North Belfast's Savana Knocker is Driving Change for Women in Sales

A determined young woman from North Belfast is using her platform as a Miss Great Britain Belfast finalist to inspire confidence and break down gender barriers in traditionally male-dominated professions.

23-year-old Savana Knocker works in car sales, a career she admits is a world away from her previous job as an air hostess. As the only woman in her office, she quickly encountered the reality of working in an industry where women are often overlooked or underestimated.

“When people walk in, they just assume the girls are there to make tea and coffee,” Savana explained. “People would be taken aback if I went out to help them, and you wouldn't be taken as seriously as anybody else. I’ve had clients who have been buying cars forever come in and say, ‘No, I want to speak to a salesman.’”

Savana stresses that she is just as qualified as her male colleagues, questioning why clients refuse to deal with her. She recalls an earlier dealership where she was inspired by another female sales executive who ‘gave it back’ to challenging clients and earned respect for it.

“I was that girl looking up to somebody else, and now I want to be that role model for others,” she said. Savana acknowledged that while the environment can sometimes feel like a 'zoo', it has ultimately built her character, making her more resilient and determined to succeed.

Savana’s journey to becoming a role model is perhaps unexpected. Growing up, she describes herself as a “rebel,” often questioning rules and struggling with school. She joked that if her teachers had been asked where she would end up, a pageant stage would not have been on the bingo card.

“I was honestly a demon in school. I hated the place,” she admitted, explaining that she initially refused to do A Levels. It wasn't until she decided to ‘wise up’ that she stayed on, eventually realising the importance of academic qualifications. Savana is now proud to be returning to her old school to speak about her experiences and the importance of resilience.

Taking the leap to apply for Miss Great Britain Belfast has been an important step in building her confidence. She has found immense support within the competition, noting the friendships are like having “12 sisters.”

“It doesn't feel like a typical pageant where everybody's out to get each other; it’s genuinely so uplifting, and everybody’s pushing themselves to be the best version of themselves,” she added.

Savana’s key message for the North Belfast community is simple: confidence is built, not given. She encourages young women not to shy away from opportunities just because they feel they don’t initially belong.

“I walked into that dealership and thought I didn’t belong there until I made my own space,” she said. “Having that initial little thought in your head sparks something you couldn’t even imagine.”