Sara Janssen is a Minneapolis-based Creative Director and Design Leader with over 25 years of experience. Fluent in both in-house and agency environments, she has partnered with acclaimed agencies, design firms, and corporate teams to develop brands and craft work that seamlessly blends the emotional heart of a brand with craftsmanship, strategic insights, consumer intimacy and compelling storytelling across all disciplines.
Most recently, Sara led the creation of an in-house, award-winning creative team at Purpose Brands (formerly Self Esteem Brands)—the global enterprise behind brands like Anytime Fitness, Orangetheory, Waxing the City, The Bar Method, and Basecamp Fitness. She and her team rebranded each portfolio brand through a lens of sophistication and authenticity, aligning them with their unique DNA, and fostered deeper connections and brand loyalty with consumers.
Previously, Sara partnered with renowned brands such as American Standard, Apple Fitness+, Harley Davidson, National Geographic, Polaris, and Porsche, through her work in leading Minneapolis-based agencies and design studios.
When not creating, Sara has more than a mild obsession with lipstick and fine wine (though not necessarily in that order). She is addicted to barre classes, the undiscovered Bahamas and was a foodie long before it was even a thing. Sara is the proud mother of two daughters and one German Shepherd who all threaten her sanity on a daily basis.