My {VERY LONG} Story

Remember the many aptitude tests you took throughout middle and high school? The tests that told you what you would be good at? Well, turns out there's something to them. From the first time I took a test to the last, and long before I knew what the profession was, "interior designer" was the vocation for me. My plans were pretty much set.

Until senior year. Until Christmas. Until I lost my Dad.

I poured myself into writing, hoping that by recording every memory, I could keep my Dad with me. As I grieved, I found a new love, and I went off to college months later intending to study both English and Art, inspiring others through teaching.

Unfortunately, according to my advisor, that wasn't a workable plan. So, instead, I majored in English and minored in Art, and by the time it was all over I had added another Minor and found another love in Women's Studies. But, even before graduation day, I knew there was more I wanted to study. More I could fall in love with.

But I hit another snafu. When I stopped in the registration office just a couple of months post-graduation, I learned I no longer qualified for the student aid I had received in the past. None of it. I would be paying for all of my schooling out of pocket. I needed a job.

In early September 2001, I headed north to the city of Minneapolis (quite a change for a girl who'd grown up on a farm in a town of less than 1800 people) where I worked in a newspaper office. I loved the variety of tasks, from customer service and sales, to ad design, to writing articles, to laying out the paper. It was wonderful. 

But it didn't last. When I found myself job hunting once again, I wanted to find something quickly. I figured it would be temporary, and had no idea it would lead me to the career I was meant to have. I thrived in sales at the furniture store, but, even more importantly, I took advantage of their tuition assistance and, in 2004, began studying Interior Design.

Balancing a full-time job with full-time coursework -- along with the purchase of my first home! -- I excelled. By the end of the first year, I had earned top marks in all classes, and couldn't wait for the challenge of my second and final year!

But that wasn't to be. My soon-to-be husband was offered a job out of state and I knew he couldn't go it alone. So, instead of returning to college in the fall, I found myself out west, living in Spearfish, SD, with a new husband and a surprise baby on the way!

It would be ten years and two children later before I would return to my calling. In the meantime, I fulfilled my dreams by creating decor and repurposing furniture that I sold in a local shop. Between 2005 and 2011, I prepared three homes for sale -- each one finding buyers within days of listing.

Then, in May of 2011, we found our forever home in Wisconsin! (That was definitely not in the plan.) We named our home Yonder Way and set about dreaming up plans for the future. I continued creating and designing, this time selling from our home and craft sales I organize. Yet, I still ached for that career promised so long ago. 

So, amid working a variety of jobs (all of which I loved), I began offering design services to friends & family. They took me up on it. Planning furniture layouts, designing floor plans, suggesting colors and furniture pieces -- I was in my element. But it wasn't enough. I needed to expand my clientele. And I did.

Working for a global company put customers at my fingertips. Suddenly, I was busy, and I was learning, too. I was surrounded by a team of talented, experienced designers who told me I was doing well. My confidence soared.

Then COVID struck.

Just as for everyone else, my world changed. What started as a hold culminated into the elimination of my job. Our jobs. Our services to customers. We were devastated, but not deflated.

Within hours, I began forming plans. I would continue to service customers. I would continue to do a job I love. I would run my business on my own. But not alone. This time, I am joined by those amazing colleagues, offering support and guidance as we maneuver new roles, new rules. 

And I am confident we will continue to have customers at our fingertips. Customers who've worked with us in the past, or have seen the results in the homes of friends and neighbors. Customers who see the value in beautifying their homes.

I am here for you. My passion for design is matched only by the joy I feel in sharing your excitement, hearing your thanks, seeing your finished project. I look forward to working not only with you but FOR YOU!
Sarah Ries
​715-716-0928
[email protected]

My Mission

To work with clients to create affordable, functional and attractive designs for their homes.

Experience

Schneiderman's Furniture furniture sales
Careful Painting color consultations
Les Junc design & creation of decor & furniture
Sherwin-Williams color consultations
Yonder Way design & creation of decor & furniture; design consultations

Education

Winona State University Bachelor of Arts
Dakota County Technical College Interior Design
“Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”
​William Morris