We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sam McEachern-Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sam below.
Hi Sam, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Issa Rae once said, “Entrepreneur means I did that shxt myself.” While (physically) I have absolutely felt alone in certain rooms, I find peace in remembering that (spiritually) I am never alone. Each time I walk into the door, or onto a new stage, I know that my ancestral front line is with me, cheering loudly from the skies. The prayers of the women in my family cover, protect and reassure me that I belong in these spaces.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a conductor of creativity energizing the Art & Fashion landscape in Baltimore and beyond.
As a published Designer and Creative Entrepreneur, I’m on a mission to infuse more soul into style and spark the wardrobe and wellness conversation.
In addition to Mom and Wife, my titles include CEO of New Vintage by Sam, Founder of The Creative Consulting Group, Author of Dressed in Motherhood, Style Therapy Podcaster, founding member of She’s Well Networked, Spicegirl at The Spice Suite, Active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Community educator and Mentor.
New Vintage by Sam delivers positive perspective and stand-out stylish accessories crafted with intention. Here, You are the sanctuary is the motto. Our product offerings are uniquely tailored to incite radical self love through self expression.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities/areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey are:
– Continued self exploration. Business IS personal! Your personal limitations will seep into your businesses practices if unchecked. Continue learning about yourself. Knowing your genius areas and your opportunities for growth are key to sustaining upward growth and mobility in your business or career.
– Ask for help. We are not meant to do life alone. Get comfortable with being vulnerable and asking for what you need.
– Rest! I learned to release the notion that resting was being lazy. Rest is necessary- exhaustion extinguishes creativity! Taking time to step away from the work has helped me return more energized and inspired!
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Black Women have always been a vital part of my growth and expansion. From a young age, I paid close attention to their magic.
Their resilience, patience, power and ability to make something from nothing has always been worthy of admiration. Black Women are phenomenal in every way, yet are often overlooked, underfunded, under supported..yet we still keep going. I firmly believe “When you take care of Black Women, you take care of everyone” thus I center Us in my work first.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.SamWasHere.org
- Instagram: NewVintagebySam
- Facebook: SamWasHere
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-shena-mceachern-smith-52a149150?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: NewVintagebySam
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@TheCreativeConsultingGroup?si=0jqYfWNPXndGvz7d
- Other: Style Therapy Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/style-therapy/id1442416488
Image Credits
Photographer: Kellie Finch Photographer Healing Hardwear available at www.NewVintagebySam.com
