We were lucky to catch up with Sia Savvy recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sia, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
As an African American woman in the television industry. Resilience is something that’s deeply rooted in my personal journey and experiences. First and foremost, I draw strength from my family and the generations of strong, determined individuals who came before me. Their sacrifices and determination remind me of the importance of pushing through adversity and making the most of every opportunity.
In my career I’ve been fortunate to have mentors and colleagues who have guided me and offered invaluable advice. Their wisdom and willingness to share their own experiences have helped me navigate the unique challenges that come with working in the television and film business. Knowing that I have a network of individuals who understand the industry and believe in my abilities has been a tremendous source of resilience.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m Sia Stewart, also known as “Sia Savvy,” and I’m an accomplished Television Producer, and Showrunner hailing from Oakland, CA. My journey in the entertainment industry began in the True Crime genre, I later began producing Reality-TV, Docuseries and most recently Feature Length Documentaries. I have worked on popular shows such as, “Why Not Us” airing on ESPN+ and Hulu, TVOne’s Fatal Attraction, Oxygen’s Snapped Behind bars, VH1’s Black Ink Crew-Compton, and many more.
In 2020, I founded Savvy Media Group, a full-scale production company. This venture allowed me to assemble a team with a shared commitment to excellence. Together, we’ve created a collective of industry professionals dedicated to producing top-quality content. I’m passionate about creating, writing, and producing content of the highest caliber, as well as opening doors for young creatives looking to follow their passion of producing television like myself.
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?
Resilience: Resilience is crucial in any career, rejection and setbacks are inevitable, but it’s how you bounce back from them that matters. Throughout my journey, I’ve faced numerous challenges, but my determination to persevere and keep pushing forward has been essential. My advice to those starting their journey is to cultivate resilience by maintaining a strong belief in yourself and your goals.
Adaptability: The entertainment industry is ever-changing and being adaptable is a must. Whether it’s adapting to new technologies, industry trends, or shifts in audience preferences, staying flexible and open to change is key to staying relevant. For those early in their journey, my advice is to continuously educate yourself. Be open to learning new skills, exploring different aspects of the industry, and embrace change as an opportunity for growth.
Networking: Building meaningful relationships within the industry has been instrumental in my journey. Networking opens doors to opportunities, collaboration, and mentorship. My advice for newcomers is to actively network and seek out mentors who can provide guidance and share their experiences. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and engage with peers and colleagues. Building a strong network can help accelerate your career and provide valuable insights.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me while I was growing up was to teach me to believe in myself. My mother consistently made sure I knew I was loved, and she emphasized that believing in myself was the most significant task I would accomplish in this life. My father instilled in me the belief that I could reinvent myself as many times as I desired, as long as I always remained authentic and true to myself. These invaluable teachings have empowered me to be courageous in pursuing my passions and my own creative voice regardless of the room I enter.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.savvymediagrp.com
- Instagram: @siasavvy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Savvymediacom
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/siasavvystewart
- Twitter: @SavvyMediaGrou1
