Sarah Dougall was born in New Zealand and moved to Canada as an infant. After high school, she discovered the Jewellery Arts program at George Brown College in Toronto and immediately knew she had found her calling in jewellery design. She completed the program in 1999, acquiring both technical skills and an awareness of how difficult it was for graduates to launch professional jewellery careers.
In 2001, Sarah opened Made You Look Jewellery with a bold vision: to create a collaborative environment where independent jewellers could both design and sell their work directly to the public. The doors opened with 12 jewellers each renting a bench, and has evolved into a studio-gallery representing over 100 local designers, including 20 self-employed jewellers who create their pieces onsite.
The studio became a Toronto landmark, offering one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces and emphasizing craftsmanship and local artistry. Dougall’s approach was to provide a “stepping stone” between college and professional life, eliminating barriers to entry for emerging artists.

Dougall describes her mission as creating a “high-vibration workspace” built on kindness, authenticity, and collaboration. She encourages new jewellers to enter the craft with both creative courage and business awareness. Her philosophy centers on the belief that handmade jewellery “feels better on the body” and carries the maker’s intention and energy.
Under Dougall’s leadership, Made You Look has become one of Canada's most respected artisan hubs — part boutique, part open studio — blending retail and creative community engagement. The business has been thriving for close to 25 years, a milestone Dougall regards as an amazing achievement. There was "no map for this" she says - just blind faith and a strong belief in what we can accomplish through collaboration rather than competition.

Sarah Dougall served as President of the Metal Arts Guild of Canada (MAGC) from 2006 to 2010, a pivotal period in the organization’s growth and community engagement.

During her tenure, she led initiatives that strengthened Canada’s national metal arts network, supporting both emerging and established jewellers, metalsmiths, and educators. Her presidency emphasized education, collaboration, and professional development within the craft community. She oversaw the coordination of lectures, national exhibitions, and public events across Canada, fostering creative exchange and elevating the profile of Canadian metal artistry.

Sarah Dougall has also been a long-standing community leader in the Parkdale Village neighbourhood, serving for many years on the Parkdale Village Business Improvement Association (BIA) in Toronto, including as Chair and Vice Chair.

In her role with the Parkdale BIA, Sarah has been instrumental in promoting local economic development, supporting small businesses, and revitalizing Queen Street West as a diverse and creative corridor. She has been actively involved since the early 2010s, helping to grow Parkdale’s profile as one of Toronto’s most vibrant art and retail communities.

Her advocacy and volunteerism have contributed significantly to Parkdale’s ongoing revitalization, ensuring the neighbourhood remains inclusive, artist-friendly, and economically sustainable. Through both the BIA and her personal business efforts, Sarah has strengthened Parkdale’s reputation as a model of grassroots leadership and arts-driven urban renewal.

Under her leadership, the BIA focused on encouraging collaboration among business owners and fostering connection between community, commerce, and creativity — values that reflect the same spirit embodied by her studio, Made You Look Jewellery.

What kickstarted this brave ambition? The birth of her Son, Simon Dougall, who was only 4 months old when Made You Look's door first opened.