Meet Samantha Epperson

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Samantha Epperson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Samantha below.

Samantha , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is a quiet, persistent voice that creeps in when you least expect it. It tells you that you’re not qualified, that someone else could do it better, that maybe—just maybe—you’ve tricked people into believing you belong in the role you’ve worked so hard to earn.

I know that voice well.

Stepping into my role at Church & State, I wasn’t just managing events. I was taking on operations, handling the growth of our community, leasing our units, and making decisions that impacted real businesses. On top of that, I’m running my own coffee shop, Hallowed Grounds, and launching Sunday Service, a new program meant to bring people together. It was exciting, but also overwhelming. Who was I to take all of this on?

But here’s what I’ve learned: imposter syndrome thrives in isolation and fear, and the only way to silence it is through action and community.

Instead of freezing up, I leaned in. I asked questions, sought advice, and owned what I didn’t know. I reminded myself that no one starts as an expert—expertise is built through experience, and experience comes from doing. I also stopped waiting for external validation to confirm I was “good enough.” Instead, I started measuring my progress by the work I was putting in and the impact I was making.

Now, when imposter syndrome tries to creep back in, I remind myself:

I am here for a reason. I wasn’t handed these opportunities—I stepped into them and put in the work.
Learning is part of growth. Not knowing everything doesn’t mean I’m unqualified—it means I’m evolving.
Community matters. I don’t have to do this alone. The people around me—the community at Church & State, event hosts, business owners—are part of this journey, too.
Every event I help bring to life, every small business I support, and every connection I foster at Church & State is proof that I do belong here. And if imposter syndrome ever comes knocking again, I know how to answer: with action, confidence, and a strong cup of coffee.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m the Director of Events at Church & State, a unique business marketplace and event venue in downtown Salt Lake City, housed in a historic 1893 church building. My role is multifaceted—I manage everything from private events like weddings and parties to community-driven experiences that bring people together. I also oversee leasing, and building operations, making sure that the 20+ businesses in our space—ranging from a barbershop and plant store to tattoo artists and a martial arts studio—have what they need to thrive.

Beyond that, I run Hallowed Grounds, the coffee shop inside Church & State. For me, coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a catalyst for connection. I love seeing people meet over a cup, whether they’re working on their next big idea, networking, or just taking a break from the chaos of the day.

One of the most exciting things I’ve been working on is Sunday Service, a new program I launched in 2025. It’s a gathering focused on community, creativity, and connection—a way for people to come together in an intentional and meaningful way. Each event is different, whether it’s live music, a meditation group, a tarot class, a panel discussion, or an interactive workshop, but the goal remains the same: to create a space where people can engage, inspire, and support one another.

What makes my work special is the blend of history, entrepreneurship, and community building that happens every day at Church & State. I love the idea that this space, once a place of traditional worship, now serves as a hub for small businesses, artists, and creatives. It’s a place where people come to launch their dreams, host their milestones, and make connections that last.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue making Church & State an even stronger anchor in Salt Lake’s creative and entrepreneurial scene. Whether you’re looking for a new hangout spot, unique venue, a great cup of coffee, or a new way to connect with your community, there’s something happening here for you.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Adaptability – get comfortable being uncomfortable and say yes to challenges
2. Relationship building – your success is tied to the people around you, invest in your community and they will help you invest in yourself
3. Learning that resilience isn’t about never struggling, it’s about pushing through when you do.

For those early in their journey, my biggest takeaway is this: you don’t need all the answers to start. Stay adaptable, invest in relationships, and trust that every step forward—no matter how small—is building something bigger.

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?

I’ve been incredibly lucky to have a community of mentors, peers, and collaborators who have helped me overcome challenges and develop the skills I need to succeed.
The people who took a chance on me and let me step into roles that felt so much bigger than I was ready for, then helped me to succeed. The community here at Church & State. Then most importantly, my partner, my friends, and my family, who not only physically help me put in work, but support me every step of the way.
I wouldn’t be where I am without the people who have encouraged, challenged, and taught me along the way. Success is never a solo effort—it’s built through community, self-trust, and the willingness to step into the unknown.

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