Conversations with the Inspiring Samantha Ulm

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Ulm.

Samantha, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am an LA stylist, Blogger, and Vegan Business Owner. I became a stylist a little over five years ago, and absolutely fell in love with the industry! It all originated from me raiding my mom’s closet when I was 13 and stealing all her cool vintage clothes. She always had such cool style and was always on trend even though I mostly saw her in scrubs 24/7. But let me tell you; she had some STYLE back in the day! My mother always looked so chic, professional and polished without even trying. I’ve always admired that about her.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been inspired by fashion. From collecting Teen Vogue magazines as a middle schooler to creating a blog later on in life. I always knew from jump that I was going to be involved in the fashion industry one way or another. So, I made it my mission after I graduated high school early to work my way to the top! My journey led me to creating my fashion blog: Beauty & Bones, which opened up so many doors for my styling career. I did a lot of free work at the beginning like styling photoshoots for friends and even styling myself for other brands. All of the hard work eventually paid off; I started working with LA photographers (Naomi Christie, Vince Patrick, and more), local brands, and even my fashion high school idol: Hannah Beth! That was such a surreal moment for me. Fifteen-year-old Sam would have freaked OUT! It felt like my fashion dreams were all coming together, but I still felt like something was missing in my life.

As I got older, like most people, I started to notice a shift in my health and it really scared me. I had spent my whole life fixated on my fashion career that I completely disregarded taking care of my health. Little did I know that this scare would guide me into exploring a whole new career path; becoming a vegan business owner.

As a stylist, I always wanted to flex my entrepreneur skills in a more health-conscious way outside of my Beauty & Bones business. So, when I came across this opportunity, I JUMPED into it! Literally! I had no idea what I was doing at first, but I knew it was what I needed to do in order to better my life. Like the majority of successful entrepreneurs, I dove into it with full force, and I dedicated all of my energy and passion into it. I quickly fell in love with the business, the new me, and all of the people I started helping along my journey. It became more than just a side hustle for me. I started envisioning a healthier and happier life for myself; a life that I’d also be able to make a comfortable living doing as well.

Fast forward to now… I still style and build my fashion portfolio with LA and Global creatives all over, but I also help other creatives around the globe explore the world of vegan healthy living. I love that I can call myself a true vegan entrepreneur; it’s something I never saw myself writing about, but here I am today doing it and absolutely loving it!

I would like to say that my vegan business is just like my personal style: Effortless. Essential. & Ever-Evolving.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, trials and errors, but at the end of the day, I never let my mistakes or failures stop me from pursuing my dreams. The only way you fail is by quitting on yourself!

So, my advice to anyone, particularly young women is, stop quitting on yourself! Stop saying that you’ll start tomorrow, or after you finish that project or task… start right now this second. Stop talking yourself out of chasing your big goals, and start preaching possibility into your life. Stop showing up for everyone else and never showing up for yourself. YOU and your dreams are what matter the most. What if it actually works too!? You’ll never know unless you try, and if you fail, that is 100% okay! At least you know you tried and you gave it your best shot! Everyone is worthy and deserving of good things in life, and the only way that you’ll understand that truth is if you follow through on your personal goals and commitments.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of. What sets you apart from the competition?
My work involves an array of creativity and goal setting! Every day looks different for me, and I kinda love it that way. One week, I’ll be styling a gorgeous boss babe, and the next week or day, I’ll be helping someone embark on a new health journey! Every day is a new task, a new job, and a new creative opportunity; I absolutely love it!

I specialize in helping others embrace their true identities, passions, and creative selves through fashion and health. I love showing others how to rock a band tee with a silky skirt and a BOMB hat! And other days, I’m mentoring my team of entrepreneurs on how to help others discover a healthier version of themselves. I love that I help people feel amazing from the inside and out! But most importantly, I love showing people how truly beautiful and special they are. Styling and healthy living marry each other beautifully in my particular career path.

I am most proud of my blog Beauty & Bones and my business with Arbonne International. Both careers have challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, and help others do the same. I think my career choice is really what sets me apart from most people. I feel like a lot of people are fearful of judgment from others in my particular field of work. What I do isn’t necessarily something a lot of people jump into full force; it’s hard work, and it takes a special kind of person to really go for it! I have so much respect for other entrepreneurs and creatives out there because I know how hard it is to be truly vulnerable in this world and go after something your so passionate about. I think my career, my passions in life, and my mindset is what sets me apart from other people. No one out there is Samantha Lillian Ulm; a stylist and vegan business owner, and I freaking LOVE IT!

Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I say network with the people you admire and are successful in the field you are interested in. So many people out there are looking to discover, and mentor, the next best talent.

Show the world what you are made of! Be fearless and talk to that person you are intimidated by or are scared to talk to. Those people know what they are talking about, and most likely would love to hear all about how much you admire them and their hard work. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that your network is your net worth! So, go out there to meet some people in the industry and get to talking!

I had to get uncomfortable and talk to people I didn’t necessarily want to at first, but after I followed through with it, I was so happy that I did so. Because I was comfortable with being uncomfortable, I made connections that helped me and my business grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: Beautynbones.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @beautynboness

Image Credit:
@naomichristie, @vloraphoto, @baeth, @ruthfruit

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.