An Inspired Chat with tricia samsal of Springerville, AZ

We recently had the chance to connect with tricia samsal and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning tricia, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I feel like I have helped build a community of business associates that trust each other enough to ask questions of each business and not feel intimidated. I have a network of business friends and acquaintances that we are always reaching out to each other for help or advice. You don’t really see this. It’s a behind the scenes action. Whether its “hey, have you tried this product”, or “I have a problem, can I ask your opinion?” This community of business connections was recently put into action when a fellow vendor needed a new space to sell in at a bi-annual show. I reached out to several businesses for any advice or if they had space for this other vendor to sell- each one responded with either help or other options. This network of business friends from across the states is truly a blessing and I’m so thankful we have all connected through the years.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Tricia Samsal. I own and operate a brick and mortar store in Springerville,AZ. It is a rural mountain town in North Eastern Arizona. I’ve been in business since 1998. This particular business(Vintage Bliss) since 2005. I sell vintage finds from my travels and I also create jewelry. Since moving to this rural town I’ve expanded more into clothing, since the only store was an hour away. This helps the community from having to drive so far. My shop/brand is a collection of all the things I love. The Shop/Brand is unique because it is all curated from my extensive travels. It is probably my favorite part of the business- the traveling. The hunt for the next treasure. I am currently working on expanding my wholesale part of the business into a larger part. So far, it’s been steadily building.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I believe and have life experiences to attest to this fact that bonds get broken between people because so many are quick to react, to judge, to take personal offense to a situation. I’ve had relationships deteriorate because a person was quick to react with harsh words. I believe that we sometimes forget to take a breath, step back from a situation and think for a few minutes, hours, or even the next day before reacting. We forget to see the situation from the other persons point of view. I think the bonds can be restored by giving more thought to the other perspectives in a situation and then communicating. Perspective is so fundamental to restoring bonds.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering is the ultimate teacher of Gratitude. I’ve lost a lot over the past couple of years- almost lost my business in 2020, I’ve lost friends and family, but through all of that loss everyday I’m just Grateful for the ones that are still in my life and for the fact that I still have my business. Success is more a celebration of your work. Suffering teaches you to hold on to everything you’ve got whether it be people or things. Suffering teaches you humility and to be humble.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say my family- my sons & parents matter the most to me. Time would be the second most important thing. We never get time back. The time I spend on my family and my business is very calculated. I try to balance that very carefully. Sometimes the two cross because my family helps out with the business from time to time, so we embrace it and have fun at the same time.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe I was born to do this business. It fills my soul. I love seeing my customers and traveling to different Markets. I always say my addiction is Buying & Selling. I’m not sure I could do any other profession at this point. This business is my freedom, my self expression.

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