Rising Stars: Meet Savannah Shu

Today we’d like to introduce you to Savannah Shu. 

Hi Savannah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have had a passion for the arts for as long as I can remember. Music was my primary interest through high school and college, which led me to a career in music education based in California for five years. A Masters in Music in Conducting brought me out to UC’s College Conservatory of Music, where I had a wonderful, challenging experience and fell in love with Cincinnati. However, after graduating, I decided to pivot my music career into exploring some of my other artistic interests. This brings me to this last year, where I have been venturing into the world of creative freelancing, working primarily in interior and event design and social media management. A few months ago, I decided to make it official and launch my own business, Savannah Shu Studios, LLC. It’s been a thrilling and terrifying (at times) ride so far, but a decision I will never regret. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road to a new career, especially one you that completely conjure up yourself, is rarely a smooth one. One of the biggest struggles for me on this journey was actually figuring out what I wanted to focus on doing. I found myself both excited and overwhelmed by so many interests and ideas, but I knew it was impossible to do all of them well as the same time. After months of experimenting and lots of support from my creative community, I eventually found myself less fixated on a specific career title and more open to focusing on what worked for the time being. Right now, that happens to be the world of social media and interior/event design. I have plenty of other creative interests and ideas that I want to implement for the future, but I know now that I can pivot to those whenever the time is right. This past year has taught me to not be afraid of that possibility anymore. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My creative studio currently houses two areas of my work- interior/event design and social media management. 

I absolutely love being able to work with clients to create their dream space or event. I mainly specialize in residential interiors, whether it be styling a gallery wall, furnishing an Airbnb, or re-designing an entire apartment. I also currently work as an event designer for the Social Collective, in addition to curating the frequent parties I love to throw on my own, of course! The biggest thing that I’d say sets me apart from others in this field would have to be my ability to achieve great design on a strict budget (I love finding good deals!). So, whatever your budget may be, I can make it work! 

As for the social media portion of my studio, I specialize in working with local businesses on growing their social media presence. I offer services ranging from content creation, to account management, to strategy and consulting. I think that my specialty lies in creating beautiful, yet relatable content that brings brands to life online for people to engage with. I love having the opportunity to be a part of promoting these local businesses and giving them the tools to reach greater audiences. 

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love that Cincinnati is so accessible yet incredibly vibrant. Coming from larger cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, I have found Cincinnati to be so much more approachable. The people are warm and welcoming, giving it that small town feel, but with no shortage of new things to do and places to visit. The creative community I have found here has been integral to my happiness and growth, making it truly feel like the world is my oyster here in Cincinnati! 

On the flip side of that coin, sometimes I feel a lack of cultural representation, particularly from the Asian-American community. Being half Filippino myself and my husband being Chinese, we often find ourselves standing out in a typical crowd (not to mention searching far and wide for good dim sum!). At the same time, I like to see this gap as an area of opportunity for me to bring even more value and diversity to Cincinnati. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: savannahshu_
• Email: savannahmarieshu@gmail.com

Image Credits
Courtney Paige Photography
Catie Viox Photography
Marionna Merwin Photography y