Sara McNally is not like most 22-year-olds. At an age where most people are barely discovering what they might like to pursue in life, Sara is already a brand designer, model, social media influencer, and go-getter. And since we love a good hustling story, we just knew we had to catch up with her. Sara, who is the woman behind the brand Insignia Swim, talked to us about what it means to design and model your own swimsuits, and outfits, growing a social media brand, and going after your dreams.
Born in Portland, Maine, and growing up in nearby Scarborough in a beach-side community, Sara has always felt a deep connection with the sea. Obviously, swimming has been a big part of her life, and as a self-confessed fashion lover, combining these two interests only seemed natural.
Her brand, Insignia Swim, was born out of a passion for the beach, and Sara’s desire to inspire and encourage women to feel beautiful and sexy in their swimwear. Of course, social media played a pivotal role in the development and growth of Sara’s brand.
“Social media has been a wonderful tool for me to advertise my brand,” Sara told us. “Another great thing about social media is that I have met some of the most incredible women from all over the world and I have formed many wonderful relationships. Really, it is all about women supporting women.”
Aside from being a successful entrepreneur and social media expert, Sara is also a model in her own right. She has been featured on the cover of ModelzView Magazine, as well as doing inside spreads for numerous fashion magazines. She’s also scheduled to shoot for Maxim Australia Magazine, in Greece, this coming October.
At 22, Sara is an incredibly successful and based individual on all counts, and a genuine pleasure to talk to. Though this attitude has been developed and honed after years of setbacks and disappointments, as is natural in every business.
“When I first started I wish I didn’t care so much about what others thought of me. Your life isn’t yours if you constantly care what others think!”
Sara knows the importance of taking some time away from her business, to focus on her hobbies and passions. She enjoys listening to music, especially “oldies”, like Guns’n’Roses, Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, or Marvin Gaye.
She is also a keen athlete, who enjoys tennis and basketball, as well as going to the beach, and working out. Of course, she also knows the importance of spending time with family and loved ones, particularly with her twin brother who is precisely one minute older than Sara.
In the future, Sara looks forward to growing her brand, and becoming the best version of herself, which we’ve little doubt she’ll accomplish with her stellar attitude. In parting, we asked Sara for words of advice for aspiring models or entrepreneurs,
“Don’t ever do anything that makes you uncomfortable, or unsure. Stay true to yourself always. Work hard and stay determined. Don’t accept every offer that comes your way. It may be an offer but not a good one, evaluate for yourself.”
