We were lucky to catch up with Samantha Hart recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Samantha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I grew up on a farm in a family of five girls where we were never encouraged to have individual pursuits. It didn’t matter that I wanted to play the oboe–like all of my sisters, I could only play the clarinet. So the idea that I always felt somewhat like a square peg in a round hole didn’t matter. What mattered was trying to fit in.

The one place where I could express my individuality was writing in my journal. It was where I could share my deepest thoughts and feelings, and be the most free. I wrote poems, and stories, and by the time I was twelve years old, I was determined that one day I was going to write my story in the form of a memoir.

I think journaling is such an important outlet, as there is so much that happens between forming your thoughts and ideas in your brain before they tumble out across the page. It’s much more visceral than typing 100wpm.

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

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In my memoir, “Blind Pony: As True A Story As I Can Tell,” I delve into the tumultuous years of my adolescence. I traveled the world, from the streets of Los Angeles to New York, London, and Paris, often with little more than $40 in my pocket. It was a quest to discover something profound, something that would ignite the fire within me and allow my creative soul to flourish. Throughout this odyssey, my resilience became not only a source of strength but also my superpower.

My memoir encapsulates the trials and tribulations I faced, painting a vivid picture of the rollercoaster ride that was my teenage existence. It is a testament to the unwavering determination that propelled me forward, even in the face of adversity. Through the pages of “Blind Pony,” readers will witness my transformation from a runaway teenager to a resilient individual who fearlessly embraces their true self.

This memoir serves as a reminder that resilience is not merely a trait, but a force that can shape our lives and empower us to overcome any obstacle. It is a testament to the power of authenticity and the unwavering spirit that resides within each of us.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I founded a production/post-production company in both Chicago and Los Angeles with over 50 people, driven by the vision of creating a workplace that I would truly enjoy being a part of. And for a significant period, it lived up to that dream. However, I never anticipated the day when my own desire to continue working there would fade away. When that moment arrived, I had to make the difficult decision to close the company and embark on a new path that aligned with my personal and spiritual growth.

Although the transition was challenging, I am grateful that I had the courage to make that change. It taught me the valuable lesson that holding onto something that no longer brings joy is not worth sacrificing my own happiness. By embracing this realization, I was able to redirect my energy towards something more sustainable and fulfilling to me personally.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.wildbill.la, samanthahart.net
• Instagram: @therealsamhart
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthahart/

Image Credits
Blind Pony artwork by Nick Egan