Sarah Jane Wick is the director of the museum store at the award-winning National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids. The store focuses on unique and custom products imported from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, as well as works by regional Iowa and national artisans, authors and craftspeople. Learn about Sarah Jane Wick…
Hometown: West Branch, IA
First job: De-tasseling corn!
Favorite ways to spend your free time in IA: Attending live performances and exhibitions of most any kind – music, theater, dance, art and museums, of course. Some of my favorite venues include TCR, Paramount Theater, CSPS Hall, Englert Theater, Riverside Theater, Old Creamery Theater and Hancher Auditorium. We also try to make it a point to go to the Iowa State Fair if at all possible.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Most recently our store was selected at Museum Store of the Year by the Museum Store Association, a national organization. The virtual award ceremony was held just after the derecho storm here in Cedar Rapids, so it was several days before I had learned we won since we were still without power.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: 2020 – it’s been an extremely challenging year for everyone with the pandemic and was compounded by the hurricane-force derecho winds that struck our area in August. Our home was badly damaged and the museum was out of power was almost two weeks.
Someone who inspires you and why: Michelle Obama. She defines grace, strength and integrity.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Surround yourself with smart and talented people by joining associations, boards and groups doing the things you want to do – find a mentor!
Favorite quote: “I can resist anything but temptation.” –Oscar Wilde
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I’m dyslexic, especially with numbers. Dialing a phone can be a nightmare.
What makes someone fabulous: Kindness and imagination.