Meet Sarah Sofia Knepp | Strategic Consultant and Event Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Sofia Knepp and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah Sofia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Sarah grew up learning the art of entertaining and being a super connector coupled with her passion for philanthropy. Even at a young age Sarah enjoyed planning birthday parties and celebrations for family and friends as well as participating in philanthropy.

In my early days of fundraising, I worked with various individuals and vendors such as florists, caterers, and venues. This experience led me to start my own business, Sarah Sofia Productions, Event Design, and Consulting in 2010. Over the years, it has developed to include strategic consulting, digital marketing, PR, and event planning for businesses and nonprofits.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I founded Sarah Sofia Productions in 2010, which specializes in strategic planning for businesses and nonprofits. Our services include branding, digital marketing, scaling, event design and planning, client/donor relationship cultivation, print production, and planned giving. With over 15 years of industry experience, Sarah Sofia Productions is known for its meticulous attention to detail and innovative ideas aimed at bringing your vision to life.

I am a dynamic and hands-on creative professional with extensive expertise in strategic consulting, digital marketing, public relations, and event planning for both businesses and nonprofits. Her strengths lie in leadership, effective communication, and relationship-building, all of which contribute to driving growth and enhancing brand awareness.

I have developed valuable content, digital marketing and branding strategies for a diverse range of local, national, and international brands and nonprofits (e.g. Airfit Yoga, NC Yoga Bar, TikTok, Meta, Shutterfly, Pottery Barn Kids, Oriental Trading, Food Lion, Queen City Mahjong) to boost brand awareness, expand audiences, and become more cohesive. 

I have planned, designed, and implemented marketing and event planning solutions for corporate events, nonprofit initiatives, special events, private parties, children’s celebrations, and photo shoots. My expertise includes design and coordination from table designs, backdrops, and venders; managing silent auctions, fundraising events, sponsorships, and cultivating relationships with high-net-worth donors to advance causes in healthcare, education, the arts, gardening, conservation, affordable housing, food security and natural disasters. 

My background includes grassroots strategic planning for startup nonprofits, where I have directed efforts in scaling, grant outreach, volunteer recruitment, and refocusing missions after achieving specific goals. I also worked with established nonprofits, such as Men’s Shelter of Charlotte now Roof Above, Samaritan’s Feet, and Lydia’s Legacy to successfully organize and raise funds for key initiatives. I have spearheaded galas and nonprofit events such as the Queen City Gala, which won the International Special Events Society of Charlotte Chapter Crown Jewel Award for Best Nonprofit Event in 2015. Additionally, I’m experienced in planned giving, specializing in educating donors and nonprofits. 

I have written articles, produced photography, created video content, and coordinated podcasts for various publications, print media and social media channels. In addition to my clients at Sarah Sofia Productions, I also serve as an independent content coordinator for Waxhaw & Marvin Living magazine, a Best Version Media publication. 

Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Davidson College, and her career began with a role as a Legislative Aide to a former U.S. Senator from Ohio, focusing on foreign policy, defense, and intelligence. She also served as a lobbyist for the Ohio Department of Commerce and as Finance Director for several political campaigns, including Ohio Attorney General races and Ohio Supreme Court races for former Justice Judith Ann Lanzinger and former Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor.

Sarah is a wife, a mother of two daughters and hostess who loves bringing people together in a stylish manner to celebrate life’s events and create in style. Her ability to manage fast-paced environments with precision has made her highly effective in developing detailed plans, executing them, and driving results in both creative and professional endeavors. 

Throughout my professional career, I have had to pivot several times. I started Sarah Sofia Productions as a wedding and event planning boutique company. Shortly afterward, we relocated from Columbus, Ohio to Charlotte, North Carolina where I had to establish my network anew. In 2011, I had my first daughter, Sofia, followed by Charlotte 18 months later. My focus shifted to designing children’s parties and creating content for brands, with Shutterfly discovering me through my daughter’s first birthday party. I have always felt a strong desire to work with nonprofits and contribute to my community. Although I did not end up working for the UN World Food Program which was goal in my earlier career, I most recently rebranded Sarah Sofia Productions as a boutique strategic planning and event design firm to pursue my passion for supporting nonprofits and small businesses.

I’m best known for my tablescapes, floral designs, kid’s parties and DIYs. You’ll find me on the tennis courts, playing pickleball and mahjong with friends, taking walks with Ziggy our rescue pup, volunteering with my favorite nonprofits, going to concerts and enjoying the outdoors! The beach is my happy place, but love the serenity of the North Carolina mountains!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a super connector, I love connecting with others and sharing my favorite spots!

Create your own terrarium at Planthouse Charlotte and grab lunch at Velvet Taco. Spend a fun day in South End: start with candle making at Paddywax Candle Bar, enjoy lunch at Superica or Hawkers, indulge in Jeni’s Ice Cream, and do some shopping while waiting for your candle. Then, join Beat The Bomb for an immersive 1-hour team mission to crack codes to disarm a giant paint, foam and slime bomb.

Visit the US Whitewater Center for white water rafting, ropes and rock-climbing courses, kayaking, hiking, biking trails, and live music. Grab a bite and a drink while enjoying the tunes.

Boating on Lake Norman is always a favorite—rent a boat for tubing with family and friends. Stop for a meal at Hello Sailor, which offers great views and delicious dishes like the spicy chicken sandwich and Mango Margarita Slushy. Cool off with ice cream at Whit’s Frozen Custard; we recommend Davidson Delight, Brownie Blitz, and ice cream sandwiches. Explore home decor stores in Davidson while you snack.

For another day in Davidson, swim at the Quarry at Carrigan Farms, then head downtown for lunch at the Soda Shoppe or Kindred, and take a stroll through Davidson College campus, a national arboretum, and enjoy all the shops.

Enjoy a staycation at the Grand Bohemian Charlotte, Autograph Collection with a massage at Poseidon Spa, dinner at Mico, and drinks at Buho Bar with rooftop city views.

Brunch is always my favorite time to relax and catch up with friends and family! Snooze an A.M. Eatery has the best pancakes and gluten free options, Renaissance Patisserie has the best french croissant and quiche, Cafe Monte breakfast sandwiches and bakery items are all delicious, Bulla Gastrobar, Easy Like Sunday, and locals favorite Eddie’s Place for breakfast all day.

Dine at Suffolk Punch in South End, then take the train to catch a game with Charlotte FC, Charlotte Knights, Carolina Panthers, or Carolina Ascent FC or enjoy a concert in Uptown Charlotte!

Enjoy boutique shopping at Philips Place, The Village at South Park, or Selwyn Ave. Hit up Museum of Illusion in Uptown. Head out to Superland, Restaurant Constance, Limani, or Ever Andalo for dinner and O-Ku or Baku for the best sushi. Enjoy a rooftop cocktail at Merchant and Trade and skyline views of Uptown Charlotte.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It’s part of our nature to build relationships throughout the different states of life. Some of my best professional connections have turned into my biggest cheerleaders over the years! Jeffrey Darmon, Former Executive Director & CEO of A Kid Again and Cynthia Lazarus Former CEO & President of YWCA Columbus and Flying Horse Farms have been my cheerleaders since starting my own business. Receiving positive feedback, such as knowing that my content resonates with others or that my work has a meaningful impact, greatly motivates me. Jeffrey has distinctive motivational messages such as you’re doing amazing things and don’t ever forget that fact! Additionally, my grade school friend Joanne Strasser, Co-Founder of Avenue 18, has been both my cheerleader and sounding board. At crucial points in my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve valued her sound advice and encouragement. She reminded me that cumulative success is a more accurate measure of progress than any single moment.

Website: https://www.sarahsofiaproductions.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahsofiaproductions/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-sofia-knepp-95ab529

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahsofiaproductions

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sarahsofiaproductions

Other: Threads: www.threads.net/@sarahsofiaproductions
TikTok: [email protected]
BlueSky: www.bsky.app/profile/sarahsofiapro.bsky.social

Image Credits
1. and 10 Vintage Glam (tablescape) – Ariana Clare Photography
Boho Chic Friendsgiving (tablescape) – Charlotte Lately
Boho Chic Farm Wedding (tablescape) and Mermaid Bash (backdrop) – Taken By Sarah
Be Our Guest Garden Party (tablescape), Fairies Unicorns and Rainbows Party, Winter Wonderland (tablescape) – Katlyn Marie Photography
Pastel spring wedding table – Ariel Perry Photography
Epic Taylor Swift Birthday Party – Sarah Sofia Productions
Halloween Hayride Costume Party and Derby Garden Party with Sarah – Andi Perullo de Ledesma Photography