Savannah Bush - Petite Play

Savannah Bush, a proud Jacksonville State University alumna, graduated in 2017 with a degree in Business Marketing Education. Originally from Millbrook, Alabama, Savannah now resides in Gadsden with her husband Slava and their preschool-age daughter, Cora. Savannah and Slava met at Jax State through mutual friends at the International House. This inspired their family to host two exchange students this year who are currently finishing their senior year at Coosa Christian School.

Savannah’s connection to Jax State began in her senior year of high school when she toured the campus in 2012. The friendly atmosphere, coupled with a free T-shirt she won during her visit, sealed the deal. “I still have that T-shirt, and it’s a special reminder of the day I knew I wanted to be a Gamecock,” she recalls. A scholarship offer further solidified her decision to attend.

"As a mom, I wanted a place where parents new to the area or looking for connection could feel welcome. The support we’ve received from the community has been incredible, and we’re so grateful.”

What Savannah cherishes most about Jax State is its unique blend of being a large university with a small-town feel. She appreciated the close-knit relationships she built with classmates, teachers, and other students. Among her favorite memories is the time spent with friends at the International House. “My husband and best friend both lived in the international dorms, and that experience made such an impact. It even inspired my family to host exchange students this year!”

Savannah’s education at Jax State equipped her with a solid foundation for her future as a business owner.  She highlights an Entrepreneurship course in the business department as particularly transformative. Through hands-on projects, she gained a deeper understanding of how businesses operate. She also credits Dr. Kim Townsel, her advisor in the Business Education department, for being a mentor who inspired excellence.

Savannah’s advice to future students is to embrace exploration and not stress about having a rigid career path. “Find a subject you enjoy and go from there. Every experience can lead to something you never imagined. My background as a teacher and assistant principal ended up preparing me for business ownership in ways I didn’t expect.”

Savannah remains connected to Jax State. Recently, her family attended the UN Day Tea, where they enjoyed introducing their exchange students to the campus. Her husband also serves on the International House Board of Trustees, further deepening their ties to the university.

Savannah is the creative force behind Petite Play, an indoor playground in Gadsden designed for children aged 1–10. Inspired by her experience as a business education teacher, the idea for Petite Play emerged from a classroom project where she challenged her students to develop business concepts. “My students were my biggest inspiration. Watching their creativity and receiving feedback on my own project was incredibly rewarding.”

Petite Play offers a two-story play structure, slides, a ball pit, an interactive game screen, and a soft play area for younger visitors. But Savannah’s vision goes beyond play; she aims to create a welcoming space where families can connect, grow closer, and make lasting memories. “As a mom, I wanted a place where parents new to the area or looking for connection could feel welcome. The support we’ve received from the community has been incredible, and we’re so grateful.”

Savannah Bush’s story reflects the spirit of Jax State — a blend of ambition, community, and a dedication to making a difference. Through Petite Play, she continues to create a positive impact, fostering joy and connection in her local community.