Sarah Krinsky
30 | W. Collective, Co-owner
Residence: Bennington
Career highlight(s) you are most proud of:
Having the opportunity to open a small business that reflects my creative energy and passion for showcasing product through a curated lens. I’m also proud to be able to work full-time in higher 
education in addition to being a co-owner of W. Collective, which allows me to pursue another passion of mine: guiding and supporting students.
Your community involvement:
I support local organizations within my community through fundraising and various events we organize through W. Collective. We have hosted a book club promoting local female authors, highlighted wines made by women of color and partnered with the Alliance for Community Transformation to offer youth art/creative workshops and Queer Connect to host gender-affirming haircut events.
Inspiration for living and working in Vermont:
The beauty of the outdoors and the creative energy that can be found throughout the state.
Favorite part of your job:
Interacting with customers and helping them discover our amazing vendors, along with fostering a sense of community. I feel fortunate to share this passion project with my business partner, who has become one of my best friends.
Most inspiring mentor:
I’ll mention a role model: Audrey Hepburn. Not just for her sense of fashion or poise, but because of the compassion she chose to demonstrate throughout her life, especially in her later years working as an ambassador for UNICEF. I admire the passion she chose in her career as well as in her personal life.
Best career advice you have received:
Everything is temporary. At any given moment, things can change. So go with the flow, take each day as it comes and learn as much as you can in the process.
Three words that best describe you:
Passionate, determined and inquisitive.
Favorite Vermont escape:
Taking an occasional trip to Burlington. I enjoy being around a busy and bustling city with so many options for shopping, dining and exploring.
Favorite Vermont season:
Summer. The temperature is always just right — never too hot — and the sun always feels good after a long winter.
Favorite downtime activities:
Spending time at home on the couch, binging different shows while snuggling with my dogs and cats.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with:
Seth Rogen. I could use a few good laughs.
Cause(s) you would support if you had unlimited funds:
The majority of local nonprofits in my community, to help them continue to thrive and succeed. Their work is so integral to the health of our community.
A song on your playlist you are embarrassed to admit to your best friend:
“Waking Up in Vegas” by Katy Perry.
Where you see yourself professionally in the next five to 10 years:
I’d like to see W. Collective grow and expand, and I would hope to continue working in higher education, teaching and advising students.
How your job has changed since the pandemic:
I lost my full-time job and spent the next few months working several part-time jobs until an opportunity became available. It was difficult to feel unstable about what my career trajectory was going to look like at the time, but it ultimately inspired me to create W. Collective.
