We recently connected with Sam Russell and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam, thanks for joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

Stroke someone’s ego too much, you strip them of their humanity. I was a big part of that problem for far too long in the Hollywood landscape. As a Los Angeles based personal shopper and fashion stylist, I was extremely good at acquiring overstock for celebrity gifting.

In 2011, my passion evolved, greatly. A daydream morphed into a “lightbulb moment “. We see up close how the well-heeled benefit from this, but what about everyday women that persevere? A single mom or a cancer survivor reentering the workforce, why can’t they get a little help with wardrobe?

Giving Closet searches for these unique stories and surprises each recipient with a wardrobe boost, valued at $10,000 per person. With the help of non-profits and third parties, these women never see the rack of clothing coming….

Remember me for this on my resume, not the celebrities.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My love for showbiz started from the ground up. Style with Elsa Klensch was my bible every Sunday morning. I was intrigued with how women from around the globe could share one distinct trait in common-dressing for success.

Watching my mom, a widow raising 3 boys—excel in life with education, personality, good credit and an eclectic mix of shoes sparked something deep in me.

I started as an actor/model in Austin Texas . My training started with Mona Lee Fultz—and I was scouted as a model by Page Parkes in Houston Texas 2 years after that. By the turn of the century, I was bound for LA to advance my portfolio as a fashion stylist and never looked back. Vicki Snow, behind the scenes at Page Parkes noticed my natural flair for fashion and nudged me.

Travels with Stevie Wonder, window shopping with The Pfeiffer sisters, photo shoot with Sophia Bush at the Viceroy Hotel during a major earthquake, and prepping Jon Hamm for one of his very first magazine covers—to say it’s been a whirlwind experience is an understatement.

I’ve been inspired positively by so many talented artists and thinkers. On the flip side, I’ve witnessed a lot of uncouth behaviors and knew that if/when I returned to acting I could be way more refreshing to producers and directors.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

As my passion project, The Giving Closet gained traction—so did the inquiries. Lots of attention came organically and it’s been humbling.

Robin Meade from HLNs Morning Express spotted my charitable work on Twitter and flew me to Atlanta for a 2 part special. We surprised a two time cancer survivor and single mom for Mothers Day with over 50 outfits and an array of jewelry/shoes in 2016.

When I first started, the snobbery to gift non celebrities was palatable. Big designers ignored me and that changed over time.

My recent surprise in 2023 was in Beverly Hills for an acid attack survivor. Azazie Online sent two gorgeous dresses for special occasions, Giarite handbags overnighted a bag from Paris, jewelry from Violet & Blue in upstate NY & Thailand superstar Vilawain Fine Jewelry were eager to participate.

The brands are definitely “getting it” now and the public responds positively to socially responsible designers.

This matters.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Not everyone will root for your success. I’ve had to install a lot of boundaries to edit out unhealthy clients and ex friendships. You will never get to the clients that adore if you’re at the wrong mansion.

I was in a very toxic relationship with an abusive ex when I first moved to California. My boundaries were underdeveloped and it would take a turn of events for me to sharpen them.

One night after a charity event in Malibu, my then boyfriend overdrank and assaulted me in the car, on the ride home. I was not the passenger, but the driver of the car—both hands on the wheel and caught off guard. He swerved us into oncoming traffic and tried to veer the car off the cliff on Pacific Coast Highway..

Everything resilient about me started from that traumatic experience. I fight for the underdog and don’t cater to unchecked egos.      

Contact Info:

• Website: www.givingcloset.net
• Instagram: GivingSam
• Facebook: The Giving Closet- Sam Russell-
• Twitter: GivingSam

Image Credits
Pic of Sam and Hanifa (acid attack survivor) Dress on standing mannequin- Azazie Online Necklace on standing mannequin- Violet & Blue Jewelry by Jen Guzman Photo- Sam Russell and Giving Closets’ 21st surprise recipient Hanifa (June 2023, Beverly Hills) Credit – FaceForward LA