopSMDS
• Facebook
• Website

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Facebook
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!