Hellooo and Happy Wednesday friends!! Today on “People Who #DoStuff” I’m giving you an inside peek into the life of one of my favorite Miss Americas, the infamous Savvy Janine Shields. Not even joking, one of the things I was most excited about being crowned Miss WA this year was that I was going to be able to meet her and SHE DID NOT DISAPPOINT!
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Savvy has a the biggest heart and makes everyone feel like the most important person in the room. I always looked (look… still do) up to her for inspiration, fashion advice and motivation to keep making #SavvyChoices.
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Our mutual love for Siggis yogurt, smoothie bowls, dancing, flowers and Jesus has blossomed into the sweetest friendship and I’m so so thankful to have this soul in my life. Now that she’s done being Miss America, she keeps busy in school, traveling and planning her wedding, so I’m going to let her tell you all about it!
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Tell us a little bit about yourself!
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HELLOOOO! My name is Savvy Shields, I love Jesus, art, dancing, flowers, pageants and people. I am a big fan of guacamole and making an effort to live life to the fullest. I have been dancing and painting since I can remember, and this past year I had the honor of being Miss America 2017. Born and raised in Fayetteville, Arkansas, rodeo home of the Ozarks, and baptized in a horse troft, I love my southern roots and I am equally as thankful for the opportunities I have had to explore so much of the world! I am also sending whoever is reading this a virtual hug.
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You had an incredible year as Miss America, what are you up to now?
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Life after Miss America has been NON STOP. Right after Nate (my now fiancé) and I went on a road trip cross country literally a day after I gave up the crown, my life has been filled with events, appearances, adventures, and getting to use the knowledge I learned as Miss America in my life as Savvy Shields. I am currently working as a speaker, emcee, philanthropist, blogger, brand ambassador, content creator, artist, painter, and planning a wedding! AH!
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What do you miss most about being Miss America?
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THE PEOPLE. My absolute favorite part about being Miss America was the opportunity to meet so many different humans, and the biggest lesson I learned was that there are so much life that happens that we don’t know about. I often think about how much I took for granted getting to be in a different state almost every other day, getting to meet so many people every single day. But I am so thankful for that lesson, because it instilled in me a mindset to never met a stranger, and remind myself to always be exploring and learning.
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If you could do anything in the world with no limitations, what’s your biggest dream?
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My biggest dream. I am trying to narrow it down to one big one, but of them keep coming to the front of my mind. I want to own a flower shop one day. Be apart of the Forbes 30 under 30. Hike the major mountains. Travel to as many countries as possible. Start a foundation. Get my masters degree. Continue my motivational speaking. See my art in a museum. So I would say that my biggest dream would be the ability to accomplish all of the goals and hopes I have for my life. There is the quote that says, “If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.”
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How do you manage traveling and going to school?
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Hard work and dedication. It is ALL about time management. I learned pretty early on to make a habit of planning out my entire week hour-by-hour on each Sunday. I also learned not only to give myself more time on projects then I initially think, but to also schedule in time for my mental health. Scheduling in time to put on a face mask, listen to my favorite music, read a new book, journal, all things that help center myself.
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If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?
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No one feels like they know what they’re doing. I spent so much time getting frustrated with myself because I thought I was the only person that wasn’t confident in what I was doing. I kept waiting for a time where I would finally getting the feeling of “I FINALLY KNOW WHAT I AM DOING WITH MY LIFE”, but that is the beauty in it (“it” being life). We are in a constant state of growing, molding, learning, and exploring. We are not suppose to know all of the answers. Ask questions, learn lots, and give yourself grace.
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What are you most excited about for your wedding?
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I am so exciting about so many parts of my wedding oh my goodness graciousness. From the planning process (which you can check out some of it on my blog savvyjanine.com), all of our families getting to together, to the actually wedding day. But I honestly just can not wait to marry my best friend. I dreamed of my wedding day since I was a little girl, but never did I dream that I would be this in love with my best friend – and I can not wait to start our life together. He’s a dreamboat.
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Any tips for someone looking to grow their instagram or youtube channels?
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Two main tips. First, be authentic. Don’t try to force yourself into a specific mold you think you have to have in order to grow your following.The people you look up to and follow have become successful because they were true to themselves and found their nook, and you will find yours! One hundred percent find inspiration from other creators and influences that you follow, I do that every day! But don’t be too critical on yourself, create your own path! Second: Engage. Engage. Engage. Engage with your followers – thank them, answer their questions, ask them questions! And Engage with the people you follow – encourage them, ask them questions, comment, and learn! Creating an actual social community is HUGE in growing your influence.
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What do you do for fun?
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I taught myself how to knit on youtube when I was in high school and it is so therapeutic! I also high key wish I could decorate for Christmas every single day of the year…so I start that in September. 🙂
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Who or what inspires you to #DoStuff?
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Last year as Miss America, it became habitual for me to #dostuff. I was constantly inspired by all of the life that was being lived, and I realized that I wanted to be apart of it. I am extremely grateful to have a group of people surrounding me that encourage me not just to survive, but to thrive.
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And lastly, what is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
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