We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Samantha Brown a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, thanks for joining us today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

I come from a long lineage of strong, independent women. All of these women gave birth to many other women. There is only a handful of men in our family. Almost all of these women work, keep a home and raise their babies on their own, just like their mothers did. That strength and that sturdy ground is a big part of who I am. I hope to leave behind a life that other young women can aspire too. Success is not without pain and failure. It’s taking that pain, that failure and making something beautiful out of it. With my own story in particular I’ve wasted a lot of time trying to make important figures in my life proud, to make them see how special that I really am. How badly I wanted people to really see me. But what I learned was I didn’t even see myself! I was letting people in my life dictate how I spent my time, how people spoke to me, or spoke about me. I was working a job that was running me into the ground because that’s what “I was supposed to do”. I stopped to think, why am I letting these people make me feel like this? I know who I am, and I know what I want and I’m going to do what I want to do and I’m going to succeed at it. After making that life changing decision (and partaking in therapy), I tossed my world up in the air and completely re- arranged it. I knew there would be hell to pay for making decisions that I needed to make. I gave up long term friendships, family relationships, distanced myself from people who had nothing positive to say to me or about me. I ruffled feathers at home by quitting my 9-5 nursing job to start my business. I was willing to do it all for the sake of myself. I chose me. It was hard and It was messy. I had weeks where I couldn’t leave the couch due to non stop panic attacks. I couldn’t leave the house for a week I was so anxiety ridden. My legacy? Choose yourself. Choose yourself even though it’s the hardest thing you will ever do. Ruffle the feathers, make boundaries and jump into your dreams. Success isn’t measured by how many degree’s you have, or if you please your father, or if people like you. Success is standing up for yourself, living life the way you want, and taking chances. Those who matter will be with you for the ups and downs and love you through it and grow with you. Everyone else doesn’t matter.

Great, we appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My story starts in sunny Sarasota, Fl. Born and raised a few miles from the #1 beach in the country has had its perks! I have always been a reach-for-the-stars kind of girl. Everything I’ve ever done, I’ve given it my all. I believe that life is about exploring every opportunity that gives you a spark in your heart. Keeping your heart open to the world and its adventures is something I think everyone should be brave enough to do.

Before I was a Photographer and hair and makeup artist, I was a performer. I started performing with Radio Disney at the age of 13. I spent my teen years opening up for Disney acts and recording music. Most weekends were spent traveling to Orlando to perform. Many nights were spent in a recording studio downtown In downtown Tampa after high school.

I decided that I wanted to try something new when I turned 20. It was a strange feeling to leave that life behind and look forward to a new path. I think it’s important to say that college was not for me. I wanted it to be, for my dad’s sake who wanted me to have all the things he didn’t. For my own future too. I felt really lost after high school being told getting a degree was the only way I’d ever be successful was really stressful.

Being put in a box was not something that I was meant to be in. I think if I knew that there were other ways of being successful, I would have gotten where I am today much sooner. But my wandering and whimsical spirit would lead me to great places yet. I started my career by attending cosmetology school. That’s when I knew I was on the right road. I’d always loved taking photos and had taken classes in high school.

My subjects had been architectural and street photography before my imagination was sparked by the ability to create a story using hair, makeup, and photography. After I graduated from cosmetology school I started the path to building my own business. I used friends to create a series of portraits portraying some of my favorite Disney characters coming to life in a world they do t recognize. A good example would be Ariel in a fountain in front of a motel.

I started finding my footing and with the support and mentoring of so many wonderful people in the industry I was able to get off the ground running. Now everything special about me that I was afraid I’d have to tuck away in a box to be successful is exactly what has helped my business flourish in such a beautiful way.

I don’t only help people look and feel their best. I am able to capture the moments they will always remember. Being a friend and someone my clients can count on for their most important days is what truly makes my heart soar.

My father used to say that if I did what I loved then I would meet people like me. All the years of feeling like I didn’t fit in, or that I was “too much” was washed away when I was taken into the fold of the wedding industry. We are truly the kindest and most supportive group of people I’ve ever met.

Now my husband has taken on the role of my assistant/ second shooter for our weddings and bigger sessions. It has been a complete joy to work with him as I watch my dreams come to life.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I really like this question. My answer is just being myself. I am a friendly and bubbly person by nature. I really, really care about other people and about creating a comfortable creative environment for my clients and other vendors I that I work with. I think supporting other vendors/ photographers/ hair and makeup artists in the wedding industry is not just a fun way to meet friends, but a good way to create wonderful trusting working relationships. When other vendors like and trust you, they refer you to their own clients. When your clients, love and trust you they want their loved ones to have that same experience for themselves. It’s not something that is intentional, but comes with loving and being passionate about what you do.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

There is something about being able to read someone and really capture who they are in a physical form that is spectacular to me. Having people feel comfortable enough in your presence to let their guard down and allow you to be in the company of their love, or their family silliness, or their tears is something really special. I don’t take that trust and vulnerability for granted.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.samanthabrownartistry.com
• Instagram: @samanthabrownartistry
• Facebook: facebook.com/samanthabrownartistryllc

Image Credits
Brianna Watkins, Samantha Brown Artistry