Celebrating Our Founder, Sara Young-Jamieson

This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating our founder, Sara Young-Jamieson, whose vision and quiet determination have shaped St Eval from the very beginning.

Sara’s journey began with a simple but powerful belief: that something meaningful could be created from the nature surrounding her. From the landscapes of Cornwall to the rhythms of life on the farm, inspiration was never far away. What followed was a story built not overnight, but over decades - one rooted in resilience, creativity and care.

More than thirty years ago, Sara and her late husband began crafting candles in the kitchen of their family farmhouse. What started as a small, hopeful idea slowly grew into something much larger: a brand grounded in craftsmanship, nature and a deep respect for the world around us.

In Sara’s own words:

From those early days to where we are today, that founding spirit has remained unchanged. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to treading lightly, working with nature, and creating products that bring simple moments of calm and connection into everyday life.

Recently, Sara’s leadership was recognised beyond Cornwall when she was named “One to Watch” in LDC’s Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders programme, created in partnership with The Times. The accolade celebrates entrepreneurs across Britain who are scaling their businesses while creating positive impact for their customers, employees and communities.

Reflecting on the recognition, Sara shared:

“It’s such an honour to be recognised after so many years of building something so special here in Cornwall. As we celebrate 30 years of St Eval, being named ‘One to Watch’ feels incredibly motivating and a wonderful reflection of what’s possible from this part of the world. I’m so proud of our amazing team and of my son Harry, who represents the next generation of family leadership, helping to carry our values of creativity, care and purpose into the future.”

Sara’s leadership has never been about seeking the spotlight. Instead, it has always been about nurturing ideas, supporting people, and building something that lasts. Her belief in thoughtful growth and meaningful craftsmanship continues to guide the way St Eval evolves today.

This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to celebrate Sara - her vision, her care, and the legacy she continues to shape.