A model enters the HSN studio in a chic denim jacket, showing off the latest collection from television personality and fashion designer Giuliana Rancic. Rancic applauds the model as host Sarah Anderson pulls a sample of the jean jacket off the rack and throws it on.
“Last call on the watermelon pink! Isn’t it cute? Looks great with a dress, and you can wear it with jeans too,” Sarah addresses the home audience as she strides towards the camera. “I think you’ll love having this in your closet!”
After twenty years as a host on TV shopping networks, Sarah Anderson knows what a girl wants, which she proves every Tuesday night on her popular HSN broadcast. A fast-paced show highlighting fashion, beauty, and accessories, What A Girl Wants is one of the most-watched shows on the network. For the past five years, Sarah has sold thousands of products to millions of viewers across the country with her girl-next-door persona and clever sense of humor.
“Viewers come for the shopping and stay for the fun,” Sarah says.
One of Sarah’s coworkers attributes her success to her hard work and authenticity. “Who Sarah is on camera is who she is off camera,” said line producer Steve Rockmuller. “She is one of the most prepared of anyone for her shows, and she has one of the most compassionate hearts that I know of in and out of the studio.”
Sarah sat down with me recently to offer a behind-the-scenes look at life as an HSN show host.
Christina Stanton: How did you get your start in show business?
Sarah Anderson: Musical theater! After college, I moved to New York City to pursue a career as a dancer, singer, and actress. I joined national and international companies of Broadway shows like Phantom of Opera, Some Like It Hot, West Side Story, and Beauty and the Beast. I was a Radio City Rockette with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. It was the hardest but most rewarding job I ever had — 10 shows a week and hundreds of eye-high kicks!
CS: How did a Rockette become a host for TV shopping networks?
SA: Totally by accident. One year, my talent agent asked me to sell a vacuum on QVC. I didn’t even own a vacuum, but I said yes anyway. They sent me a sample and I practiced the demos in my tiny apartment on one little rug. The show went well, and I was hooked on home shopping! I’m now on HSN, the sister channel of QVC, and vacuums are still one of my favorite things to sell.
In 2004, I hung up my tap shoes for good and took the first host job I could get — working overnights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on a national shopping network based in Minneapolis. I’d come home exhausted, peel off my false eyelashes, and fall asleep on the couch. But I loved it and learned the ropes. And slowly, I built a relationship with viewers. Eventually, I was moved to the morning show and then promoted to prime time. I was thrilled to join HSN in 2016.
CS: How does hosting a shopping show compare to the theater?
SA: It’s very similar. It’s live, and you still feel the energy of the audience. And just like theater, things can go wrong on set.
I love connecting with the viewers. I love interviewing the guests. We tell the stories that relate to the viewer at home and help them imagine the product in their lives.
There is no script and no teleprompter. It’s basically a nonstop party on live television, and anything can happen. Home shopping is the original reality show!
CS: Tell me about a time when something unexpected happened on air.
SA: I was selling a very chic dress from the supermodel Iman. As I was describing the details of the dress, I looked down and realized I was wearing it backwards! I was horrified and hoped the viewers didn’t notice. Ironically, it became my best-seller of the night because I could say it was “reversible.”
CS: What are the requirements of your job?
SA: It’s a full-time job. I’m on air five nights a week, presenting a variety of electronics, home goods, kitchen, beauty, jewelry, fashions, and diamonds. You need to be a product expert in every category. When I started, I didn’t know a ruby from an emerald, so I got my certification with the GIA (Gemological Institute of America). Hopefully hosts make it look easy, but every hour of live TV equals several hours of preparation.
I’m asking people to open their wallets, and spend their hard-earned money, and I take that responsibility seriously.
CS: What does a typical day look like for you?
SA: I wake up, walk my dog, check my emails, and tune into virtual meetings. Then I hit the gym for a workout, eat lunch, and get to the studio three hours before I go on air. I grab my cue cards, study the features and benefits of the products, and read customer reviews. I chat with my guests and meet with the producer and director to plan out each of the segments. Lastly, I coordinate my outfit with the stylist.
CS: Who does your hair and makeup?
SA: Me, unfortunately. We do our own hair and makeup — it’s home-shopping, not Hollywood!
CS: What is the most challenging thing you’ve had to sell?
SA: We broadcast daily into millions of homes, so most of our items are very mainstream. But once I had a ring with a big green frog on top. A frog! But there is someone who would love this ring; it’s my job to figure out who. “Well, sometimes you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince,” I said. That symbolism seemed to resonate with our viewers, and it sold out.
CS: Have you ever had a show just go terribly wrong?
SA: I had to launch a new Wood Pellet Smoker and Grill, and I was expecting our expert guest — a pitmaster — to take the lead. But his flight was late! As we went live, I began to panic. I didn’t even know how to work the grill. All I could do was talk about was how yummy the smoked ribs and pulled pork would be. And I did this for 30 minutes before, thankfully, the guest arrived. But it was too late to rescue me or the sales for the day.
CS: Have you ever run out of things to say?
SA: Never. I was that kid in class whose report card said, “Good student. Talks too much in class.” If only my fifth-grade teacher could see me now! I’m talking for hours every day.
However, I’m very prepared for every show and try to anticipate any questions the viewer might have. Is it machine washable? How long is the battery life? Does it come with a warranty? It’s up to me to bring the product to life.
It takes a lot of practice to use your voice, breath, and words correctly. But I get tongue-tied, too. Once I was selling a kitchen pantry rack, but I kept calling it a “panty” rack. Everyone in the control room was just howling. We all had a good laugh and hopefully the viewers did too.
CS: Who watches What a Girl Wants?
SA: HSN appeals to women over 50 with above-average disposable income who love to shop, are highly engaged with video, and are trendsetters for family and friends. I love being their personal shopper! It’s a dream come true to connect with a diverse group of women every week.
CS: Do you get to work with celebrities on HSN?
SA: Celebrities love HSN because they can speak directly to their fans. HSN has exclusive collections with many celebrity chefs, supermodels, red-carpet designers, entrepreneurs, and artists. I have been starstruck by a few including Dolly Parton — what an absolute gem — and Lionel Richie had us “dancing on the ceiling!”
Sarah talks with Dolly Parton on HSN in December 2022 (Uploaded to YouTube by HSNtv)
CS: What’s the most challenging part of a host life?
SA: HSN broadcasts live 364 days a year. I’ve missed birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and vacations with family. It’s a huge sacrifice, and you need a very supportive spouse who understands your passion. I’m lucky I have that in my husband of 21 years.
CS: What do you do for fun outside the studio?
SA: I love running, biking, hiking, traveling, and paddleboarding. My husband and I volunteer at an animal rescue and have fostered many dogs over the years. I love every minute with those creatures — they just want to be loved and feel safe.
CS: Are there things you can’t do in your real life because of your job?
SA: Bowling and rock-climbing. Those are out. They would really ruin my nails!!
CS: What’s one of the biggest hurdles you’ve had to overcome?
SA: I used to put a lot of pressure on myself to look perfect. But most days that’s not possible — my hair was too frizzy, I had lipstick on my teeth, or a zit on my chin. Now I share those frustrations about daily life with the viewer, who can relate. It’s quite freeing actually.
CS: What are some of your secrets for looking good on camera?
SA: It’s a demanding job physically and mentally, so I don’t drink. I eat healthy, exercise, and prioritize sleep. I’m trying to give up diet soda and sugar but that may never happen — they get me through my late-night shifts! For my daily skin routine, I swear by Vitamin C for age spots and Retinol for wrinkles. My mom gave me the best beauty advice of all: Always wear sunscreen and a hat!
CS: Do you shop at HSN?
SA: Yes, I’m one of their best customers! I order for friends and family all the time. I have one friend who hates shopping in stores, so I’ve helped her build her entire wardrobe. I honestly don’t know what she would be wearing if it wasn’t for me.
CS: How does someone get into this business?
SA: A background in news, theater, radio, television, or sales is great but not required. Just have a passion for storytelling. Hundreds of people audition every year for HSN and QVC. Most importantly, be authentic, because that’s what resonates with the audience.
CS: What excites you most about your career?
SA: What’s to come! Last year I designed my first collection of holiday sweaters, and our viewers loved them. I have a new collection coming this fall. I’m thankful for my dedicated team behind the scenes, from the producers, directors, buyers, and planners, to the crew in the studio. I couldn’t do it without them!
I will do this as long as they let me. As a woman on television, I’m grateful to have one of the few jobs in the industry where you can work into your 50s, 60s, and 70s. Women want to look good and feel good at any age, and I’m honored to join them on that journey. We’re all in this together!
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