How a UW-Green Bay alumna created a dynamic career in design
When Sarah Mullins (‘03) was a student at UW-Green Bay, she knew that a strong foundation in art was crucial for building a successful design career post-grad.
“I wanted to learn all about art theory, art history, and practice my own artistic skills.This comprehensive education has equipped me with the creative and technical skills needed to excel as a creative,” she said.
Mullins earned her B.A. in Art and a minor in Communication and the Arts from UW-Green Bay in 2003. Her time in the art program not only prepared her for a creative career, it also became a source of personal healing.
“During my freshman year at UWGB, I sadly lost my mom to breast cancer. In hindsight, being in those art classes was a form of art therapy. Art as therapy,” she said. “I worked through many stages of grief those years. I’m still in touch with Professor Kristy Deetz and Alison Gates, and am beyond grateful our paths crossed. What were tough years have lasting positive memories.”
Mullins said one lesson has stayed with her long after graduation.
“She [Professor Deetz] always stressed the importance of ‘general-to-specific’ – starting with broad strokes and gradually refining your work,” she said. “I think that mindset is incredibly valuable beyond the easel in real life too.”
That approach has shaped the trajectory of Mullins’ career in design. Since graduation, she said her career has taken various directions.
“I worked in Minneapolis in the ad world as a production designer for six years, went on my own with graphic design clients, dabbled in window display design, was an art mentor at ArtWorking in Madison, WI and a handful of other adventures,” she said. “I feel like I’ve lived many lives!”
Mullins still felt, however, that something was missing from all those endeavors. She knew she wanted to own her own business and store front.
After receiving the business advice of “find a need and fill it,” Mullins said she and her husband recognized a gap in the market for unique wedding venues and established a boutique event rental company called A La Crate Rentals in Madison, WI.
They successfully operated their business for ten years before selling it to Event Essentials in 2020.
Since then, Mullins launched WITHA, an e-commerce business specializing in t-shirts for unique name spellings.
“I’m Sarah WITHA h. It’s something I’m asked on a weekly basis. With an h or no h? I’m WITHA h,” she said. “It’s been a fun brand to build and launch. Best of all, it makes me smile and I hope it does the same for others.”
Mullins urged current UW-Green Bay students to stay open to new experiences and opportunities, noting that her own path demonstrates how the journey can be just as important as the destination.
“You have your entire life to refine your career,” she said. “Start with broad strokes. Make connections, gain life experience. Say yes to things that light you up and no if they don’t. You never know where your passions and experiences will lead you.”