A few years ago, Sawyer Wilson had a quarter-life crisis, swapped sunny Texas for sunny Barcelona, and never looked back. A self-proclaimed multi-creative (“a fancy way of saying that I’ve always got my hands on some sort of right-brained project”), Sawyer is a freelance brand strategist working primarily with brands in the hospitality, food and wellness industries. 

We love how Sawyer has forged her own career outside the norms (something our founders are unsurprising proponents of), and it’s all the more impressive when you’re halfway across the world from ‘home’. We also love chatting to people who do a little bit of everything. It keeps life fun, and you’re bound to come up with a partnership idea or five by the end of your conversation. Our co-founder Phoebe recently chatted to Sawyer about all things freelancing, collaborations and networking, and left the call buzzing with ideas (partly ADHD, but also partly Sawyer’s relentless energy and enthusiasm. Human caffeine in the best way).  

Read on to get to know Sawyer, and to hear what she’s learned after five years of living in Barcelona.  

Can you introduce yourself in a few sentences?

I’m an American gal living in Barcelona, spending my days either sipping white vermouth in the sun or watching cult documentaries. I’m big on connection, so for me, that usually looks like silly conversations at a dinner party, meeting new friends, or chit-chatting online. I always do my best to approach life with a sense of curiosity, and because of that, I’m very much a self-proclaimed “yes girl.” 

What do you do for work? 

I’m a freelance brand strategist and copywriter! I love getting to work with a diverse range of clients, but especially those in hospitality, fashion, food, and wellness. 

The heart of my work is to help brands gain a better understanding of who they are and then communicate that to the right audience. Everyone deserves to feel confident in what they offer and connect with those who appreciate it most. So, I help them get there!

At the same time, I am currently working hard to launch a supper club with a friend! We actually met at a supper club and have since decided to create our own, all centered around a love for food and coming together to find common ground with one another. Coming this autumn! 

How did you get to where you are today?

I took the long way around, that’s for sure. But, I wouldn’t have it any other way! I grew up in a small town in Texas, then I studied journalism with minors in art and communication. That’s where I really sharpened my writing and editing skills. From there, I went on to work in ethical fashion, had a quarter-life crisis, and moved abroad! 

Then, my career took me to the world of FemTech and ultimately to where I am now, freelancing from my little apartment in the Mediterranean. My path has been anything but linear, but I think it’s a lot more fun that way.

What does living a good life mean to you?

To me, a good life is a balanced life. It’s quite personal, and I think no two definitions of a good life are the same. Practically speaking, I am the most confident and happy when I feel creatively fulfilled both personally and professionally, have health goals I am working toward, am in life-giving friendships, and have things on the calendar to look forward to. My version of a good life is definitely filled with delicious food, beautiful places, and deep, authentic connections. 

What’s something you wish you’d known 5 years ago?

I actually just celebrated five years of living in Spain, so I’ve been reflecting on this a lot! I wish I knew that I could trust myself a bit more. Five years ago, I relied far too heavily on the opinions of others to shape my path, and that’s a great way to live a life that’s not meant for you. I’d tell that version of myself to reconnect with her intuition and let it guide her!

Who’s someone you look up to? 

There are so many, but I’ll choose just one! I follow this gal named Emily Fedner, and I really admire her career path and honestly, just her general vibe. She comes from an immigrant family and started out working as a line cook. Now, I’d say she’s a food influencer, but she does such a fantastic job of sharing the spotlight with lesser-known spots and those who truly deserve it.

She also runs the cutest pasta pop-up with a friend in NYC, and it’s so inspiring to see a successful woman who has “made it” without pigeon-holing herself into one industry niche. Plus, I admire anyone who can make a living by creating beautiful pasta.

What’s the best life lesson you’ve learnt? 

At the end of the day, you’re the only one who lives your life. Yes, your actions affect others, but if your choices don’t harm anyone and work for you, that’s really all that matters. It’s not that deep!

What do you dream about?

I dream about writing a book one day! Stories are genuinely my family’s currency, so ever since I was little, I have been surrounded by fantastic storytellers. It’s so woven into who I am that I really seek out the stories in my own life too, and oh boy, do I have a lot to tell. As anyone on my close friends Instagram can attest, my life has been colorful. Someday, I’ll write them all somewhere besides my journal.

What is one thing you recommend?

Becoming a regular somewhere! This especially goes for people who don’t live in the place where they grew up. So many of us work remotely, meet partners online, and live far from some of our closest friends and family. It’s a simple and joyful way to feel connected to the community you live in. Just knowing that my favorite barista knows my order makes me feel so seen and known, even if it’s in the smallest of ways.

What song would be the soundtrack to your life?

Honestly, Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap will never get old to me. It was on repeat in 2015 — I would listen to it on the train through the Italian countryside and pretend I was in a movie, as one does. That feeling immediately comes back to me every time I hear it!

Finally, give us a hotspot in your city, or a city you love!

As you’ve probably gathered, I’m a person who loves food, so I make it a mission to keep up with all the best restaurants in Barcelona. One that I’ve been loving lately is Mikan! I’ve found it challenging to find great Asian food here, and they do amazing North-Asian cuisine, always rotating the menu and trying new things. Plus, the staff is beyond lovely, always remembers my taste in wine, and never gets mad at me when I am the last to leave the restaurant.