Check out our interview with stunning model, influencer and entrepreneur Sara McNally who can be seen in some of the top magazines and campaigns with Maxim, Amazon, and Shein to name a few. Sara is also the founder of the popular swim brand Insignia Swim.
Follow Sara @saraelizabethmcnally
Hi Sara, please tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Sara McNally and I am a model, influencer, and entrepreneur. I am 23 years old and I was born in Portland, Maine. I grew up in Scarborough, Maine, a beach side community. I am Polish, Irish, and French. I would like to travel to my homelands one day. I love meeting new people, going to the beach, traveling and finding new hobbies! I have been modeling for around 9 years now and haven’t stopped since. I am also a pretty good cook!
Describe yourself in three words.
- Loving
- Determined
- Clever
How and when did you start modeling?
I have been in the modeling industry since 14! A local hair salon asked me to model for their business and ever since that I haven’t stopped.
What is fun and rewarding about modeling?
I love meeting new people, making connections, exploring new cultures, and creating memories. It’s rewarding to see yourself in Magazines & company advertisements around the world… So cool!
Can you name a few of the brands you are working with or have worked with?
Amazon, Shein, Temu, Maxim, Etsy, Carmen Sol.
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
Without failure you will never evolve as a person.
The most important thing when you are shooting is?
Confidence and movement.
What’s your advice for young models and influencers?
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.
What mindset helped make you so successful and popular?
Never give up on something you can’t go a day without thinking about. Always believe in yourself, you are your biggest supporter!
What do you think is the secret to having a successful social media channel?
Find your niche, stay consistent, engage with your audience, post and share what makes you happy.
I bet you get millions of them, but what are the best and worst Instagram DM pickup lines you have received so far?
I’d rather not say, lol!
What would you say are the greatest lessons you have learned so far?
- We can’t control everything that happens to us but we can control how we react
- You are responsible for your own happiness
- A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles
- A bad day doesn’t mean a bad life
Now let’s talk about your swim brand, Insignia Swim. How often do you create new products or collections?
I create new products after I travel. I become inspired by different cultures, music, and colors, clothing.
Favorite piece from your collection and why?
I would have to say my Sicilia bikini. Sicilia is a cute tie in the front top with lemons all over. It reminds me of my travels to Europe when I modeled for Maxim Magazine. The wardrobe stylist dressed me in a floral tie in the front top for the shoot, which inspired me to create my own. It’s very sentimental!
What are the challenges you face as a designer and entrepreneur?
Always staying consistent.
Where can we buy them?
On the travel side, we know you love traveling. Tell us your top 3 countries to travel to.
- Greece
- Greece
- Greece
And which countries or cities are still on your bucket list?
I want to visit:
- Thailand
- Italy
- Turkey
- Brazil
- UAE
Which place that you have visited do you think changed you in a particular way, maybe for motivation or to see a different reality, etc.?
Every place I travel to ultimately reminds me how grateful I am to live where I live.
What’s next for Sara Elizabeth McNally in the last months of 2023 and for 2024?
I am traveling to Jamaica in a month for pleasure… So beyond excited! I also have opportunity’s to travel to Mexico, Thailand, or South Africa for work in 2024!
What advice would you give to your younger self, and why?
Don’t take everything to heart and you are doing your best. You are living and learning. I’ve always been hard on myself.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Happiness for me is:
- Going to the beach
- Having supportive people in your life
- A good latte
- Pets
- Family
- Flowers
- Cooking for others
- Freshly cut grass
- Slow mornings
- Traveling to new places
- Deep and meaningful conversations
- Sunsets
- Summer nights
- A nice cup of hot chocolate while being snowed in
- Embracing the little things that make me happy
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car or for karaoke?
Baby got back, or Killing me softly with his song.
Name one of your strengths.
One of my strengths would have to be my empathy for others.
Please describe a typical day for you. What is your daily routine like?
My daily routine starts with drinking tea, brushing my teeth, then starting my skincare routine. Once my morning routine is completed, I feed my pets, clean around the house, run errands, respond to emails from brands, schedule content for the month, travel, workout and run a small business.
What’s your favorite form of cardio? And how often do you workout?
Favorite form of cardio would be walking or swimming. I workout 2-3 times a week.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Avocado.
And your favorite cheat food?
Fast food.
Name three things you can’t live without.
- Skincare products
- My phone
- Comfy pajamas
Best advice ever given?
Treat others how you want to be treated. Respect is a two way street!
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years?
In 5 years I hope to develop more skills as a model, expand my swimsuit line, and continue to strive to be the best version of myself. I have huge goals, but I don’t believe in sharing until they are obtained.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Enjoying the sun at the beach with a unsweetened iced tea in hand, listening to music.
What do you think of social media?
I think social media is a very powerful tool for networking, showcasing your brand, online portfolio or business!
Where can we follow you?
Facebook / Instagram: @saraelizabethmcnally and TikTok: @heyitsmcnalls
Quote: Say yes to new adventures!
Song: Anything 80’s
Movie: Ratatouille
Travel Destination: Greece
Food: Maine lobster
Sports Team: Celtics
