A personal introduction   

Hello! I’m a proud Californian, Los Angeles native (go Dodgers!), and a second-generation Korean American. I’ve always been drawn to creating stories, but it wasn’t until my son turned one when I began writing my first manuscript, an #OwnVoices upmarket women’s fiction book described as a comedy of manners full of heart and satire on the beauty industry. This book is represented by literary agent Eleanor Jackson of Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary Agency and was selected as a Top 10 Finalist for Reese Witherspoon’s LitUp Fellowship in 2022.

While we work on getting that out into the world, I’ve been writing my second and other subsequent novels. I also like to share my unique experience as a creative-in-limbo through the lens of an Asian immigrant’s daughter with developmental trauma, covering recurring themes in my books such as mental health, perfectionism vs. authenticity, beauty standards, the experiences of immigrant children, and the struggle of finding your purpose in a capitalist world (follow me on IG!).

In 2012, I founded a boutique editorial agency for beauty brands and contributed reported pieces for women’s magazines. My first novel is informed and inspired by my intimate experience within the beauty industry as well as multigenerational familial relationships. Prior to having my own business, I worked as a grant writer for a Philadelphia nonprofit, managing editor for e-commerce platforms and digital publications, and newswire editor.

Fun Facts and Opinions

I’m learning to shuffle!

I hardly ever feel more alive and in touch with my community than when I’m attending a protest, holding up an angry sign and chanting.

Live music is medicine for the soul (as is a good musical and stand-up comedy set).

I’m the most introverted introvert you’ll ever meet.

I love certain cheesy things like over-the-top Christmas decorations and Hallmark movies.

If you have the resources, you must go on an African safari at least once in your life.

Therapy is life. Psychedelic-assisted therapy is life-changing.

We should all strive for radical authenticity and more PLAY.

My son is the best human on earth.

The Serious Bio

Sarah is the founder of Sarah Ban & Co., an editorial agency for beauty brands. She’s been sought after and hired by a range of brands, including celebrity brands (Charlotte Tilbury, Kevyn Aucoin); social-media favorites (LUSH Cosmetics, Dr. Pimple Popper); skincare innovators (Beauty BioScience (GloPRO), COVER/FX, Epionce Skincare, Image Skincare); high-growth start-ups (Vegamour, Four Sigmatic); K-beauty powerhouses (Caolion, JJ Young); and cult-classic darlings (Odacité Skincare, C.O. Bigelow).

A newswire industry veteran, Sarah has reported for national publications such as SELF, NYLON, ELLE, Alive Magazine, and delicious living as well as high-trafficked websites such as The Kitchn and Organic Authority.