Sarah Harrelson was heading for a career in politics when she had a chance meeting with a Vogue fashion editor. Now, with 20 years in publishing under her belt—including her current roles as founder of Cultured Magazine, co-founder of Whitehaus media, editor in chief of Bal Harbour Magazine, and editorial director of Venice Magazine—Harrelson is as proud of her oeuvre as she is of those she’s met along the way. “Every relationship you make along the long path of your life you should nurture and respect. You never know where people will end up.” —Jennifer Henderson

Her style story: “I grew up as an equestrian and when I was about 12, I saw Kelly Klein at the Palm Beach Polo Club wearing skin-tight jeans, a crisp white shirt, and absolutely no makeup. That relaxed refinement spoke to me at a young age and continues to be a guiding principle.”

Her work ethic: “Twenty-four/seven and perhaps slightly obsessive, but I really love every aspect of what I do.”

Her passion: “I am endlessly inspired by fearless, creative people—whether artists, designers, architects, or engineers. Cultured is not an art criticism or a shelter publication—we’re telling the stories of the people who curate, challenge, and define our creative world.”

Her success secret: “I focus only on forward momentum. Just get it done and never give up! I don’t dwell on setbacks.”

Her look: “Refined but not overthought. My go-to always starts with Frame or Rag & Bone jeans for day and then I build from there. Lately, I’ve been wearing a lot of Rosie Assoulin, Jacquemus, and Roland Mouret.”

Her lifestyle: “I think the only way to keep a sense of balance is to succumb to the fact that there really isn’t such a thing. Every day is different and it’s busy and messy—but I love it.”

Her must-haves: “Family, Smythson Soho Diary, Diptyque, facials at Gee Beauty Miami, Arme De L’Amour cuffs, cashmere from The Elder Statesman, MacBook Air, Tata Harper, and Goop beauty products. And books—I find it one of the most relaxing things I do.”

Her beauty: “As the mother of two teenage girls, I always say, “Be soul food, not eye candy.” I forget who I stole that from, but it seems like an important statement in the selfie-obsessed world they’re growing up in.”

Her influences: “My husband, who is an interior designer and has an incredible eye, inspires me daily. I am also inspired by risk-takers in any field and I have an odd obsession with women who run tech companies.”

Her maxim: “Read! As anyone who has worked for me (or my kids) can tell you, I think it’s so important to read everything you can. I also binge-watch Ted Talks and commencement speeches. I believe knowledge is power.”

Her next step: “For Cultured, my goal is to continue to build our community of readers through engagement beyond the magazine: we’ve had booths at art and design fairs like Design Miami in Basel and Miami, and FOG in San Francisco. We’re working on exciting Cultured Commissions—the artist editions we commission each issue—and the realization of a longtime desire of mine: The Cultured Awards. Stay tuned.”