DBT40 Honoree: Sarah DeFlaviis

Title: Curator

Workplace: Sassafras Studio

Age: 32

In a digital world, compelling designs and branding are king. Sassafras Studio Curator and Founder Sarah DeFlaviis makes it her mission to deliver marketing services that hit the mark.

Her design and marketing company specializes in branding, translating marketing plans into impactful content that includes event planning, print advertising, product labels and more.

DeFlaviis never thought she’d start her own business, but in early 2019 she needed a change and set out to make her own mark on the world. She took a side hustle started in 2018 and turned it into a full-time operation that has worked with clients such as Wilmington & Western Railroad, Rockland Cider and Delaware CBD.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, DeFlaviis confronted the challenges by embracing her support system. Personal recommendations and reviews helped bridge the gaps for her business during the pandemic, allowing her venture to become bigger and better for the benefit of her clients.

Before venturing out on her own, DeFlaviis served as art director for Wilmington-based Unique Image, where she learned the leadership and time management skills that would help her thrive as a sole business owner. But it was always her dream job to be designing beer or wine labels for small businesses, which she now does for clients in Delaware and upstate New York.

DeFlaviss takes pride in giving back to local causes, as well. She works with Motorcycle Santa during the holidays, collects clothing and gently used soccer equipment for a soccer team in Tanzania, and does charity work through Bellefonte Brewing Company while donating some services to nonprofits.