Unleashing Your Inner Starlet: The Sparkling Journey Of See Jane Sparkle
Hello, fashionable friend! Welcome to the Starlet Community—where confidence, style, and purpose come together. Meet Sara Jane Abbott, the driving force behind See Jane Sparkle, your personal stylist and guide to all things dazzling.
Sara Jane isn’t just about fashion. She’s on a mission to empower and uplift, connecting women from downtown Skokie to the vineyards of Italy and across ten developing countries. Her goal? To help you embrace your own unique sparkle while making a difference in the world.
So why should you get to know her?
Because you have a unique presence that deserves to shine, and she’s here to help you showcase it.
Because looking and feeling your best isn’t just about style—it’s about confidence, self-expression, and impact.
Because you believe in supporting ethical fashion, fair trade, and building a more sustainable, empowered world.
If you’re local, stop by her boutique in downtown Skokie to shop, attend an event, or simply chat over a cup of tea. Not nearby? Connect with her online, explore her collection of handmade jewelry, and discover her line of clean-crafted wines shipped worldwide.
Now, here’s a little backstory on the woman behind the sparkle:
Raised by free-spirited parents who moved 14 times before settling in Evanston, she learned early on that reinvention is a superpower.
Once a tomboy and stamp-collecting enthusiast, she found her love for fashion in high school and never looked back.
After traveling, studying fashion, and refining her craft, she opened her first boutique in Evanston in 2012 and continues to grow her brand in Skokie.
Married for 30 years with two wonderful children, she understands the power of family and purpose.
Committed to ethical fashion, she ensures every handmade piece sold at See Jane Sparkle directly supports women in need, creating opportunities for a better future.
Passionate about clean living, she shares her love of clean-crafted wines, free from chemicals and additives, because what we consume matters just as much as what we wear.
Sara believes in empowering women, one sparkle at a time. Are you ready to shine? Join the Starlet Community, and let’s build a Sparkle Empire together.
What values and passions have shaped the work you do today?
My personal style reflects my passion for creativity, authenticity, and fairness. For me, fashion isn’t just about looking amazing—it’s about making a positive impact. That’s why I’m committed to fair trade, supporting brands and collections that prioritize ethical production, sustainability, and fair wages for artisans and workers. Every piece I create or endorse honors the craft and the people behind it, ensuring fashion is both beautiful and meaningful.
How did your upbringing, education, or early experiences influence your ambitions?
As I’ve shared before, I grew up as a tomboy, often the new kid and a target for bullying. My teenage years began in the 1980s, a time when Duran Duran was at the forefront of music and fashion. This bold, empowered band had a profound influence on 1980s fashion, blending the glamor of pop culture with the rebellious edge of the new wave movement. Their visual style became just as iconic as their music, shaping trends that extended far beyond the stage.
At just 13, I launched my fashion design career with Sara’s Dusters, creating long, duster-like earrings inspired by 80s flair and Coco Chanel’s timeless classics. Chanel was the first designer to influence me—she revolutionized women’s fashion by liberating women from corsets and overly ornate clothing, introducing a more relaxed yet chic silhouette that prioritized comfort and movement. Her approach to fashion, emphasizing simplicity and versatility without sacrificing elegance, continues to inspire modern designers.
Beyond clothing, Chanel also transformed the world of accessories, proving that jewelry could be just as impactful as an outfit. Her use of pearls, gold chains, and the iconic quilted handbag set new standards in fashion, a legacy that remains influential today. Her belief in the power of accessories to elevate a look still shapes the way designers craft collections that balance style, function, and individuality.
How do you empower and uplift others through your leadership?
A woman business owner can empower and uplift others through leadership by fostering confidence, trust, and collaboration while creating an inclusive and supportive work environment. I lead by example, demonstrating a strong work ethic, resilience, and integrity. At SJS, I set the tone for our culture, showing that success is built on dedication, transparency, and perseverance. By facing challenges with grace and determination, I strive to be a role model, teaching others how to navigate obstacles with confidence and poise.
Inclusive leadership is at the heart of my approach. I ensure all voices are heard, diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone—regardless of background—feels a sense of belonging. By advocating for diversity in hiring, creating equal opportunities for growth, and championing fairness, I cultivate a culture where individuals can thrive, whether through networking, collaboration, or partnerships.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?
Being laid off from my corporate design job was a turning point in my career—what initially felt like a setback became the catalyst for my entrepreneurial journey. At first, the loss was unsettling. I had spent years honing my craft, building a reputation, and navigating the structure of a large company. But instead of seeing it as a failure, I realized it was an opportunity to take control of my own future.
With my corporate experience, I understood the inner workings of design, branding, and the retail landscape. But beyond that, I had a deep passion for creating pieces that reflected my personal aesthetic and values. Corporate design often came with constraints that limited my creative expression. Being laid off gave me the freedom to explore my own ideas without limitations—what I call design without blinders.
The desire to create something meaningful and authentic grew stronger. I no longer needed to rely on a traditional job to share my designs with the world—I could build something of my own. That’s when the idea of opening my own boutique, See Jane Sparkle, took shape. I envisioned a space where creativity could flow freely, celebrating quality craftsmanship, individuality, and a personalized approach to fashion. My first tagline? For the Starlet in all of us!
What started as a career setback became the driving force behind a thriving business. In the end, being laid off allowed me to step into my full potential, take charge of my destiny, and build what would become my Sparkle Empire.
What daily or weekly habits help you stay focused and energized?
I start my day with a morning routine that sets a positive tone. First, I hydrate with a glass of water to kickstart my metabolism and energy levels. Then, I set clear goals and prioritize my most important tasks to stay focused and productive.
Fueling my body with balanced meals helps sustain my energy throughout the day. I also make exercise a priority—I love incorporating cardio, Pilates, or a stretch and sound bath session to keep my body energized and my mind sharp. Regular movement enhances circulation, reduces stress, and boosts my mood, and I can always feel the difference when I skip it.
I enjoy simple organizing using special paper and pens, keeping my workspace neat and clutter-free to minimize distractions. Whether using digital tools or a physical planner, I make sure to organize tasks and track my progress efficiently.
One of my most important daily habits is reflection and gratitude. At the end of the day, I take a moment to acknowledge my achievements, review what went well, and express gratitude for my blessings. This practice helps me maintain a positive mindset and a sense of growth and accomplishment. Finally, I make sure to get enough sleep—so I can wake up refreshed and do it all over again!
How do you advocate for yourself and others in professional settings?
Being a creative in a professional setting often requires both innovation and explanation. As a designer, my creativity is my greatest strength—I challenge the status quo by blending vintage influences with bold colors and sparkle, creating designs that are both timeless and distinctive.
With my latest boutique, I’m still designing, but I’m also collaborating with our artisan partners. Together, we share unique design techniques, embrace sustainable practices, and highlight what sets See Jane Sparkle apart. We’re not just following trends; we’re actively shaping the future of fashion. Our focus on fair trade fosters an ecosystem that empowers artisans, supports ethical production, and creates abundance for all.
How do you want to be remembered in the world of business and entrepreneurship?
I want to be remembered in the business world for creating a lasting legacy of income, meaningful work, and unwavering support for artisan women. My goal is to build a platform that not only generates revenue but also uplifts communities by providing career opportunities that empower women to thrive. Through career directories that connect artisans with broader markets, I aim to foster sustainable economic growth and independence for women who often face barriers to entry in the business world.
Beyond financial success, I am deeply committed to cultivating an ecosystem where artisan women receive the support they need—from fair wages to professional development and mentorship. I want my work to stand as a testament to the power of collaboration, community, and conscious business practices that create lasting impact.
More than anything, I hope to contribute to a world where family support is prioritized and where women—especially those in marginalized communities—can flourish both professionally and personally. My ultimate vision is to create a ripple effect, empowering future generations of women to break cycles of poverty and build fulfilling careers that uplift themselves, their families, and their communities.
What’s one non-traditional strategy that helped you build your brand and business that more women should be using?
A powerful, non-traditional strategy for building a brand—especially for women—is leveraging storytelling and personal branding through authentic, transparent content. This approach goes beyond traditional marketing tactics, fostering a deeper emotional connection with your audience.
People connect with people, not just products or services. Sharing the story behind your business—why you started, the challenges you've overcome, and the mission that drives you—creates a relatable and humanized brand. Authentic storytelling attracts customers who align with your values and vision, turning them into loyal supporters.
I love sharing the impact we’re making not only with our artisans but also with their families—creating opportunities that will empower future generations to flourish.
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
The legacy I want to leave is one of empowerment, opportunity, and lasting impact—creating meaningful work for over 200 women across 20 countries. My goal is to build a global network of artisans and entrepreneurs who achieve financial independence, pursue their passions, and create better futures for themselves and their families.
Through ethical business practices and a commitment to fair trade, I envision a world where women from diverse backgrounds have access to sustainable work that honors their skills, fosters creativity, and enables them to thrive. By connecting women across the globe, I hope to build a strong, supportive community that transcends borders, equipping them with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Beyond providing jobs, I want to establish a framework that nurtures personal growth, skill development, and leadership. Through mentorship, access to global markets, and continuous learning opportunities, my vision is to help these women build businesses that flourish independently—creating a ripple effect that uplifts entire communities.
I am incredibly proud to have a brick-and-mortar business again, but this time, with a focus on fair trade. It fills me with gratitude to pay it forward and empower women globally—especially those who are often treated as third-class citizens. This venture is more than just a business; it’s an opportunity to unite, uplift, and share our strengths to create lasting change.
How do you spend your time?
Running my See Jane Sparkle boutique keeps me busy, but I still design jewelry and style my clients to keep my creative juices flowing.
As you reflect on your journey, what are you most proud of and why?
In the end, my legacy will be more than a business—it will be a movement that amplifies women's voices, fosters economic empowerment, and paves the way for a more equitable and inclusive world. Through meaningful work, I hope to inspire future generations of women to pursue their dreams and create lasting change in their own communities and beyond.
Tell us a little about your family and what you do for fun?
I’ve been married for 30 years to the most amazing and supportive husband. We met when we were 20 while studying abroad in London, and after all these years, we still genuinely enjoy each other’s company. We love traveling, indulging in couples' massages, and making memories with our kids, now 19 and 25. One of our favorite traditions is exploring new cities together—a tradition we lovingly call "FFF" (Forced Family Fun).
Photo Credit: Tanja Pleis
To connect with Sara Jane, visit:
https://www.Seejanesparkle.com
https://www.linkedin.com/seejanesparkle
https://www.facebook.com/sara.j.abbott
https://www.facebook.com/seejanesparkle
https://www.instagram.com/seejanesparkle
The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud ~ Coco Chanel
