By: Zayden Dale
In a world where women are often expected to excel both professionally and personally, Sara Pierce’s life is a reflection of balancing family, business, and community.
From her roots in a supportive, loving family to her experiences as a businesswoman and educator, Sara Pierce, the co-author of the notable Jewish anthology Jews Have Horns: An Anthology of Antisemitism, exemplifies how passion, dedication, and resilience may help overcome challenges.
Her life’s work highlights the intersection of these values, contributing to children’s educational development, Jewish cultural heritage, and entrepreneurial ventures.
How Did It All Begin?
Sara’s entrepreneurial journey began with a keen interest in children’s education.
Inspired by her upbringing in a family that encouraged her to follow her creative instincts, she co-founded Einstein Toys with her husband, Wilbur Pierce. The store, well-regarded for its focus on fostering creativity and learning in children, became a center for families seeking quality educational materials for gifted kids.
At Einstein Toys, Sara’s goal was to nurture curiosity and intellectual exploration, providing tools for young minds to grow.
“Wilbur and I didn’t just want to sell toys,” Sara reflects. “We wanted to create an environment where children could learn and play, and parents could find ways to enhance their child’s development. We offered something that was not only fun but also educational.”
Her dedication to education led her to expand the store’s offerings to include an educational catalog, which helped the business attract national attention.
Sara and her husband, Wilbur, worked side by side to build Einstein Toys, each contributing uniquely. Wilbur brought visionary ideas, while Sara managed the store’s day-to-day operations, including buying and merchandising. Their partnership was a true collaboration, and their son, Paris, also played a role in the family business, showing how family support contributed to their success.
“We were a unit,” Sara says. “There wasn’t a separation between work and family life. We all had different roles, but we worked together, supported each other, and contributed to the business in ways that made sense for each of us.”
Their home often served as an extension of the store, with vendor meetings held around their dining table. Sara’s expertise in children’s literature allowed her to curate the store’s inventory, aligning the selection of books with the store’s educational mission.
A Woman Rooted in Jewish Values
Sara’s Jewish heritage played a significant role in shaping her personal and professional identity. In Judaism, women are traditionally seen as the cornerstone of the home and the upbringing of their children, a role Sara embraced with dedication. But her influence extended beyond her household.
Her commitment to Jewish culture was reflected in the family’s second store, which specialized in Jewish ephemera and art, creating a space that celebrated Jewish history and creativity.
Sara’s work aligned with the Jewish tradition of passing on knowledge and values to the next generation, fulfilling this role as both a mother and an entrepreneur.
The Courage to Tell Untold Stories
Sara’s passion for education and Jewish history is evident in her and Wilbur’s co-authorship of Jews Have Horns: An Anthology of Antisemitism, a collection of stories that explores the courage, resilience, and strength of the Jewish people throughout history.
The anthology offers an intimate perspective on Jewish experiences in the face of discrimination, recounting events such as the Kindertransport and the journey of Jewish refugees aboard the HMT Dunera.
These stories reflect Sara’s commitment to making sure the past is remembered and the sacrifices made by those who came before are honored. Through the anthology, she and Wilbur highlight the Jewish community’s survival against difficult odds, from the operations of underground resistance groups during World War II to the intellectual accomplishments of Jewish refugees in Australia.
“We wanted to share stories that often went untold in mainstream history books,” Sara explains. “These are stories of courage, resistance, and survival in the face of tremendous challenges. We aimed to show the human side of these historical events and honor those who lived through them.”
Sara Pierce’s story is inspiring for women everywhere who aim to find balance in their own lives. It serves as a reminder of the strength that comes from a deep commitment to family, education, and community.
“I was fortunate to have parents who believed in me and encouraged me to pursue my passions,” Sara says. “That belief gave me confidence, and it’s what has driven me to focus on both education and business.”
Through it all, Sara has stayed grounded in the values instilled in her from a young age: the importance of family, the power of education, and the resilience of the human spirit. These values continue to guide her as she navigates challenges and celebrates the victories that define her journey.
