Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Lande
Hi Samantha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was always a writer at heart but I didn’t’ get started with making it a career until about a decade ago. I was working in a less than stimulating job and I needed a creative outlet. Eater had just launched in Chicago and I sent in a tip about a restaurant. The editor said thanks and I followed up with “do you need writers?” He did and I eventually became associate editor before launching a full-time freelancing career. Now I contribute to outlets like Food Network, Midwest Living, Real Simple and more. I have also launched a successful newsletter and speak to many public relations firms and other businesses about writing and working with media.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There is no such thing as a smooth road. Owning your own business is constant hustle and you have to always sell yourself. I think recently the emergence of AI, the massive layoffs at media outlets and the general distrust in media has made it a really challenging time recently.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My umbrella Samantha Writes encompasses a lot of things from writing content for brands and small businesses to speaking on the state of the media. After writing for 10 years I have a keen understanding of what it takes to build content that resonates. I am able to both set strategy and execute on the writing or teach groups on how to do it themselves.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I think having mentors and other people you can bounce ideas off of is essential. Running your own business can feel lonely at times. I think making it a priority to network is important and it’s easy to have it be the first thing that gets lost in the shuffle. As for finding a mentor, you’ll want it to be someone you naturally click with and trust their advice. It’s not always easy to find but I think meeting with a lot of people to get to know what you do and don’t like is important.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthalande/
- Other: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/615e4e29c71e8685f183c0fc (newsletter)
