Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Samantha Sao. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Samantha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
My parents aren’t perfect, but they did the best with what they knew and what they had.
I can start from the beginning.
My parents were born and raised in Cambodia. My father was separated from his family at a young age and grew up in a temple. Unfortunately, my mother left her home as a teen and wouldn’t have the chance to return for another twenty years. By the time they were young adults, Cambodia would never be the same.
My parents escaped their homeland during the Khmer Rouge era, also known as the Killing Fields or Cambodian Genocide. The Khmer Rouge army was led by Prime Minister Pol Pot. His mission was to create an agrarian society that would eventually lead the country to communism. Between 1975 to 1979, approximately 2 million victims were executed by the Khmer Rouge army. Survivors fled to other countries for refuge.
During the time my parents spent under the dictator’s regime, their marriage was arranged by camp leaders. They walked from Cambodia to Thailand; navigating the jungle, mountains, and streams. They hid from wild animals and Khmer Rouge soldiers throughout their trek. After 3 long months, they reached the refugee camp and lived there for six years. My parents had my eldest sisters, Katey and Annie in the camp. My mom was pregnant with her third baby girl, nicknamed Mousey because of how small she was, and won a chance to come to the US through a lottery system; and they chose to go to Los Angeles.
I was born a decade later, so my life is very different compared to my sisters. My parents worked 12+ hour shifts for a garment factory in Lincoln Heights and always brought their work home. They instilled traditional values in me such as going to school, respecting my elders, and remaining grateful. My sisters adjusted to life in LA and became strong women; which is also instilled in me. They took me along with them to friends’ houses, work events, study sessions, parties, basically everything that wasn’t 21+. I learned from their experiences and mistakes which allowed me to reach a certain level of maturity at a young age.
My family’s story could have had a million different outcomes. I am grateful to be where I am because of all the pain they’ve endured. And that is something I will never take for granted.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My journey with poetry began on my iPhone X. I was in an unhealthy relationship so I started documenting certain experiences and arguments so I could reflect on them — little did I know I was journaling. Once I noticed the cycles were recurring and grew into emotional and mental abuse, I decided to end it. From that point, I instinctively turned to my Notes app to express my thoughts.
The words began to flow through each line and I shared my first poem with my best friend, Julie, along with some other friends. They all encouraged me to create an Instagram to share with the rest of the world. I was terrified and reluctant for a few months since a lot of my writings were (and still are) so incredibly vulnerable. I couldn’t help but think of how others would perceive and respond to this side of me; a side I wasn’t sure of myself. After a little while, I realized everything is a choice. The people who wanted to read my poems, will; and the folks who don’t want to read, also have that option. So I created my Instagram in 2019 and joined a poetry community. I began developing confidence in my pieces and connecting with other poets around the world, which was very new to me. I didn’t know of many artists growing up. The most artsy people in my community were graffiti artists or family members who shared their drawings with us from behind bars. It is amazing to redefine what it means to be an artist in the creative community as a first generation, Los Angeles based poet.
More and more people began reaching out and complimenting my writing. They’d share intimate stories and tell me how I was able to put what they were feeling into words, when they weren’t able to do so themselves. It has truly become my highest honor. Eventually, readers asked me for a book… I was taken aback. Me? A book?
But I did it. I published my book in November of 2020. In the midst of the chaos caused by the pandemic, I was able to create something beautiful and influential.
The feedback I’ve received about silk has been soul-warming and rewarding. My book is sitting on people’s bookshelves, nightstands, and coffee tables. Some readers have turned to it when they are healing from a break up, experiencing anxiety, or just looking for a book to get lost in. They’ve also said they’re able to read the poems in my voice and it feels like a piece of me is with them when they need someone most.
About 2 months after the release of “silk,” people began to request a merchandise line. Luckily my sister, Katey, bought a Cricut machine and taught me how to press vinyl images onto shirts. I bought a heat press from Amazon and began shipping out orders. I have delivered silk goods to multiple states in the U.S. and overseas. Some of the countries include Australia, the Netherlands, Italy, Canada, the U.K., India, and Pakistan! I am continuously blown away by the support I have received and cannot wait to hit all 7 continents!
Since we are now in the world post-pandemic, it has been more challenging to find a balanced time for all areas of life. I have been feeling torn between pursuing and investing my talents as a poet versus curating the merchandise line into a clothing brand. I am in the process of writing my 2nd book, hosting silk the book club, performing at open mics, completing orders, etc. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I used to feel overwhelmed, but now I have shifted my mindset. I am looking at challenges as “good problems.”
Is there an issue with shipping? That is a good problem, I have someone who wants my product. Let’s figure it out.
I’m losing engagement with my audience. I am grateful to have an audience. How can I reconnect with them?
This shirt didn’t sell well at the pop up shop… That means I’ll have it in stock for when someone orders online!
Switching to a solution-oriented mindset has been pivotal in my journey — professionally and personally.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
For beginning authors looking to self-publish, I would suggest two main things. The first is to find a writing community and build valuable connections. You may have to try a few different communities, but you should be building as many connections as possible. These artists will help light your path with their own journey. I have built friendships and connections with people all over the world, through the channels of Instagram. I have sought them for professional and personal advice, as others have leaned on me as well. The second is to go through Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) for a first project. In my experience, the first ISBN number is free and they offer print on demand services. I offer my books through KDP and signed copies through my website: samanthasao.com.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
First identifying myself as a poet was very uncomfortable. Many people have a narrow perspective of poetry. They may view it as corny or not worth reading or even listening to; when the reality is that poetry is all around us. Poetry is in music, movies, art exhibits, as well as in our regular day to day.
I think everyone favors some type of poetry. They just have to find what’s right for them, but to completely write off poetry is unfair.
Something I have to constantly remind myself of is to not only trust the process, but to fall in love with it as well. It’s very easy to chase the end result since it’s tangible and there’s a sense of accomplishment attached to it.
But the process, the patience, the longevity, and the commitment are what will separate many artists from the rest.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://samanthasao.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silkbysamantha/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sopunnysao/
- TikTok: @silkbysamantha
Image Credits
Beach pictures – James Roman