double
sugar

Equal parts
creative + strategic

Hi. We’re Double Sugar, a dynamic thought partner to your bold cause. Combining deep experience in journalism and issue-based awareness building, our sweet spot is using storytelling as a tool for driving positive change. We produce compelling content and a vision for how to share it effectively. And we do it all with our signature flair.

In short, we help mission-driven organizations and creative small businesses stand up, stand out and make the world a little sweeter.

what makes us different

the code we live by

truthfullness

We are curious truthseekers who like to keep it real. We ask a lot of questions to get to the heart of the story.

Quality

We hold ourselves to high standards and do not rest until every “i” is dotted and every “t” is crossed.

creativity

We are inspired by the colors, forms, patterns, and textures around us. We bring in new ways of seeing the world into our work.

Fun

We like a little whimsy. We enjoy working with shiny, happy people who aren’t afraid to shake things up.

Professionalism

We are playful but always professional. We bring serious rigor to important work.

Peace

We value and respect all people and strive for a world of beautiful harmony. 

get to know us

who we are

Sara McCarthy

Founder + Principal

Outside of a six-month stint as a pie slinger in Chicago, Sara McCarthy has devoted the better part of two decades to telling important stories, relaying critical information and promoting ideas that can make the world a better place. Her background is equal parts award-winning business journalist and nonprofit communications director. In the latter role, she led large-scale awareness-building efforts for the Fund for Our Economic Future, a philanthropic collaborative in Northeast Ohio focused on making the economy work better for people, ultimately influencing the agendas of civic leaders and helping to bring about real and lasting change. Sara earned a master’s degree in public service from DePaul University and a bachelor’s degree in communications from John Carroll University. 

Her 10 favorite things are: photobooths, living room dance parties, tacos, the Rolling Stones, summertime, yoga, thrift stores, fresh flowers, the color turquoise, and cherry pie. She lives in a 120-year-old home in Cleveland with her husband JP and their two sweet little ones—James Calvin and Lillian June.










sugar, sugar

what's in a name?

Sara was born with a sweet tooth. Whether she was sneaking an extra cookie from the cookie jar or spending her lunch money on Little Debbie treats, she has always prioritized dessert. Her absolute favorite? Her grandmother’s perfect cherry pie. She once tried to replicate it for a party, but accidentally doubled the sugar. Sara was the only one who could finish a slice, and probably went back for seconds. A close friend (hi, Andrew!) coined it her “famous double sugar cherry pie”—and a few years later, engraved a special wish on a wedding gift to her and her husband: May your life always have double sugar. Indeed, the world could use a little more sweetness. Why not double it?

pie shot