There’s this story we tell about visibility: Build something amazing. Gather a big following. Get celebrated. Feel fulfilled.

But what happens when the story turns?

In one of the most raw, vulnerable conversations I've had on the Rise to More podcast, creative entrepreneur Sarah Edwards pulls back the curtain on what success and public visibility can truly cost.

If you’ve lived in Minneapolis, you've probably heard Sarah’s name. She created the beloved I AM MPLS and co-founded Fashion Week Minnesota, crafting spaces for creativity, inclusivity, and vibrant connection. From the outside, it looked glamorous, inspiring—effortless.

But what most didn't see was the human behind the brand. Sarah’s truth is much messier, more beautiful, and more complex than a polished highlight reel.

When Sarah began, she didn't set out to be an influencer or a public figure. She simply saw connections others didn't and followed her heart. She championed inclusivity and brought people together with genuine intention. But visibility brought expectations—and eventually criticism.

In our conversation, Sarah bravely confronts the darker side of public life. She shares about the relentless people-pleasing, the overwhelm of endless demands, and the loneliness of feeling profoundly misunderstood. She admits to mistakes openly—acknowledging moments when ambition moved faster than intentionality, leaving some hurt in its wake.

And she holds nothing back about the brutal experience of public backlash. A Star Tribune article meant to highlight her new chapter sparked a flood of online negativity, judgment, and harsh criticism online. Comments tore into her character, reputation, and intentions. In a matter of hours, Sarah faced the very real human toll of being both visible and misunderstood.

But here's the thing about Sarah: where many would shrink or disappear, she chose to look inward. To listen. To learn.

She emerged from the criticism with surprising clarity:

“I realized that through all of this, I actually learned how to love myself. Real self-love—not the fluffy kind. The kind where you know you’ve made mistakes, yet you hold your own humanity gently. And that changes everything.”

Sarah now sees this moment not as punishment, but as an invitation. A chance to redefine boundaries, intentionality, and leadership. To be less “Sarah the influencer” and more “Sarah the thoughtful founder.” To embrace her introversion, sensitivity, and depth as strengths—not weaknesses.

Her story isn't just about surviving public scrutiny—it's a roadmap for rising through it. For taking ownership, finding your voice again, and moving forward with more clarity, grace, and intentionality than before.

Today, Sarah’s building new ventures like Little Big, a platform designed to empower local connection and creativity without needing to be at its center. She's creating from a place of quiet strength rather than noisy visibility. And she's finally embracing her brilliance without apology.

Sarah Edwards reminds us that:

* Growth doesn't happen in comfort—it often happens in chaos.

* True leadership isn’t perfection—it’s forged through vulnerability.

* Visibility isn't the endgame—real impact is.

We live in a world quick to judge, quick to criticize, and slow to forgive. Maybe Sarah’s story can help us pause. Maybe it can remind us that behind every public image—good or bad—is a deeply human heart. A heart deserving of compassion, empathy, and second chances.

Let's give each other that.

Let’s choose grace more often than gossip. Forgiveness more often than judgment. Because as Sarah beautifully reminded me:

“We’re all struggling. Kindness matters.”

Here’s to Sarah—and to all of us—choosing to rise again, with humility, wisdom, and fierce self-compassion.

With love,Jasna

📸 Follow Sarah Edwards: https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahedwards

Sarah’s website: https://www.iamsarahedwards.com

Little Big: https://www.instagram.com/littlebigconnect/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jasnaburza.substack.com