From a successful career in banking to navigating motherhood, battling breast cancer at 39 and eventually launching her own business, Sarah Maguire has lived a life full of challenges, resilience and reinvention. Her journey is a testament to the power of perspective and the courage to follow your passion.
"My kids were just four and seven when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. In that moment, it felt like my whole life flashed before my eyes," Sarah recalls. "I was lucky, we caught it early, but I faced a year of treatment. Stepping away from the corporate world gave me a chance to reflect. It made me rethink what truly mattered: finding joy, creating balance and doing something I genuinely loved. That was the turning point."
After her recovery, Sarah returned to work. But about 18 months later, following a company restructure, she saw an opportunity to take a different path. Over dinner one evening with her brother, they began exploring what she genuinely wanted to do, leading to the idea of launching Raison Home Edinburgh.
"As a kid, I was always drawing, I loved art and design. Turning ideas into designs has always been my passion. Life is too short not to follow what lights you up. Taking the leap wasn’t easy, but it felt absolutely right."
It’s been a whirlwind 3 years since Sarah launched Raison Home Edinburgh which specialises in kitchen, bedroom and bathroom renovations. She’s transformed countless spaces to reflect her clients' tastes and lifestyles – and worked with many, many eggs. Her favourite project so far? A beautiful shaker-style kitchen in Porty, with cashmere cabinets and a touch of green.
"egg has been an incredible resource for me, both personally and professionally. So far, I’ve worked with 40 clients who have found me through the Facebook group alone. It’s a great place for recommendations, and the business-focused events have expanded my network immensely. Those connections have not only grown my business but also allowed me to collaborate with amazing people in the industry."
Building a network can be daunting, especially for someone who describes herself as an introvert. But Sarah has found her community through egg. "I would tell any woman looking to grow her business, find your tribe."
Looking back, was entrepreneurship always in her stars?
"Maybe not written in the stars, but the signs were there. I was always the quiet, academic one in my family, but I had a strong work ethic. My first job at 13 was a ‘cream service’ run with a friend, selling dairy products door-to-door. We earned about 5p commission for every block of cheese we sold! After that, I waited tables at the local golf club and picked up jobs throughout school and university. I loved art and design as a child, and now I’ve come full circle. I'm doing what I love."
Sarah’s academic journey led her to the University of Edinburgh, where she studied Economics and Business Studies. “In our family, there was a bit of an unspoken rule, you went to university and got a ‘proper’ job,” she says. It set the stage for a successful career in banking, but when life forced her to pause, she found her true calling.
“Everything I learned in the corporate world (communication, resilience, relationship-building) has been invaluable in running my own business. Without those experiences, I wouldn’t be where I am now."
The early days of Raison Home Edinburgh were a whirlwind of learning. Sarah underwent intensive design training and pursued a diploma in professional interior design. Her first clients were friends and family, giving her a safe space to refine her process.
"I announced my new venture in the egg Facebook group, and the support was overwhelming. It gave me such a boost."
Today, Sarah thrives on the creativity and connection her business brings. Her mornings start with a quiet coffee before the house wakes up - a moment of calm in her busy routine. Support comes from her family, her brother and sister.
Financially, launching the business required an initial investment, but Sarah had the cushion of a redundancy package. "Cash flow was a learning curve, but I’m grateful for the support I had."
Her must-have tools?
The Raison Home CRM system. “It helps me keep everything organised - client details, project stages, timelines and the overall health of the business. It means I can stay on top of the detail without getting totally bogged down in admin.
“But the real magic happens with my design software and virtual reality goggles. I honestly couldn’t do what I do without them,” Sarah adds.
How do you lead and what have you learned about yourself as a leader?
“I lead with empathy, focusing on understanding and supporting people.”
Biggest challenge running your business?
“A key supplier going into administration during a kitchen project, which taught me the importance of a strong network.”
Greatest lesson so far?
“Passion and authenticity attract support. What you do is down to you."
Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
“Follow your passion, believe in yourself, and surround yourself with the right people—those who understand you, challenge you and have your back.”
Vision for the future?
“Growing Raison Home Edinburgh, expanding the team of talented designers and expanding into more full-home renovations. I also want to make more time for myself, take more holidays, enjoy family time and more adventures. It’s also about finding the right balance between work and personal life.
Raison Home Edinburgh is an egg partner. To talk to Sarah about your kitchen, bathroom or bedroom renovation project, call 0131 210 0244. You can also book a no obligation design consultation with Sarah online or by emailing [email protected]. Refer a friend and choose £200 vouchers of your choice when their project is installed. Find out more here.
To join the egg business club, click here. You can also join the Facebook Group here.
