We recently connected with Samantha Dreifus and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, thanks for joining us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

In the grand scheme of things, I am absolutely happier as a business owner. My chronic illnesses make it essential for me to have complete autonomy over my schedule, workload, and environment—something a traditional job could never truly accommodate. But I’d be lying if I said I don’t sometimes miss the structure and stability of a regular job.

The last time I found myself questioning this path was just recently, during a moment of deep craving for human connection. My last job was at a female-owned small business, and some of my fondest memories are of the day-to-day camaraderie— grabbing lunch with coworkers, venting about life, celebrating wins together and lifting each other up. I miss those organic, everyday conversations that turned colleagues into lifelong friends. As a solopreneur, things can get lonely.

Beyond that, there are the practical challenges—paying outrageous amounts for health insurance, navigating unpredictable income, and facing the constant uncertainty of what the next year (or even the next few months) will look like. Those realities can be overwhelming at times.

But despite these struggles, I always come back to the same conclusion: this is the right path for me. The freedom I have—both professionally and personally—is invaluable. One key realization I had recently is that while I may work for myself, I don’t have to work *by* myself. So, I’ve made it one of my New Year’s resolutions to find a co-working space—somewhere I can surround myself with like-minded entrepreneurs, build connections, and bring back that sense of community I’ve been missing.

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

Hi, I’m Samantha—a 30-year-old creative solopreneur from Massachusetts. My journey into freelancing began several years ago, shaped by both passion and necessity. I studied Graphic Design at New England Institute of Technology in Rhode Island, but due to health challenges, I was unable to complete my degree. However, that didn’t stop me from building a career in the creative industry.

I run Made By Samantha Marion, where I offer graphic design, web design, product photography, and other creative services. My work is focused on helping brands develop strong, cohesive visual identities that truly represent who they are.

My career started in an unexpected way—I was originally hired as a sales manager for Blushtan, a sunless tanning company with over 30 locations nationwide. Part of my role required having a social media presence to help sell products, and my boss (the founder) quickly recognized my ability to capture the brand’s voice and aesthetic. I soon took over their official social media, which led to a rapid promotion to Marketing Manager. In that role, I wore many hats—I managed campaigns, created content, and used my graphic design skills to develop packaging, stickers, and marketing collateral. I loved the creative side of the work, but as my chronic illnesses progressed, it became clear that the traditional work environment was no longer sustainable for me.

Taking the leap into freelancing was both terrifying and exhilarating. Fortunately, the relationships I had built in the sunless tanning industry became the foundation for my freelance career—many of my first clients were business owners I had met along the way. I also had the opportunity to white-label for a design studio in New York City, where I further honed my craft and refined my skillset.

Because of my chronic illnesses, I approach my work—and life—a little differently. My experiences have shaped not only the way I run my business but also how I connect with my clients. I understand the importance of flexibility, intentionality, and creating a career that aligns with my personal well-being.

My mission is to create a work culture that values authenticity, inclusivity, and empathy by embracing our unique challenges and experiences as strengths. By fostering open communication and understanding, I build resilient professional relationships that uplift both me and my clients. My goal is to break down traditional barriers in the workplace by championing a people-first approach, where health, life challenges, and individual experiences are respected and openly acknowledged. I believe that transparency, compassion, and understanding lead to more meaningful connections and stronger, more supportive partnerships.

I’d like to see a future where business relationships are founded on openness and respect for each individual’s journey, creating environments where everyone feels valued, empowered, and understood. I envision a workspace where personal stories are celebrated as vital contributions, strengthening the fabric of professional collaboration and inspiring a more inclusive business landscape.

Not only do I hope to change the foundation of traditional partnerships between freelancers and their clients, but I also hope to inspire a change in corporate America, as well. I dream of a future where people like me don’t have self-employment as their only option. I believe in a business world where personal challenges and health are not barriers but bridges to deeper understanding and connection. By sharing our journeys, we empower one another and create a foundation for a more humane and empathetic way of doing business.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I caught COVID in 2020, and it exacerbated my already difficult-to-manage conditions, including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and its many comorbidities. At the time, I was working for an NYC-based design studio, pushing myself as hard as I could—until my body simply gave out on me.

What followed was a devastating 2.5-year hiatus. I had been gaining momentum with potential clients, and was seeing real growth in my career. Losing all of that was terrifying. The uncertainty of whether I’d ever be able to return to the work I loved weighed heavily on me.

When I finally regained enough strength and received the proper diagnoses and treatment, I had to rebuild my business from the ground up. It wasn’t just about finding new clients—I had to rebrand, restart, and reintroduce myself to an industry that had moved on without me. My once-thriving social media had become a ghost town. After being off Instagram for over two years, I was no longer relevant—most people had completely forgotten my account even existed.
I had to quickly become comfortable with being uncomfortable—posting into the void, starting from scratch, and showing up even when it felt like no one was watching. Despite this massive setback, I kept going. I built my portfolio with sample projects, shared my work as consistently as possible, and slowly but surely, I began to attract new clients.

Ultimately, my resilience is reflected in my work every single day. Chronic illness is, well… chronic. There’s no finish line, no moment where it suddenly gets easy. But I fight for my career, my creativity, and my passion—every day, despite the obstacles.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Word of mouth has been the most powerful driver of my business for me. To show my appreciation, I love going the extra mile—when clients reach a certain investment level, I send them custom gifts like mugs, shirts, or stickers featuring the branding we created together. These thoughtful touches reinforce the connection we’ve built and help keep their brand (and mine) top of mind. I truly believe that these small but meaningful gestures have played a big role in why my clients enthusiastically recommend me to others.

When business slows down, I turn to white labeling, which is usually a reliable and steady source of work. It allows me to collaborate behind the scenes while refining my skills and staying creatively engaged.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.madebysamanthamarion.com
• Instagram: @madeby_samanthamarion