If you had told me years ago that I’d one day be juggling a thriving event-planning career, managing a bustling restaurant group, and facing the terrifying reality of my daughter’s life-threatening illness—all while striving to be a present mom and supportive partner—I might have assumed you were talking about someone else. Yet, here I am, living a life that's anything but by-the-book.
In the early days of my career, I believed meticulous planning was the secret to peace. As the founder of Sara Fay Egan Events and co-founder of Jackson Durham Floral and Event Design, I orchestrated luxury weddings and events across the globe. I thrived on creating order out of chaos, with a deep belief that a well-crafted plan could hold everything together. But life has other ideas.
When my daughter faced a life-threatening illness, I realized that no amount of planning could prepare me for the emotional experience that ensued. It was during this challenging period that I discovered my "through line"—a guiding principle that helped me navigate the storm. As I write in my book:
This idea, I like to call the through line, connects the dots through all of your life experiences together to give you purpose and a happy, fulfilled life."
That concept—my through line—became a way to make sense of everything: career highs, personal loss, motherhood, ambition, and faith. It taught me that true happiness isn’t found in perfect plans, but in resilience, connection, and being present for what matters most.
To any parent navigating the relentless push and pull of family and work, know it’s okay to be in the messy middle–you’re not alone. The key isn’t balance or perfection—it’s clarity. Find your through line, the thread that ties your experiences together and reminds you of what really matters.
At the end of the day, it’s not about having all the answers. It’s about showing up with love, surrounding yourself with likeminded people, letting go when you need to, and finding joy in even the most unexpected parts of your story.
Courtesy of Author Sara Fay Egan
"The Through Line: Finding Happiness Through the Curveballs of Life, Family, and Business.”
To discover more about Sara Fay Egan's path to finding her through line, and advice on exploring your own, visit sarafayegan.com.
Sara Fay Egan, author of The Through Line: Finding Happiness Through the Curveballs of Life, Family, and Business, is president and CEO of Beale Street Blues Company, a hospitality and entertainment group. A seasoned expert in the event-planning industry, she founded Sara Fay Egan Events and co-founded Jackson Durham Floral and Event Design, executing luxury weddings and events across the U.S. and internationally.