Q&A With SSU Marketing Team Member Sara Castellanos

SSU Social Media Coordinator, Sara Castellanos, shares some inspiring insight on her creative and academic journey as a Visual Merchandising student and SSU team member. If you’re discovering your academic path as a creative spirit keep reading this Q&A chat with Sara and dive into her unique journey!  

Q: What passion projects are you currently exploring outside of school, and what inspired you to start them? 

A: "Right now, I’m captivated by the world of lamp and lighting design. As an architect, I’ve always been fascinated by how spaces influence our emotions. Lighting, in particular, is like a secret ingredient—it can transform how a space feels entirely. Think about how mesmerizing a soft, glowing light can be, or how draining it feels to be in a poorly lit room. That emotional power of light sparked my curiosity, and now I’m diving deeper into creating lighting designs that evoke wonder and connection."

Q: What are some of your interests, hobbies, and passions?

A: “I’ve always been drawn to creative and peaceful activities. There’s something magical about making something with your hands or letting your imagination run free. Lately, I’ve been diving into wellness and a healthier lifestyle, which has led me to discover the joy of exercising, meditating, and staying active. I also feel deeply connected to nature — I adore spending time with animals, taking long walks, and exploring through hikes. It’s my way of recharging and finding inspiration.”

Q: How have your childhood hobbies and interests shaped the creative person you are today? 

A: "Creativity has been with me for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I explored so many artistic outlets—ballet, playing the saxophone, drawing, and more. These activities weren’t just hobbies; they were the seeds of my curiosity and sensitivity that shaped who I am today. They taught me to see the world with wonder and to express emotions through art. Even now, I feel this pull to create things that inspire emotions in others, and I owe that to the creative foundation I built in my childhood." 

“Art isn’t just about making something beautiful — it’s about understanding yourself, processing your feelings, and finding balance.”

- Sara Castellanos

Q: In what ways do creativity and wellness intersect in your life, and how has this connection influenced your life's decisions? 

A: “For me, creativity is a form of self-care. When I’m drawing, designing, or creating something, I enter what I like to call a “meditative state.” It helps me stay present, release stress, and channel my emotions in a healthy way. This connection between creativity and wellness has been a guiding force in my life. Art isn’t just about making something beautiful—it’s about understanding yourself, processing your feelings, and finding balance. That’s why I’ve always prioritized creativity in everything I do, it’s my anchor.

Q: How did you navigate challenges or doubts while defining your career path?

A: "Choosing a creative career hasn’t always been easy, especially coming from a country where pursuing an art career or profession isn’t always seen as practical. But I’ve learned to embrace the challenges, stay organized, and push myself to deliver my best work. No matter the obstacles, I’m certain this path is where I’m meant to be."

Q: How has studying a creative career helped you grow on a personal level? 

A: "Choosing a creative profession has brought me back to a sense of play and discovery, almost like being a kid again. It’s reignited my curiosity and given me the freedom to try new things, fail, and learn from the process. I’ve realized that creating is simply part of who I am—it’s in my nature. Whether I’m working on a project or brainstorming ideas, I know that emotion, sensitivity, and creativity will always be at the heart of everything I do."

Q: What is something you’ve recently worked on that you’re proud of? 

A: "Recently, I participated in a contest for Ulta Beauty that combined architecture, interior design, and visual merchandising. Although I didn’t win, the experience was incredibly rewarding. I learned so much about managing a project that brought together all three fields I’m passionate about. More importantly, I learned to embrace the growth that comes from failure. In the end, I walked away with a strong portfolio piece, new skills, and a deeper appreciation for the creative process. It reminded me that giving your all is what truly matters."

Q: What are your creative goals for next year? 

A: "Next year, I’ll be completing my Visual Merchandising program. With the knowledge I’ve gained from this experience and my background in design, my goal is to start working at a retail design studio. I dream of creating and developing beautiful spaces that inspire people. Places where they can connect with themselves and truly enjoy the atmosphere of their favourite restaurants, stores, hotels, and more. I want to design environments that evoke emotions and create lasting memories, contributing not just to my growth but also to the joy of the community." 

Q: What skills from your program have helped you thrive as SSU's Social Media Coordinator?

A: "Attention to detail and the ability to present things in a captivating way have been key. My program has sharpened my eye for even the smallest details, this is essential when creating compelling visual narratives. As SSU’s Social Media Coordinator, I’ve learned the importance of curating content that resonates with our brand—capturing moments at just the right time, framing them beautifully, and presenting them in a way that truly connects with our audience. It’s all about creating an aesthetic experience that feels authentic and engaging for students.”

Q: How have your experiences at SSU prepared you for your professional future?  

A: “My time at SSU has taught me the value of organization and effective time management. One lesson that truly stands out is how our manager, Lexx implemented a "task flow" system in Asana for the team. This structured approach helped us break down our responsibilities, set clear priorities, and stay on top of deadlines. It was a great way to ensure that everyone was aligned and focused, even during the busiest times. Learning to manage my time and collaborate within this framework has been an invaluable skill, and it’s something I know will help me navigate the demands of any professional environment."

Q: How do you nurture your inspiration and creativity?   

A: “Nature is one of the greatest teachers for any artistic field—it’s inherently beautiful, with its perfect harmony of shapes, colours, and lines offering guidance on how to create. Nature is perfection, not just in its appearance but also in its functionality and efficiency. Observing how animals build their living spaces, like honeycombs, nests, or caves, is incredibly inspiring. It shows us that there’s wisdom in simplicity and practicality. Nature holds the answers to so much of what we seek, teaching us not only about design but also about balance and coexistence. It inspires respect—for others, for the world around us, and for ourselves.”

Q: Paint a picture of your ideal life after graduation. What are your goals and aspirations? 

A: “After graduation, I envision myself working in a creative field that allows me to combine my passions for design, storytelling, and emotional connection. My dream is to join a retail design studio where I can create environments that inspire and bring people together, whether it’s a cozy café, a vibrant store, or an inspiring hotel. I see myself continuously learning, staying curious, and pushing creative boundaries. To make this vision a reality, I’m committed to finishing my education at Sheridan, expanding my skills in digital and physical design, and building connections within the design community.”

Q: What message or advice would you share with fellow creative students trying to balance their passions and studies?

A: “Balancing mental health, passions and studies can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. My advice is to embrace your curiosity and trust the process. Strive to have creative hobbies for yourself, not just for assignments, you’ll rediscover why you love what you do. Don’t be afraid of failure; every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Lastly, surround yourself with a supportive community. Whether it’s friends, mentors, or classmates, having people who understand your journey will make all the difference. Remember, your creative voice is unique, and the world needs what you have to offer.”

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