We’re looking forward to introducing you to Samara Byrd. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Samara, 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: Who are you learning from right now?
Right now, I’m learning the most from Christ. Through my relationship with Him, I’m learning how to be a better person overall how to approach life with, compassion, and patience. Christ is teaching me how to grow as a professional, to work with excellence and humility. He’s guiding me in becoming a better partner, someone who loves selflessly and communicates with grace. Most importantly, He’s showing me how to live as a better Christian, which I believe is the foundation for everything else being grounded, finding true success, and staying close to Him.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, my name is Samara Byrd, also known as Saucey Sam.
I am a dancer, choreographer, instructor, performer, mentor, competition judge, guest lecturer, and more. What makes my brand unique is that it is completely authentic—my brand is me. As a Christian, it is important for me to stay true to who I am while representing Christ. The Lord created everyone wonderfully in His image, so why would I be anything other than who He made me to be?
I strive to serve whether that’s as a teacher working with my students or as a dancer in a music video. I work as if I’m working for the Lord, which means sharing my gift with everyone I encounter.
Right now, I’m immersing myself in all things dance. I’ve been blessed to add private instruction to my offerings, along with performing as a freestyler on big stages.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
The Word of God and my mother have both been guiding forces in my life.
The Bible says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23).
To me, that means no matter what the job is whether it’s glamorous or not you give it your best. You show up with integrity, with diligence, with sincerity, knowing that ultimately you’re working for God, not just for people.
My mom is the perfect example of this. She’s one of the hardest-working people I know, and she always taught us, “Handle your responsibilities first so you can enjoy yourself later.” That mindset stuck with me.
It’s the reason I give everything I have to my craft.
In August 2024, I was at a dance audition when another dancer accidentally kicked me in the Achilles. I got the callback, but by then I could barely walk. Still, I flew back to New York and pushed through the audition, explaining my situation to the choreographer and staff. They were impressed that I showed up and gave my best despite the pain.
What I didn’t know then was that my Achilles was torn. For the next two months, I kept going performing in multiple shows, filming a music video, and rehearsing nonstop until I finally got it checked out. By the end of October 2024, I was in surgery.
Looking back, I realize it wasn’t just stubbornness that kept me going it was discipline. It was faith. It was the lesson I learned from the Word of God and from my mom: you show up, you give your all, and you trust that your effort will never be wasted.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would say to my younger self: In 20 years, you will still be dancing. It won’t always be easy you’ll hit some bumps along the way but ultimately, you will live a life and work jobs that fuel your passion. You chose Plan A with no Plan B, and it has opened so many doors for you and it will continue to.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
They say the industry isn’t colorist and that it’s all about talent but in reality, it’s often very colorist. Darker-skinned women and men are too often labeled as “tokens,” and you’ll usually only see one or two of them in a job.
Another lie is that it’s purely about talent. It’s not at least, not entirely. But just because the industry operates that way doesn’t mean I have to.
I’ve committed to changing that, starting with my students. I’m honest with them about the hard truths, but I refuse to be a colorist teacher. As a Black woman, I make sure my students no matter their complexion are confident, skilled, and aware of the lies the industry may tell them. I want them to know they are strong enough to recognize those lies for what they are, and that they are worthy, capable, and talented just like I am.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope when I’m gone people tell the story of who I was and what I loved that being she was a Cristian that loved God, dance, her family, and friends. She loved hard and was unapologetically herself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @sauceysam_
Image Credits
Destini Oree @naturecapturedit
Kiana Williams @kswvisuals
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