Please introduce yourself and your business to our community.
My brand and business is Sammy Approved. It initially started as a creative community for undiscovered talent but it has since blossomed into so much more. I actually celebrated six years in business on February 22nd and successfully and creatively sharing the stories of the future’s icons through media and entertainment.
At what point in your life did you realize your passion?
I’ve always been a storyteller. I have known since I can write that it was my passion, and my mom is the one who truly nurtured my gifts as a child. I owe it all to her and God.
What did you learn about yourself in 2020?
I learned that I have to be intentional with my time and my gifts. I am a very giving and compassionate person, and I was forced to learn to be selfish. 2020 was about self-love and growth. I learned that everyone is not meant to join you each step of the journey and that is okay.
What do you attribute to your success in life and business?
My upbringing and faith in God. I was fortunate enough to have been exposed to pieces of the world early in life as both of my parents lived on separate coasts. I quickly learned to adapt to different ways of living, which helps me greatly in my writing and understanding of others. I attribute my success to the way my mom nurtured my gifts and encouraged me to go after my wildest dreams, even when my dreams felt impossible.
It is important for us to nurture a community of black women that share, learn, and thrive together. Please share a story of failure that taught you a valuable lesson.
I have failed more times than I can count on both of my hands. Most recently, I received a rejection letter from a program that I truly wanted to attend. It was one of those moments where I knew I nailed my audition and all of my responses were golden. Unfortunately, there were ten fellows selected out of over 1,000 applicants. This reminded me that what is for me will always choose me. I do not have to feel a rush of sadness or disappointment when I am faced with rejection if I remember that what is meant for me will always be mine.
Please let us know the woman you were 5 years ago and who you’re becoming?
The woman I was five years ago was a couple of years out of college getting her feet wet in the music and radio industry. She was still finding her confidence, and she was figuring out what her focus would be as many people could not pinpoint her “one thing” as she was talented at many things. The woman I am becoming today has learned to encompass all that she is. She will not dim her light, but rather shine as bright as the stars above. She walks purposefully toward her dreams of continuing to tell the stories that are impactful and influential to her communities.
There’s a huge misconception that independent women don’t want to be cared for. lol think again honey.
— 👼🏽 (@SammyApproved) February 20, 2021
What women in your life have been a source of inspiration?
My late grandmother, my mom, sisters, and my aunts are all inspiring to me. I have had some very powerful and resilient women in my life who have shown me how to embrace my strength while maintaining my femininity and Southern charm. They are all individuals who aren’t afraid to speak their minds. They aren’t afraid to take a loss, and when they do they get back up to keep fighting until they reach their wins.
Celebrate your wins! Brag, sis. What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my recent move to Los Angeles in the middle of a global pandemic. Now, there are a lot of people realizing a year after the madness continues that they should bet on themselves and make whatever moves they see fit. I came to that realization at the beginning of all of this uncertainty. I relied on my intuition. For the first time, I walked with complete blind faith and confidence in God to provide. God told me this is where I needed to be and I trusted that voice. Since I was signed to an agency for commercial and theatrical work, I have secured several influencer partnerships and I have booked a tv appearance, massive voter campaigns, and a major branded content collaboration. I also released two collections from my clothing line Approved Apparel, which is an extension of my brand Sammy Approved.
Quoting Audre Lorde, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” Please share your self-care routine.
My self-care routine always includes a bubble bath, relaxing music, soothing scented candles, a lovely meal, a new film/show, and actual rest. Not just sleeping to say you slept, but rest where you’re snuggled under a weighted blanket and not consumed with anything else physically mentally, or emotionally.
You are part of our melanin muse tribe. How can we help you on your journey?
You have already helped me by asking me to share my story. I appreciate you for including me in your melanin muse tribe, and I just ask that you continue to spotlight the amazing Black and Brown women who are continuing to share our stories of authenticity for the next generation of storytellers.
