What’s your name and what fills your time?
Sara Danch. I like to tell people I am not from the South but I got here as fast as I could! Born and raised in South Bend, Indiana-GO ☘️! Came for a visit in October 1990, and after another cold winter in Northern Indiana, made my way here 1992. My background was in collections, accounting & small business administration. I’ve had some great mentors in my career before starting my own business. I worked for Greg Schwartzenberger with EC Concrete here at the beach. He was a great leader that believed in a leg up, not a hand out and I’ve tried to carry that motto into my own business. I met my BFF Pam Davidson in 2010 through our daughters, and we became business partners in 2016 of Creative Designs of Jax. It’s been one hell of a ride, and as we’ve been blessed with opportunities to expand, I’m excited about what the future holds.
Anything special going on for this summer?
I traveled a lot the last several years, for work and because I reconnected with a boy Ive known since middle school, Darrin Stull. After a couple of years of long distance dating, We were married last November in the VI and we are enjoying our own backyard this summer. Unless a good concert pops up, have music, will travel : )
Any hobbies or interests worth telling us about?
I stay busy with my business, love to spend time with my 2 young adult kiddos and 2 beautiful granddaughters. I’m often in my backyard garden with my husband.I love Irish football, and the Cubs. We also love music and we have made a point to see our bucket list bands. 🤘🏼I’m an avid reader, usually a book a week.
What’s one thing (funny, different, cool) that many might not know about you?
I started my career in skip tracing, before the internet, and repo’d cars all over the country using innate super sleuthing skills that serve me well today. My poor kids lol!
How do you like living on the First Coast?
I love living and working at the beach. We have a fantastic, tight knit community, we do things at our own pace, and genuinely great people from all walks of life within a few short miles. I love our diversity- neighborhood schools & churches, and local involvement from Fletcher games to business and politics. I was impressed years ago when attending a Fletcher graduation and saw the alumni stand in the Arena. Both of my kids are Fletcher grads.
My son, Aidan Martinez came to work for Creative Designs during COVId. He now works in sales with me and balances the admin work. He’s a car enthusiast, and my home often looked like a car meet over the years. My daughter, Olivia Martinez is a local doula. She also runs support groups for new moms with Modern Midwives here at the beach. She and her family have settled in Neptune Beach. I love having my kids nearby as they’ve started their next chapters.
My granddaughter, Esme just had her dance recital with Nancy Dance, with Ms Lisa as her teacher. Ms Lisa told me she’s on her 3rd generation of dancers. That’s pretty amazing. I don’t take for granted how special it is to live here. Oh, there have been changes, and the beaches have definitely grown, but it’s still a really special place.
Anything else that you would like to tell the community?
There’s no place like home on the First Coast!
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Mike is a native First Coaster and was a leading figure in surfing and skateboarding for most of his life. After promoting music for many years on the local music scene, Mike now brings a unique perspective to FirstCoast.Life as a contributing writer.
