Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Savannah (sav) Mitchell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Savannah (Sav), thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic stems from two key influences: my upbringing and my experience as a competitive swimmer. Growing up as an only child, I was inspired by my mother, a former college athlete whose tenacity and drive served as my guiding light. Watching her juggle motherhood as well as a demanding career shaped my understanding of hard work from a young age.
At eight, I began swimming competitively, and the sport quickly became the backbone of who I am today. Much of my resilience was forged during 4 a.m. wake-ups, diving into freezing pools, and trading weekend getaways for championship meets. These experiences taught me discipline, sacrifice, and the value of pushing beyond my comfort zone.
My collegiate swimming career at Arizona State University under Michael Phelps’ former coach, Bob Bowman, pushed me even further. The grueling 30-hour training weeks demanded unparalleled focus and resilience. While I sometimes daydreamed about the freedom of a regular college life, I knew I had worked tirelessly for over a decade to earn my spot at that level.
Swimming is an exceptionally demanding sport, both physically and mentally, and enduring the pain of tough workouts taught me grit and perseverance. To this day, the lessons I learned in the pool drive me to approach all aspects of life with the same intensity, determination, and commitment to excellence.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I recently completed a graduate degree in Public Media with a concentration in Multiplatform Journalism from Fordham University. During my time at grad school, I worked as a reporter and podcast host at WFUV Public Radio in the Bronx, where I not only strengthened my print writing skills but also discovered a passion for audio and TV storytelling. My work has largely focused on issues such as sustainability and body diversity in the fashion industry, mental health, and labor rights.
In August, I chose to pursue freelancing over a traditional corporate path, allowing me to explore and develop my creative skills across various disciplines. Currently, I’m a project manager at Y2B Global, a New York-based creative agency specializing in 3D video content for brands worldwide. I also contribute as a runway associate and writer for SSEditorial Magazine in London, covering fashion and culture. Beyond this, I’m pursuing opportunities as a commercial model, freelance stylist, actress, and content creator, blending my passions with professional growth.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Focusing solely on my journey as a model, the three most impactful qualities or skills have been patience, dedication to research, and resilience through hard work. Patience is essential because progress often takes longer than you expect, and rejection is a constant part of the journey—I’ve faced so much of it and still do! I began taking modeling seriously at the end of 2022, but it wasn’t until May 2023 that I started booking larger roles and gigs as a model and actress.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, but I’ve learned the value of celebrating small wins and staying humble. Early on, I worked with local brands and often did shoots and runways for free to gain experience and build my portfolio. Over time, I’ve been fortunate to work with dream clients like Kiehl’s and Golden Goose. At the same time, I continue to work with small businesses and clients in New York to hone my craft and grow. I honestly believe that every experience, no matter the size, is valuable and contributes to your growth.
For those starting out, my advice is to stay curious and actively look for ways to set yourself apart. Versatility is vital in this industry, and resilience will carry you through inevitable challenges. The competition is intense, so say yes to as many learning opportunities as possible. That’s how I’ve progressed so quickly—I’ve thrown myself into every chance to learn and improve. Whether it’s researching industry trends, learning the business side of modeling, or stepping outside your comfort zone, the effort you put in will pay off over time.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes! I’m always looking to collaborate and create meaningful art that showcases diverse perspectives and emotions through photos and video. Lately, I’ve been drawn to short films and the power of video as a tool for self-expression and captivating attention. With my versatile skill set, I’m eager to contribute however I can—whether as a stylist assistant, model, production assistant, or writer.
In the new year, I’m especially interested in projects based in New York or LA that offer opportunities to gain more on-set styling experience and dive deeper into acting. If you have a story to tell through visuals, I’d love to be part of bringing it to life.
Feel free to reach out to me at [email protected], and you can find me on socials: @sunnysideupsav
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/bookings.sav
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnysideupsav/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchellsav444/
Image Credits
Troy Hallahan
Violet Guerrero
Pati K Art Studio
Ellie Carty
Dalton Drake
Oliver Jaskowski
Daryl Bland
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