I studied psychology and art at Harding University and the University of Arkansas. As the director of business development for Rivendell, where I’ve worked since college in various roles, I’m able to use both subjects. I have the privilege of promoting our services, hopefully reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction. I call McClain & Co. my “retail therapy” as it came about out of a desire to balance work life with a hobby. My passion for fashion, love for downtown and renovating properties grew into a second career!

pressing questions

Best career moment so far:

1) Celebrating 30 years of providing mental health treatment with Rivendell Behavioral Health Services last May at our anniversary event. 2) Celebrating the third anniversary of opening McClain & Co. in March 2017.

Best advice you’ve ever received:

Be kind. Love one another. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Begin with the end in mind. Do the thing you fear the most. Delegate. Smile. Keep your chin up. To have a friend, be one.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Keep dreaming. Know your value. Explore the idea that you could be exceptional at something, and go for it! Don’t let the opinion of others stand in the way of being the person you want to be. Forgive. Forgive again.

What is a typical workday like?

Checking email and messaging from my iPhone before I get out of bed. Texting my reps, store manager and buyers ideas I had the night before. Meetings, lunches, a little office time, dinners, events. The texting never stops!

Most rewarding part of your job:

I am truly happiest serving others. Both Rivendell and the store offer me this opportunity continuously. I love making things better, whether for someone struggling emotionally or with a fashion dilemma.

Biggest challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your career:

Taking on the machine that is our mental health system. It’s complicated and, for people who are already suffering, can be extremely difficult to maneuver. I try to connect resources and lead others to a place of healing.

How did you know this is what you wanted to do?

I didn’t! I wanted to be an architect from about age 10, then took a psychology class in high school and completely changed my mind! Working in retail throughout college and afterward drove my dream of opening a boutique.

Who is your role model?

My mom. She’s all goodness and strength and support for her family. I wish I were more like her: humble, kind, intelligent, neat, not flashy, but creative and extraordinarily resourceful. And then there was my grandmother, Rosalie Bray, fashion icon!

It's all in the details...

Neighborhood you live in

Downtown Benton

Hometown

Benton

Last good read

Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander” series

Favorite Food

Grilled seafood

Favorite Lunch Spot

Cafe Bossa Nova

First thing you do at the office each morning

Review calls, check sales

Last splurge

Shoes, always shoes

Hobbies

Paint, travel, read, swim and spend time with daughter, Annabelle, and husband, Mark

Dream Vacation

Tour of Italy

Favorite Song

“I Believe” by JJ Grey & Mofro

Sara is just one woman to watch in 2017

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women to watch 2017

Sara McClain

Director of Business Development/Owner

Rivendell Behavioral Health/McClain & Co. Apparel LLC

women to watch 2017

Sara McClain

Director of Business Development/Owner

Rivendell Behavioral Health/McClain & Co. Apparel LLC

pressing questions