Sarah Cornejo of MYCO Studio on Building a Brand Rooted in Culture, Community, and Intentional Design

Sarah Cornejo, founder and creative director of MYCO Studio, has built a branding and community-focused business centered on intention, storytelling, and cultural connection. Starting by working within her existing network, she gradually refined her approach, investing in her own brand and positioning to better align with the work she wanted to attract. What began as a process of experimentation evolved into a clear, purpose-driven studio that supports mission-driven and multicultural founders in building brands that truly reflect who they are.

Please share a brief introduction and your business:

I’m Sarah, a creative director and founder of MYCO (My Creative Outlet), a branding and community-focused studio. I work with mission-driven and culture-centered entrepreneurs and organizations to develop intentional brand identities and experiences that reflect who they are and how they show up in the world. Through both client work and community events, I focus on creating spaces that center culture, storytelling, and connection. MYCO is rooted in the belief that your brand should feel aligned, authentic, and deeply connected to the communities it serves.

Take us back to when you launched? What was your marketing strategy?

When I first launched my business, I was truly building the plane and flying it at the same time. I started by working within my existing network, offering branding support and rebrands to friends and small business owners to build a portfolio that reflected the type of work I wanted to do. This also helped me better understand my ideal client and refine my approach.

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After about a year, I realized the importance of fully practicing what I was preaching. I took the time to invest in my own brand strategy and positioning, and ultimately reworked my entire brand identity and website. That shift was a turning point.

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From there, I became more intentional about how I showed up—focusing on building community, sharing my work online, and connecting with spaces that felt aligned rather than transactional or overly jargon-driven. While it was a process of trial and error, investing in my brand and clarifying my voice allowed my marketing to feel more grounded, authentic, and aligned.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

I’ve always known I wanted to build something of my own, but the path wasn’t something I was taught or shown. For me, entrepreneurship became a way to create opportunities and advocate for myself in spaces where I didn’t always see representation.

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Over time, that experience evolved into a deeper purpose. It’s now about not only building for myself, but also creating space, resources, and visibility for other founders who share similar backgrounds and experiences. My work is rooted in championing others like me; those who are building without a blueprint, but with intention and resilience.

What accomplishments are you the most proud of to date in your business?

One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is building the resilience to keep going through the many shifts my business has experienced. There have been moments of change, loss, and uncertainty, both professionally and personally, that could have led me to step away. Instead, I have continued to show up, evolve, and refine my business.

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Today, I am proud that MYCO continues to grow, with new clients and trust being built through intentional work and relationships. That sense of longevity and commitment means a lot to me, especially knowing the path has not always been linear.

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What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

I wish I had known how important it is to be intentional about building my brand and my voice from the beginning. Early on, I focused on just doing the work and building, but I’ve learned that taking the time to clarify who you are and how you want to show up makes a big difference in how you grow.

When hiring, what is your go-to interview question?

I work solo, but one question I always ask clients is about their “why.” Understanding why they are building their business helps me better understand their values, goals, and the deeper purpose behind their work. That clarity allows me to create more intentional and aligned design and strategy for them.

What did you do before starting your own business?

Before starting my own business, I spent over 10 years working as a graphic designer and creative director across private companies, nonprofits, and agencies in the DMV area and abroad, including an early entrepreneurial experience building a startup in Italy. My work focused on branding, campaigns, and creative direction for initiatives centered around social impact, including health care access, immigration, gender equity, and community storytelling. That experience strengthened both my design and strategy skills, and shaped my perspective on the importance of representation, culture, and intentional storytelling in brand building.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I’ve always known I wanted to build something of my own. However, my experience in my last role was the catalyst that pushed me to take that leap. I was working at a social impact agency that supported mission-driven organizations, and while the work was aligned on the surface, it became clear to me that there were deeper gaps in how representation, storytelling, and impact were being approached.

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That experience, along with my broader background, reinforced my desire to be more intentional about the work I was creating and the communities I was serving. It also made me more aware of the need for thoughtful, culturally grounded design and strategy; especially for BIPOC and mission-driven organizations.

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Starting MYCO allowed me to build a studio centered on those values, while also bringing in my perspective as a daughter of immigrants to create work that is both intentional and deeply rooted in lived experience.

Do you have any recent wins?

One of my biggest wins over the past year was securing my largest client to date, which created financial stability for my business and allowed me to plan more intentionally for the year ahead. That experience was meaningful not only because of the scale of the project, but because it affirmed the level of work I am capable of delivering and the direction I am growing in.

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Another meaningful win was having one of my rebrand projects recognized by DesignRush as one of the best health and wellness brand designs. This was especially impactful because the work was discovered organically, which felt like a strong affirmation of the quality and impact of the work I am creating.

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Both of these moments have encouraged me to continue refining my focus, showing up more intentionally, and building a business that aligns with my long-term vision.

What's one app on your phone that you cannot live without?

Instagram. I use it as a way to share my work, connect with potential clients, and build visibility outside of referrals. It has been an important tool for showcasing my projects, staying connected to my community, and attracting aligned opportunities.

Who are your customers?

My customers are mission-driven entrepreneurs, small business owners, and organizations; particularly first-generation, BIPOC, and multicultural founders, who are rooted in culture and community. They are looking to build brands that feel intentional, aligned, and reflective of their lived experiences.

What's your top productivity tip?

I’m a bit old school, but as an ADHD founder, what keeps me productive is routine and a written to-do list I keep with me at all times. Crossing things off my list is honestly one of the most satisfying parts of my day and helps me stay focused and grounded.

What's your favorite business tool?

Adobe Creative Suite. I wouldn't have my business without it!

What's your approach to work-life balance?

I’m still learning this. I do find myself getting lost in Sarah as a person vs. Sarah as a creative, business owner, and founder. One thing I am intentionally integrating is being present. When I am with my family, I try to be fully there. When I’m with friends, I do the same and practice active listening.

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When you’re so focused on building a business, it’s easy to forget there is a life full of people who love you. Being present with them helps me stay grounded and naturally separate those two parts of who I am.

How do you avoid burn-out?

I avoid burnout by taking breaks and stepping away from my computer. When it’s nice out, I try to go for a 3 mile walk, which I really enjoy, especially when it’s warm. I also make time for my friends and family, and I try to have hobbies that don’t involve screens so I can feel more human and stay balanced.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

Don’t be afraid to seek community. Entrepreneurship can feel isolating, and community is everything, especially when it’s made up of other women. Being surrounded by supportive women on a similar path can be grounding, inspiring, and incredibly empowering.

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Sarah’s journey is a powerful reminder that building a business is not just about the work you create, but how intentionally you show up. By staying rooted in her values, investing in her voice, and prioritizing community, she has created a brand that goes beyond visuals and into real impact.

If you’re looking to grow your business alongside a community of driven, supportive women founders, explore Entreprenista League.