We had the good fortune of connecting with Sara Burks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sara, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my business when my kids were younger because I wanted more flexibility and freedom in my schedule. As a single mom, it was important to me to create a career where I didn’t have to rely on someone else’s timeline or limitations. I wanted to be in control of my income, offer services I believed in, and build something that truly catered to the needs of my clients.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What I’m most proud of is creating a space where women feel safe, seen, and celebrated. Through permanent makeup, I get to help people feel more confident and beautiful in their own skin—but it’s also about more than just the service. My studio has become a place where women can relax, open up, and share their stories, and that connection means everything to me.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. I started my business with very little money, no financial backing, and while raising three kids on my own. But that challenge also gave me the drive to push harder—because I wasn’t just building a business, I was building a life with more freedom and time for my family.

I didn’t have a business mentor in the beginning, so there were a lot of mistakes and lessons learned through trial and error. But along the way, I’ve been lucky to cross paths with amazing clients who are business owners themselves. They’ve shared valuable advice that’s helped me grow and improve.

What I want people to know about my brand is that it’s rooted in real care. It’s about artistry, yes—but also trust, connection, and creating something that truly supports women in feeling like the best version of themselves.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d want to show off some of the gems around Columbus over the course of a few days. We’d start with breakfast at Joya’s in downtown Worthington—right near my studio and in one of the most charming, welcoming communities. One day, we’d swing by A Younger You for a skincare treatment and grab a matcha or coffee from one of the many amazing small-owned cafés in town. Another day, we’d get outside and go for a walk at Highbanks or Antrim, and fit in a workout—Pilates by Ashton is always a favorite of mine. In the evening, we’d head to dinner at Speck and maybe unwind afterward with a sauna and cold plunge session at Sweathouz in Worthington. Columbus really does have so many underrated spots to enjoy, and so many great small-owned businesses to support—there’s always something new to explore.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to give a lot of credit to my mom and my sisters—they truly believed in me and gave me the confidence to start my own business. Watching my mom run her own business while raising three kids on her own showed me what strength and resilience look like. She was such a powerful example of independence and drive, and I always felt like I had that same fire in me. I’m also really grateful for the group of women I started out with while working at a spa. Their support, encouragement, and camaraderie in those early days made a huge impact and helped shape the path I’m on today.

Website: https://www.dolledupcolumbus.com

Instagram: @dolledup_columbus

Facebook: DolledUp Columbus

Other: TikTok @dolledup_columbus

Image Credits
Hayley Ringwalt
Christi Cartee

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