When I first met this week’s real life Wonder Woman at a women’s retreat last fall, I was stunned. She wowed me with her superpowers of authenticity and courage. She amazed me with her creativity and passion. And she inspired me by the way she articulated her faith. Not only is she a business owner and entrepreneur, but she’s a community volunteer and the creator of the Humans of Saint Cloud. And an absolute delight to be around!
I’m so excited to introduce you to real life Wonder Woman…Savannah Pierson!
KR: Savannah, will you please tell us about what brings you joy and fulfillment?
SP: I feel fulfilled with my camera in hand—sounds cheesy. I know. But beautiful things captivate me. Since I was a kid I saw beauty in the mundane things (think rocks). So you could imagine how I feel about people…or places. My passion of photography truly fills me with feelings of purpose, and purpose is something I live for.
photo by SavvyPhotage
KR: I believe we all have inner superpowers. What are some of yours?
SP: I’m always ready to learn and to grow. I have a strong desire to succeed in things I do, and to me, that means allowing myself to be open-minded and willing to see things in another light.
Another quality is that I have a strong desire to hear others out. I love getting to know people’s stories, and not just people I know. I started Humans of Saint Cloud to get to know the stories of those in my community. That is the root of connection—our stories.
Check out the Humans of Saint Cloud Facebook page
photo by SavvyPhotage
KR: Can you tell us about an influential woman in your life and how she inspired you?
SP: Kristin Demery is the most influential woman in my life. I met her when I started nannying her kids at age 15. Throughout my toughest years, she has been there. Growing up without a loving female figure, I came into her home desperate for one, but didn’t realize it at the time. My brain had a habit of ‘defending myself’ against women, but even through my ways of pushing her away, she remained a rock for me. She has given me the most valuable gift one could ever ask for; love without conditions.
photo by SavvyPhotage
KR: If you could have one super-human power, what would it be?
SP: Can I give two scenarios?
KR: Absolutely!
SP: Meaningful power–to be able to understand someone’s needs without them saying a word.
Ridiculous childhood desire–to be able to shrink and have life just be huge around me LOL. But also be invincible, as I don’t want to be stepped on (or eaten).
photo by SavvyPhotage
KR: What do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?
SP: My favorite things to do are taking photos (not work related), hanging with my dogs, drinking tea, googling health issues I think I have (yes, you’re invited to my soon-to-be funeral according to WebMD), hiking around new places, and finding new coffee shops to blow all my money on.
photo by SavvyPhotage
KR: Knowing what you know at this stage of your life, what words of wisdom would you give to your 20-year-old self?
SP: I’m 23 now, but even thinking back 3 years ago, I would have said to focus less on having a boyfriend and more on getting healthier emotionally, spiritually and physically. I have a habit of wanting things I’m simply not ready for. In the past year, I’ve been learning there’s no shortcut through healing, and trying to fast pass (or TSA Pre Check for my travel bugs) that process will cheat you out the healthy versions of what you want in life.
photo by SavvyPhotage
KR: Savannah, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…you are wise beyond your years. And yes, you are truly a real life Wonder Woman!
Real life Wonder Woman–Savannah Pierson
Readers, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Savannah on both business and lifestyle photo shoots. In fact, you’ve seen some of her photos if you’ve signed up for my monthly e-newsletter updates. And yes, the photos in this blog were taken by her. Savannah really understands branding and seeks creative ways to tell your story. Plus, she makes the process comfortable and fun! If you want to learn more about SavvyPhotage, Savannah’s photography business, click HERE.
photo by SavvyPhotage