Ms. Sawyer originally started Charlona Graphic Designs in 1979. Charlona’s primary client was an international magazine entitled "The Piano Technician's Journal." Her responsibilities included editing, layout, cover design, overseeing national ad spots, and rendering original artwork and ads for local and national sponsors. In addition to the monthly production of this 62-page magazine, she contracted with several Pacific Northwest businesses (i.e., Nordstrom, Ocean Shores, etc.) to produce a variety of advertising and promotional materials. For several years she was the web master for Qwest Communications, Agent/Vendor Services Department.

Ms. Sawyer attended Seattle Central Community College for her Associates Degree in Commercial Art in 1975, finished a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration in 1993 at City University in Bellevue. She spent 19 years with Qwest Communications in public relations and sales.