Designing, Capturing, Connecting: Meet Sarah Crost
A lifelong Glen Ellyn creative, Sarah Crost blends photography, design, and heart to make people, homes, and local businesses feel more intentional, more beautiful, and more connected.
When you meet Sarah Crost, you immediately feel her mix of creativity, heart, and genuine warmth. She’s the kind of person who can walk into a room and make it feel more beautiful, more intentional, and more you—whether through her photography, interior design, or simply the way she listens.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
Hey everyone! I’m Sarah of Sarah Crost Creative - a photographer, designer, and avid creator. I’m also a firm believer that we are all so much more than our job titles. As I like to say, “I’m a human being, not a human doing.” Ultimately, I’m a left-handed creative who believes in doing small things with great love.
I grew up helping my mom run her bed and breakfast, which sparked my love for creating warm, intentional spaces. I later earned a degree in hospitality and was immediately recruited by the world’s largest hospitality company. But deep down, I knew that path wouldn’t satisfy my creative drive. (Don’t worry - this story has a happy ending!)
2. What ignited the spark to start your creative business? When did you start it? Please tell us how your journey has evolved.
I officially went full-time with Sarah Crost Creative in 2017. This business grew out of my desire to support the people around me while using my creative gifts. As a pretty die-hard Enneagram 2, I’ve always followed the creative needs of my community.
In college, I took graduation photos and LinkedIn headshots for friends. Later, I photographed their weddings, and then newborn sessions as their families grew. Now, I take branding photos for their small businesses and help decorate their homes. My goal is always to leave every person and space feeling a little more nourished than before.
3. Please tell us about some of your favorite projects or aspects of your business.
The heart of my work is supporting women - how insanely lucky am I? I believe women are the source of so many beautiful parts of life and deserve all the support and admiration we can offer.
In recent years, I’ve added commercial design to my offerings and have been fortunate to design for some amazing local, women-owned businesses:
- Bev’s Blooms: A custom floral, houseplant, and gift shop
- Laura Listens: A holistic therapy and wellness practice
- The Babe Bodega: A permanent jewelry and beauty experience shop
Supporting these businesses through interior design and branding photography is what I’d still be doing if I won the lottery tomorrow.
I also find immense joy with residential interior design. Getting to see my design plans come to life is so rewarding. When I hear that an individual or family loves their home more because it looks and feels like them, and functions perfectly for them - makes my heart do cartwheels!
And I could never forget my soft spot: family photos. I’m passionate about making sure moms are in the frame - not just behind the camera. I want them to see the beauty of their life through my lens. I also encourage printing and proudly displaying those moments at home as a reminder that their younger selves would be proud of who they’ve become and the life they’ve built.
4. How long have you lived in the community, and what do you love about living here?
I’ve lived in this community my whole life! I grew up in Glen Ellyn and ended up buying a home just two neighborhoods away from my childhood house. I love walking the trails with my husband and our two dogs, and exploring all the incredible small businesses in the area.
But what I love most is the sense of community we’ve built. While we don’t have children ourselves, my husband and I host a back-to-school block party for our neighbors each fall. Everyone brings a pizza, a camping chair, and stories to share. Once the sun sets, we project a kids’ movie on our garage door. It’s wholesome and feels like it’s straight out of a '90s movie.
5. Who or what has been your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspirations are thought leaders in the creative industry - and, unsurprisingly, they’re all badass women who challenge the status quo and carve their own paths.
- Jasmine Star taught me to be relentless (and a little stubborn) when chasing my dreams, because life isn’t a dress rehearsal.
- Leanne Ford inspired me to take bold design risks, tune-out the naysayers, and treat life like an ongoing art project.
- Sarah Barlow who encouraged me to examine the psychology between experience and art, as well as become more introspective to develop a more authentic brand ( and life.)
- Amy Neunsinger showed me that I’m allowed to be multi-faceted and multi-talented - excelling in photography, interior design, and visual storytelling.
6. What’s one thing people may not know about your business?
When you work with me, your investment goes right back into our community. Every year, I donate a portion of my income to local nonprofits that support food security, mental health access, and environmental preservation. Supporting underserved communities is a non-negotiable part of my mission.
7. What’s the best way to connect with you?
You can find my daily creative shenanigans on Instagram @sarahcrost.
You can explore my work or contact me directly through my website: sarahcrost.com
And as always, feel free to say “Hey gal!” if you see me out strolling around town!
You can explore my work or contact me directly through my website: sarahcrost.com
And as always, feel free to say “Hey gal!” if you see me out strolling around town!
A lifelong Glen Ellyn local, Sarah has built Sarah Crost Creative into so much more than a business; it’s a reflection of her belief that small things done with love can transform people, homes, and communities. From capturing milestones behind the lens, to designing spaces that tell a story, to cheering on women-owned businesses, Sarah’s work is rooted in connection and care.