Daily Inspiration: Meet Sarah Darling

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Darling.

Hi Sarah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I feel like I could write a book. Hello, my name is Sarah Darling. That’s my real last name. I grew up in a little town East of Des Moines, Iowa. I moved to Nashville when I was 19 and have been residing there ever since. I consider myself someone who loves to make art in all its forms, making it beautiful is important. I sing, write music, love National Parks, and I also make French macarons. Baking is therapy to me. I’m one of those people who when I put my mind to something, I shoot for the moon and stars.

I’ve been singing since I was 4 years old, toured all across Iowa singing Shania Twain covers at age 14, and traveled the world in the last 7 years touring songs I’ve written. I’ve been fortunate enough to say I have had a number 1 record in another country, opened a show for Paul Simon, and played the Grand Ole Opry over 90 times. If there’s anything I’ve learned though, it’s the people and the places you go that add gems to your life. It’s who you have it all to share it with that matters most. I carry everything like a souvenir.

The first piece of music that truly influenced me was a Don Henley record. My Dad gave it to me when I was a kid, and fast forwarding to now, it’s that California country sound that has influenced my music the most. It’s where I am today. I’ve just tied the bow on a brand new album that feels like my road trip record, that rolls the windows down the high-vibration body of music. I’m so excited to release this beauty into the world.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My road hasn’t been smooth at times. I’m grateful for the rough patches that turned into resiliency. I have a song on my new record called “Silver Linings” that touches on this. I’ve always been a person that could be falling apart on the inside but you’d never know on the outside.

So many of us walk around with this perfect crown when it’s not. That’s my biggest lesson coming into my 40s. It’s ok to not be ok sometimes, and it’s ok to celebrate the things that bring you joy. It’s okay to be exactly who you are, cry it out if you need to, and be vulnerable. Love big, love yourself, surround yourself with people who build you up.

One of my toughest moments was after a record deal turned south. I buried a lot of feelings at that time and didn’t know where to look next. I found myself not wanting to sing or write music at all, which is part of my soul. I got my KitchenAid mixer out and started baking. I baked everything you can imagine, but it wasn’t until a trip to Paris, I took a French macaron class in Montmartre. My eyes had light again. Maybe it was working with your hands that was the healing I needed, but I was making beautiful things.

I got brave and started a company in Nashville called Sweet Darling Patisserie. I would make boxes of macarons, and sell them at farmers markets, which ended up in weddings and corporate events. All that to say, I found a new love for something. Slowly but surely I wanted to sing again, and I give credit to the macarons because I wrote the most personal record to date. Dream Country was born through the hurt and the healing. It was the body of music that was a letter to myself to keep going, where I found my voice for the first time. Now I can’t stop.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a performer, singer-songwriter, and part-time chef! Almost Famous is my favorite movie. I dress a lot like Penny Lane on stage and simply to the grocery store too my friends would tell you.

I call my sound, California Country, that homage to Laurel Canyon. Honestly, I wish I would have been alive at that time lol. The 70s canyon crazy times, and creativity was on high. I dig Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty. I like to be transported to a place and time through music. My music feels a lot like this, wide open skies.

More than anything I’m proud of living out my dreams. I go for it unapologetically. I say it how I want to say it, wear 70s furs with crop tops at 40, and I’m having the time of my life. I’m having fun.

I supply macarons and other desserts for Cabin Attic Bistro at Diskin Cider if you want to try my sweets.

What makes you happy?
I’m happiest when I’m being creative, and loving hard.

I don’t have to be on a big stage. I just love that connection it brings something beautiful into the world. It feels like it’s God’s design for my life. I’m a lover and a creative. I am happiest with an open heart.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sarahdarling.com
• Instagram: @Officialsarahdarling
• Facebook: Officialsarahdarling
• Twitter: _sarahdarling
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@SarahDarling?si=rKtMaSmmdxCefd4–

Image Credits
Amy Smyth