Check Out Footprints’n More Sarah Martin’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Footprints’n More Sarah Martin

Footprints’n More , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
“The most important thing you can give your children is your time.”

I remember hearing this when my first child was born. At the time, I was in law school and working full-time at a law firm in Newport Beach. I was burning the candle at both ends, convinced I could manage it all. But then everything changed….

The moment my precious son was placed in my arms, my entire perspective shifted. In an instant, all my goals, dreams, and ambitions seemed distant and insignificant. All I wanted was to be his mom—the best mom I could possibly be.

Growing up in Seattle, where rainy days were common, I often spent time indoors, and ceramics became a hobby of mine. It was something to pass the time on those gray days. Later, I moved to California to attend UC Irvine and then law school. But when my son was born, I couldn’t bring myself to leave him. So, I walked away from my plan to practice law and started a new journey.

In 1996, I went to the county recorder’s office, baby carrier in hand, and applied for my first business license. I had no formal business plan, just a heart full of love and a dream. Relying on my ceramics hobby, I founded my business, Footprints’n More.

By 2000, life took another turn—Personal tragedy left me solely dependent on my business to support my son. Within four years, I had outgrown running the business from home and opened my first retail store. Three years later, I incorporated my business, and two years after that, I opened a second location. By then, I had six employees. Within two more years, I had a third location and a team of 11. Through it all, I maintained a work-life balance, ensuring I was always available for my son. I was his class room-mom, the PTA treasurer, and present for all the important moments in his life.

In 2008, I remarried and eventually gave birth to my daughter. At the same time, the economy crashed. I made the decision to scale back to one store so I could focus more on my family.

In 2012, I relocated the business to its current location, a private, by-appointment studio. I’ve shared a virtual tour on my website and Instagram page for those who want to see it.

Life has continued to throw challenges my way. In 2016, my husband and I divorced. Since then, I’ve been raising my daughter alone. While there have been lean times, my resilience and hard work have paid off, and my business has flourished.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of creating keepsakes for countless families. Some of my clients have even been famous, like Kobe Bryant and his family, who began visiting my studio in 2004. They were loyal clients, and their last visit was just days before the tragedy in 2020.

I’ve also had the chance to teach other moms how to do what I do, offering consulting services to help them start their own journeys.

Every piece I create is custom and one-of-a-kind. Clients bring their ideas, and I bring them to life, capturing the tiny sizes of children before they grow ~ too fast! These ceramic keepsakes are timeless and are designed to withstand generations.

For 29 years, I’ve been making hand and footprint keepsakes. These pieces are my legacy—a way to preserve fleeting moments for families. When I’m long gone, these creations will live on, continuing to bring joy.

Throughout it all, I’ve managed to spend quality time with my children, nurturing them while building a unique and successful business. I have never missed the important moments in their lives and I’ve been blessed to give my children the most important thing of all – my time.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but life is all about learning from our mistakes. Thankfully, I’ve had 29 years of business to navigate those learning curves, and I’d like to think I’ve finally perfected my craft. Running a small business in Southern California isn’t for the faint of heart—you have to adapt and pivot constantly. Along the way, I’ve learned that nothing is worth compromising your peace of mind or health. Doing what I truly love makes it feel less like work, and to me, that’s the ultimate definition of success!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Since 1996, I have specialized in creating custom ceramic hand and footprint keepsakes for babies and children. Each piece is individually crafted in my studio using fine porcelain and sealed with glass for lasting preservation.

No two are ever alike. I take pride in creating each precious piece. I treat each one as if it were my own child’s print.

Capturing the precious details of tiny hands and feet has become a cherished tradition for families.

Please call or text and I will schedule an appointment for you!

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Being an entrepreneur comes with its risks. When you’re self-employed, there are no paid vacations, holidays, sick days, or pensions. Your income is unpredictable, and if you don’t perform well, your business won’t last.

In a nutshell, success depends entirely on the quality of my work, which inspires me to go above and beyond for my clients!

Pricing:

• Pricing is based on design, size and complexity.
• Send me a text with screenshots from my IG or website of items you’d like to know pricing on..
• Call or text for pricing 714-227-5815

Contact Info:

• Website: https://footprintsnmore.com
• Instagram: @footprintsnmore
• Facebook: Footprints’n More
• Yelp: Footprints’n More
• Other: Call or text 714-227-5815