Delving into the journey of Savannah Vinson, CEO of Queen Castings, unveils a story of resilience, vision, and passion for transforming the modeling industry. From her humble beginnings as a model, Savannah witnessed the injustices prevalent in the industry – delayed payments, body shaming, and exploitation. Fueled by a desire to redefine standards, she founded Queen Castings, championing inclusivity and fairness for models of all ages, sizes, and ethnicities. Savannah’s mission is clear: to empower individuals and make everyone feel like royalty, irrespective of societal norms.
Why modeling? And how did you start ?
This is quite a funny story, I kid you not, my mom said that when they did my ultrasound sound as a baby, I turned and posed for the camera. That was when she knew I was going to be a model. I've loved taking pictures for as long as I can remember, and when I found out I could get paid for it, that's all I wanted to do.
I moved to New York from Ohio when I was 17. I didn’t know anyone, I had nothing set up. It was my first everything. I vividly remember packing my life into suitcases at the airport, taking that leap of faith to the Big Apple. For the first six months I worked a normal job as a hostess at dry bar. I hated it, I was unfulfilled and miserable. I said to myself, I need to find something because this is not what I'm supposed to be doing.
At that point, I was completely clueless about the modeling industry – I didn't know the first thing about modeling agencies or open calls. But I refused to let my lack of knowledge hold me back. I dove headfirst into networking, connecting with anyone and everyone who could offer guidance. I eventually found out about the open calls and then I got signed to my first agency. From there, I seized every opportunity that came my way, gradually building my portfolio and reputation. Now, I'm proudly signed with eight different agencies, each one offering unique opportunities. I prefer to keep my contracts non-exclusive so that I have the freedom to pursue my own projects. After all, I've learned that the more doors you open for yourself and the more people you have vouching for you, the more opportunities come your way. It's been quite the journey from my naive beginnings, but I've grown tougher and more resilient with each step along the way.
You are phenomenal with poses, how did you learn?
In my opinion, many models rely heavily on photographers to direct their poses. However, for me, Google has been my best friend. I've spent countless hours watching YouTube tutorials and studying different poses. Additionally, I've found the mirror to be an invaluable tool. By sitting in front of it, I can assess what looks flattering on my body and face, recognizing that what works for one person may not work for another.
Posing isn't just about showcasing your face; it involves every aspect of your body, from your hands to your posture. By practicing in front of the mirror or using a phone tripod to take photos, you can identify what works best for you and refine your technique. This preparation ensures that you're ready to shine during shoots and leave a lasting impression.
Ultimately, photographers appreciate models who come prepared and can confidently execute poses without constant direction. By honing your posing skills, you increase your chances of being booked consistently, as clients remember your professionalism and versatility. I like to compare it to a dance routine; once you master the steps, you can create captivating shapes with your body effortlessly.
How did Queen's Castings came to be?
As I ventured further into modeling, I started seeing the injustices and challenges in the industry – delayed payments, body shaming, and exploitation. Additionally, producers from various projects would ask me for model recommendations. They'd inquire, "Do you have a model for this project that fits this criteria". That's when I realized I could leverage my connections and expertise to fulfill casting needs. Initially, I didn't even know casting was a formal process. Over time, as I consistently booked modeling gigs, I recognized an opportunity to expand my services, this led to the birth of Queens Castings. Our mission is to redefine industry standards, ensuring prompt payments and representing models of all ages, sizes, and ethnicities. Queen Castings aims to empower individuals, making everyone feel like royalty regardless of conventional norms.
Many creatives struggle with the business aspects of their craft. How did you tackle this challenge and gain business acumen?
It was all trial and error for me. Initially, I relied on my modeling agencies to secure jobs, but I soon realized I couldn't sit around waiting. So, I took matters into my own hands. I scoured the internet, searching for casting sites using various keywords like "modeling castings near me" and "New York modeling." This led me to discover numerous opportunities. Additionally, I tapped into social media platforms and joined relevant Facebook groups, which proved to be goldmines of information.
After successfully offering recommendations for several projects, I began pitching myself as a casting resource to clients, offering to provide not only models but also actors for their projects. This approach gained momentum through word of mouth and social media. By sharing the projects I booked for models on social platforms, I garnered attention and referrals .Consistency was key; maintaining a professional demeanor and staying active on social media helped amplify my presence in the industry.
Responding promptly to job inquiries and casting calls proved crucial. In a fast-paced industry, swift communication is essential to securing bookings. I've observed that the faster you respond, the higher your chances of landing the job. Even when posting casting calls, responses come in rapidly, the post might be up for a day but the talent is typically booked within minutes. It's a first come, first grab situation.
What are some of most significant achievements or milestones during your tenure at Queens Castings?
Some of our significant achievements at Queen Castings include surpassing 10k Instagram followers, building a roster of over 1,000 talented individuals, and successfully booking talent for major brands like L’Oréal, Essence, GQ, Nike, Footlocker, and Champs. These milestones showcase our growing presence and credibility in the industry.
What about challenges, what are some challenges you've faced?
As CEO, a key challenge has been managing talent who are unreliable or late. We've addressed this with strict policies: a fee deduction for tardiness and removal for repeat offenses. Emphasizing professionalism and punctuality helps maintain our agency's standards.
One crucial lesson I learned early on was the importance of punctuality. Showing up on time, or even a few minutes early, can leave a lasting impression on clients. It may seem like a small detail, but it can make a significant difference in the long run.
What advice would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to merge creativity with business acumen?
To blend creativity with business skills, focus on honing both aspects equally. Learn about marketing, finance, and operations while embracing risk-taking and thinking outside the box. Surround yourself with supportive mentors, and never stop learning and adapting.
How do you define success personally and professionally, and what drives you to continue pushing boundaries in your field?
Personally, I define success as finding happiness and fulfillment, which begins with cherishing loved ones and practicing self-love. Professionally, success means progressing and giving my all every day in my career. What drives me is the desire to continually
Lastly, let’s delve into leisure activities, how do you enjoy your time outside work?
I enjoy hiking, exploring new places, and seeking out hidden gems. I also find relaxation and rejuvenation in sauna sessions.
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