Hi, I’m Sara Touijer, the new owner of Happy Hands, a proud mom of two, and an entrepreneur fueled by creativity and passion. I like to call myself the “queen of curiosity” because I’m always exploring new ideas, trying new things, and looking for ways to grow—both in business and in life. Whether I’m building something meaningful at Happy Hands or creating special moments with my family, I lead with heart, imagination, and a love for the journey.
Where are you originally from and how long have you been in Fairfield County?
My hometown of Palco, Kansas is where I grew up, surrounded by wheat fields and hot, Summer days! I’ve been in Fairfield county for about 3 years, moving from Rye, NY. The relocation to Connecticut was a fresh start!
Tell us about your Family!
I’ve got 2 great kids, Rayan (22) Zahra (19) and the most wonderful fiance, Kevin. Zahra is currently in Madrid, getting her college degree in economics. Rayan graduated from BU and is my stay-at-home-son, trying to find his place in the world. My kids are grown enough to be out in the world on their own, yet somehow still very much my kids—and I’m still figuring out what that balance looks like. Kevin works as an SRO at Ludlowe High School in Fairfield. I will be gaining a new family, with our wedding in October 2026.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I love all things CREATIVE! I’m an inventor at heart. Growing up on a farm in Kansas, my childhood was rooted in curiosity and exploration. There wasn’t always a lot to do, so my imagination became my greatest companion—and, over time, my greatest strength.Over the years, I’ve had countless ideas, many of which grew into something more than I ever expected. About two years ago, I began designing a home product that’s especially close to me—and it’s finally coming to fruition in December 2026.Keep an eye out for SINKYDINK, the world’s first in-sink soap dispenser!
When I’m not designing or working at Happy Hands, I sing for the Rock and Roll Playhouse, mostly Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan and Fleetwood Mac. I also have my own band called Sara Smiles and The Song Machine. We’ve released two country songs so far. Music is a crucial part of my life and has been so rewarding.
One thing you wish someone would have told you about motherhood?
I wish someone had told me that taking care of myself wasn’t something to feel guilty about—it was something to protect. You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to have space. You’re allowed to still belong to yourself, too.
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Fairfield?
Since my kids were raised such a long time ago, I can only tell you what I’ve observed from families in Fairfield. What I’ve enjoyed seeing is how families who were born and raised in the area have access to their family, to help out. I raised my kids in New York which was isolating and so far removed from my own family. That was challenging. Being surrounded with loved ones would have been my favorite thing if I raised my kids in Fairfield.
Best mom hack that makes your life easier?
I wish I had mom hacks when I was raising my kids. Pinterest wasn’t around back then!
Tell us about your business?
The business I recently purchased in September 2025 is called Happy Hands Art & Pottery, with locations in Wilton and Fairfield. I wanted to transition out of residential interior design into another creative field but with less stress. I stumbled upon the business listing and knew it was time for a life change. There was a lot to learn about pottery and the processes involved with running the business. While those are important aspects to the business, my focus is more on people and the connections created.
Tell us about the different services that you offer?
Happy Hands has many layers and services that make it special. We’ve got paint-your-own pottery as the staple of the business. There’s also after school programs in Westport, Trumbull, and Wilton. Paint-and-Sips have been recently added, with canvas and pottery painting. My newest addition, coming soon, is Clay Handbuilding. And we’ve got Birthday Parties!!!
What is your background and what did you do before these career choices?
My background has been several different stops on the career path. I graduated with a degree in Radiologic Technology a long time ago and was a MRI/CT tech for over a decade. I pivoted to Interior Design and got a degree from The Fashion Institute of Technology where I spent another decade, designing high end residences. I’ve since shifted over to mostly commercial interior design. It’s where I get the most creative flexibility. I’m balancing Happy Hands with my commercial design work and feel like I get the best of both worlds.
Best advice for moms who experience the inevitable MOM GUILT handling a career and raising a family?
Mom guilt has a way of sounding like truth when it’s really just pressure in disguise.You’re going to be pulled in two directions—leaving for work when you want to stay, or sitting with your kids while your mind is elsewhere. That tension doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you care deeply about both.
What guilt won’t tell you is what your children are gaining: a mother who is building a life, showing commitment, and modeling independence. They don’t measure you in perfect days—they feel your love in the moments you show up.
Who has most influenced you to be the mom that you are today?
I think other mothers have influenced me the most. I watch and learn what they do and model what works for me, for myself. Having a “tribe” of moms, who are also figuring out motherhood just like I am, has been so important in finding my own place as a mother.
What advice would you share with a new mom or other moms?
Oh, this is going to be a long one. If I could sit across from a new mom—coffee in hand, both of us a little tired—I’d tell her this: you are allowed to still be you. Motherhood will change you but it doesn’t erase who you were before, and it doesn’t mean your identity has to shrink to fit only this role. You are still the person who had interests, opinions, ambitions, and things that made you feel like
yourself. Those parts don’t disappear—they just get quieter for a while. In the early years, the world has a way of rewarding how much you give of yourself. It can feel like the more you disappear into motherhood, the better you’re doing. But that’s not the whole story. Your children don’t just need a mother who shows up for them—they need one who is still connected to herself.
Because one day, the pace changes.They need you differently. And when that happens, you don’t want to be starting from scratch trying to remember who you are. So hold onto her, even just a little.You’re not just raising your children—you’re still living your own life, too.
We love supporting local businesses – favorite places in Fairfield to…
Have Dinner with Family:
Little Pub
Grab a Drink with Friends:
Matto Wine Bar
Have a Date Night:
Artisan Southport
Spend time together as a Family:
At home!
Outside Activities:
Jennings Beach
Grab coffee:
Joe Joe Coffee & Acai