Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Cornejo.
Hi Sarah , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am the founder and creative director of MYCO, a culture-forward brand design studio for first-generation founders and creatives. While my vision feels crystal clear now, my journey here included many pit stops along the way. It was never a question of what I wanted to do, but rather how I could make it meaningful and impactful.
I’ve been a creative my whole life. Creativity runs deep in my family—from painters and musicians to artists of all kinds—making and creating was simply part of who we were. At the same time, I come from a lineage of entrepreneurs. My parents, Peruvian immigrants who came to the United States with just a few dollars and big dreams, instilled in me the drive and resilience that shape how I partner with clients and build brands today.
I earned my B.A. in Graphic Design and Studio Arts from Marymount University and a Master’s in Arts Administration from the Institute of European Design. Over nearly 20 years, I’ve used design, communications, and event production to advocate for communities, support social impact campaigns, and make culture more accessible.
All of this led to MYCO Studio, where I help founders and culturally grounded brands build identities rooted in strategy, culture, and storytelling; brands that truly reflect who they are.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would be lying if I said there weren’t any struggles. From learning how to start and run a business, to building a network, to bootstrapping everything from the ground up; I didn’t inherit any of those things. As a first-generation founder, I had to learn a lot in real time, often through trial and error.
For example, during my time in Europe, I worked with cultural institutions to make art more accessible to local communities and to integrate international creatives into the cultural landscape. While there, I co-founded a startup in Italy called “The Itinerant Art Museum” with three other women from my graduate program. It didn’t take off the way I hoped, but it became one of the most pivotal experiences of my career. It taught me firsthand about the financial gaps and systemic barriers first-generation founders face, especially in creative fields.
There were emotional challenges too. I’ve had moments of self-doubt and times when I seriously considered returning to a traditional 9–5. Entrepreneurship can be isolating, especially when you don’t see many people who look like you or share your background doing this kind of work. What’s kept me grounded has been being intentional about who I build with and who I connect to.
I genuinely believe in community over competition. Building relationships, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another has helped me push through difficult moments and reaffirm my “why,” as well as the kind of business I want to build.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about MYCO Studio?
MYCO Studio is a brand design studio I founded for first-generation founders and creatives. I build brands rooted in strategy, culture, and storytelling; brands that reflect real people, real stories, and lived experience. The work is collaborative by design, and I’m intentional about every choice so clients don’t just look good; their brands are strategic, aligned, and feel like an honest extension of who they are.
I’ve worked across nonprofits, healthcare and behavioral health, food and beverage, wellness, media, fashion, sports management, and women-led businesses. What truly sets MYCO apart is how deeply I listen. I take the time to understand my clients’ stories, personalities, and the cultural context they’re building from, and I bring that into the work. That emotional layer is what helps brands connect, build trust, and last–especially in a moment where automation and AI are everywhere, but thoughtful design and storytelling still matter.
My clients have been featured in outlets like NPR, Eater DC, ABC News, The Washington Post, and Shop Made in DC. That visibility is meaningful, but what I’m most proud of is helping founders finally feel confident in their brand—often for the first time—and see themselves fully reflected in it.
MYCO stands for My Creative Outlet. It began as an Instagram page during the pandemic, created to connect with creatives and document how people were using their craft to survive quarantine and respond to political and racial unrest. The studio has grown since then, but the meaning hasn’t changed. I believe creativity extends far beyond art and design. Building a business, solving problems, and figuring things out as you go—especially as a first-generation founder—are creative acts. MYCO exists to honor that.
How do you define success?
Success, to me, is about purpose and impact. It’s doing work that feels aligned and meaningful, and seeing clients gain clarity, confidence, and momentum through their brand.
I’m most proud of creating a studio where values lead the work and where branding becomes a tool for clarity, growth, and long-term impact. When my clients succeed, it’s not just a win for them; it’s a win for the communities they serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mycreativeoutlet.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycreativeoutlet.co/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/myco-llc/?viewAsMember=true
