Stories
Bluish
Sarah Cheng
Narrated by someone special. The Narrator is revealed within the publication.
Today, I find myself drawn to a story that radiates hope, creativity, and transformation—a story bathed in hues of blue and gold, sparked by the birth of a child. This is the story of Sarah, the founder of Bluish, a brand that blossomed from the depths of the baby blues into a beacon of joy.
In 2015, Sarah's world changed with the arrival of her little girl. That moment is etched in memory—the way the morning light streamed through the hospital window, bathing everything in a soft, golden glow. Sarah was in her twenties, a bright young professional immersed in the relentless tempo of corporate life. She approached motherhood as she had everything else—a task to master, a role to fulfill. But light often reveals what human eyes fail to see—motherhood is a dance, not a destination. It unfolds slowly, in its own time, with a grace and rhythm that cannot be rushed or controlled.
At first, Sarah wore the title of "mother" like a badge, believing that was all there was to it. But the title and the essence are not the same. She soon realized that "mother" and "motherhood" are worlds apart. The former is a moment, the latter a journey—one requiring patience, presence, and vulnerability. It’s a path where expectations dissolve into the reality of late-night feedings, endless lullabies, and the silent worry that settles like shadows at dusk.
I watched as she navigated those early days, disappointment clouding her joy like an overcast sky. The baby blues settled over her, gentle but unrelenting, dulling her joy and leaving her adrift. She searched for a crack in the fog, a way to let the light back in.
And then, one day, it happened.
A small, simple moment—Sarah dressed her daughter in a tutu, its fabric soft and frilly, catching the light and shimmering with each movement. On a whim, she decided to match with her little one, twirling together in front of a mirror. For the first time in weeks, a smile bloomed on Sarah's face, genuine and bright. In her eyes, I saw the light return—a spark that ignited a new idea. That fleeting connection became the light breaking through her blues.
That was the day Bluish was born—a brand inspired by a tutu and a mother’s desire to connect with her child. Bluish—named for the shades of melancholy that so many new mothers experience, and for the hope of stepping into the light beyond them. It was more than just tutus for kids; it became a reminder that joy can be found in the simplest of moments, that creativity can bring healing, and that beauty lies in the dance between light and shadow.
Before Bluish, Sarah had spent a decade as a professional accountant, traveling and consulting, her identity tied to numbers and spreadsheets. Her world had been one of structure and predictability, where every detail was meticulously accounted for. But motherhood changed her, shifted her perspective, and made her realize that life was about more than balance sheets and profit margins. It was about love, connection, and finding the courage to pursue passions, even when the path ahead was uncertain.
Sarah dressed her daughter in a tutu, the fabric soft and frilly, catching the light and shimmering with every movement. On a whim, she decided to match with her little one, twirling together in front of a mirror. For the first time in a while, a smile bloomed on Sarah's face—genuine and bright. I watched as the light reflected in her eyes, a spark that ignited a new idea. That moment of joy, that fleeting connection, became the light breaking through her blues.
In the early years of Bluish, I saw Sarah navigate a new rhythm, one that was anything but predictable. She juggled full-time work, parenting, and her fledgling business, often burning the midnight oil after tucking her daughter into bed. She dove into the unknown, learning dressmaking, social media, sales, and website design—each new skill a step further into the light of her new life.
Weekends were spent at markets. Her booth was a splash of color among the stalls, where tutus hung like rainbows, and Sarah shared her story with anyone who would listen. It was hard work—unglamorous and demanding—but it was honest, fueled by passion and hope. I saw her hands grow calloused, her eyes weary but filled with quiet determination. Yet, with each tutu sold, each smile from a happy child, and each connection made, a bit more light broke through the blues. The path was not easy, but it was hers. With every step, Sarah was not just building a brand—she was reclaiming herself.
Sarah’s story is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always a crack—a small glimmer—where light can enter. Bluish is more than a brand; it is a testament to the transformative power of love and creativity, a celebration of fleeting moments, and a dance of hope.
The full story appears in our Nature’s Rhythm special >>
Photography by @hideaway.day