Sarah Auman’s focus remains in the community

September 26, 2025

Sarah Auman welcomes customers to Out of the Blue, her passion where she declares, “I don’t feel like I’ve worked a day since I’ve been here.”

Fannin Co. Development Authority

When Sarah Auman opened Out of the Blue in 2003, her business strategy was focused on personal passion more than sales or marketing research.

After spending many years operating a successful photo equipment business in Atlanta, Auman felt drawn to the rustic charm, serenity and natural beauty of Fannin County. She was eager to move to the area, but first needed to answer an important question: What would be the right retail business to open?

“I decided to focus on the things I enjoy the most and to share it with others,” she said, “hoping they would love it as much as I do.”

Apparently, they do. While the colorful variety of items on display at Out of the Blue have changed over the years, Auman’s vision has remained consistent. “I have always had an interest in entertaining and hosting dinner parties,” she said. “I wanted to provide all the items people need to entertain their guests.”

Originally, Out of the Blue featured various home décor fixtures: place settings, linens, tablecloths, ceramics, glassware and accessories. Auman built a full kitchen in the shop to provide a full-scale model of how items might look in a customer’s home.

Over the years, Auman has educated herself on the specialty items that have become her best sellers. The inventory in Out of the Blue has shifted to perishable items, mostly fine wine and cheese, olive oils, and the like.

“We have become a full-blown gourmet wine and cheese shop,” said Auman, who regularly selects products from around the world, including: France, Italy, Spain and Poland.

“We know many of our suppliers personally, whether it is cheesemakers, brewers or winemakers,” she said.

And though Auman takes particular delight in the international relationships she has fostered, her focus remains firmly rooted in Fannin County, where she is active in community activities and civic events. For her, Out of the Blue has become a labor of love.

“This has been my dream,” she said. “I don’t feel like I’ve worked a day since I’ve been here.”