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

Alright, Samantha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?

One of the most unexpected and painful challenges I faced happened in 2019. I had reached out to a supplier to potentially manufacture a new product, and while I was still in the creative phase, several of my “HeARTists” — that’s what I call my customers — reached out and told me they saw my exact design being sold as a jibbit on a pair of Croc-style shoes.

It turned out it wasn’t Crocs, but a manufacturer in China that had stolen my design and was mass-producing it. I was devastated. I immediately involved legal counsel, and for months we pursued the case. But due to the financial burden and the complications of international law, my legal team eventually advised me to let it go. By then, my intellectual property had already spread across multiple Chinese manufacturing sites.

That experience shook me to my core. I stepped away from my business, took a sabbatical, and spiraled into a deep depression. It wasn’t until 2025 that I finally participated in my first pop-up shop in years — a major milestone in my healing journey.

Today, I’m still reclaiming my creative space. I’ve since entered the IT and cybersecurity field, both to better protect my intellectual property and to more thoroughly vet future suppliers. Once I reach my financial goals, I plan to take a week-long trip to China to meet manufacturers in person — not just for business, but as part of my healing process. I want to move forward smarter, stronger, and more intentional as both an artist and entrepreneur.

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

My name is Samantha “❤️Sam” Mellerson, B.S., M.B.A. — a Baltimore-born artist, entrepreneur, model, philanthropist, and creative visionary. I’m the Owner and Creative Designer of HeART Sam LLC, a brand born from healing and transformed into a platform for bold, expressive storytelling through art and fashion.

My creative journey began in 2009 after I was diagnosed with Lupus. Searching for peace in the midst of pain, I turned to sketching — often starting on sticky notes. That process became a lifeline, helping me document what I couldn’t always say out loud. Those sketches eventually evolved into my signature collection of hand-drawn characters known as the “Fro-Babes.”

I launched HeART Sam in 2014 and have since expanded my offerings to include apparel, accessories, athleisure, canvas artwork, prints, home décor, shoes, lapel pins, badge holders, keychains, and more. Each product is original, hand-crafted, and rooted in personal experience. From concept to completion, I’m the sole creative — nothing is outsourced.

What sets my work apart is the intention behind every piece. I don’t create just to sell — I create to connect. My brand resonates with those who crave premium, culturally rooted, and emotionally impactful designs. For the artsy, fashion-forward woman seeking meaning and identity in what she wears, HeART Sam offers a rare blend of quality, creativity, and authenticity.

I’m most proud of my ability to rise through adversity. I’ve won pitch competitions with designs born from pain and purpose. But not every victory has been celebrated — in 2019, one of my original designs was stolen and mass-produced overseas. It was a devastating moment that nearly made me give up. But I chose to reinvest in myself, my art, and my voice.

In 2025, I returned to the scene by participating in my first pop-up shop in years — and that marked the beginning of a new chapter. To protect my creative assets and honor my legacy, I’ve also entered the IT and cybersecurity field. I even plan to visit manufacturers in China — not just to explore partnerships, but to reclaim and close a painful chapter on my terms.

At its core, HeART Sam is about telling stories through “wearable art.” When someone supports my work, they’re not just purchasing a product — they’re connecting to a narrative of survival, creativity, and unwavering self-expression.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is hearing how people interpret and connect with my work. My designs come from a deeply personal place — shaped by my journey with Lupus — so I still get emotional when sharing the “why” behind each piece. But hearing how others see themselves in my work? That’s healing, too.

There’s something magical about watching someone light up when they discover a piece that speaks to them — when they say, “This looks like me,” or “This makes me feel seen.” That kind of connection is priceless.

I also take great pride in the craftsmanship — everything I create is hand-drawn, intentional, and original. When people recognize the time, care, and emotion behind my work, it makes the creative process worth it every time.

Each piece I design is a reflection of my story. When someone resonates with that energy, even without knowing the full backstory, it creates an unspoken bond — and that silent connection is the greatest reward of all.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the hardest lessons I had to unlearn is that not everyone will understand or appreciate my work — or its value.

In the early days, it hurt when people said my art was “too expensive.” I took it personally because what I create is more than a product — it’s a reflection of my journey, my healing, and my soul. Each design is hand-drawn, emotionally driven, and rooted in lived experience. So when someone dismissed it, it felt like they were dismissing me.

But I had to learn that not everyone is my audience — and that’s okay.

People who truly appreciate art — who understand what it means to own something original, intentional, and soul-led — they don’t question the price. They value the creator, the process, and the story behind the work. They support because they feel the energy behind it.

That shift helped me reclaim my confidence. I’m not here to cater to everyone — I’m here to create for those who get it. And those people? They show up, they support, and they never ask me to shrink my value.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hrtsam.com

Image Credits

University of Baltimore (pitch photo)