Have you ever walked into our store or looked at the display window from outside and thought, “Wow, that is a beautiful design!” Well today, we’d like to introduce you to one of the women responsible for our displays, Sarah Gore.
In addition to the photo of her posing in front of Sally’s (as we affectionately refer to Sarah and her display partner, Ally) most recent design, we also found this throwback from the 2013 Fourth of July parade, where Sarah twirled baton to celebrate Paddington’s 40th anniversary!
- Where did you grow up?
I grew up in York, Pennsylvania, which is just over the river from all the Amish people in Lancaster! I lived there until I was 18 and decided to move to Ashland because I visited and really liked the feel of this city. I have a specific memory of seeing people walk around the streets in fairy wings and no one bat an eye at it. I thought, “This is the place for me!” - What is something about you that would surprise people?
I was in the Junior Olympics for baton twirling! - What is the best meal you ever had?
It was a pesto pasta dish from Mercato della Pescheria at the Venetian in Las Vegas. - What is your favorite time of year?
I love Fall. I just feel like it’s the time for trees to shine! - Where is your favorite spot in Ashland?
Probably my house. We’ve got forty acres and sheep, goats, llamas, chickens, and a greenhouse that my partner and I built. I love it! - What are some of your hobbies?
Dancing, theatre, gardening, cooking, and art. I had an apprenticeship with a sculptor for three years when I first got here. I love ceramics and clay and I think it’s something that really lends itself to display work- being creative and looking at it with a sculptural eye. - Tell me about your favorite pet you’ve ever had.
Yoshi is my Border Collie/Lab mix and is about nine years old. I’ve had him since he was a puppy and he’s just a really good dog. He loves to cuddle and is good at helping herd the sheep and llamas. - Who has been the most influential person in your life?
Aside from my mom for the first twenty years of my life, it would have to be Pam [Hammond]. She is a driving force and is smart and giving with her knowledge. I also feel like she’s really generous with letting her employees and company learn. She allows us to be creative, she allows us to try new things, but also guides us in a way that makes sense for the business and personally. - What is a mantra you like to live by?
“It’s easy, it’s fun!” Both of my parents passed within three years of each other pretty early in my life and there was a lot of paperwork to do and grief that I had to process all at once. I came up with this mantra to help put my mind in the right perspective to keep on going when things were really tough. - What is your favorite thing about working at Paddington Station?
I just love everybody here and I feel like I’ve found my second family.