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Meet Sam Samani of City of Commerce

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Samani.

Hi Sam , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Throughout my life, particularly since I was around 19 or 20 years old, I have consistently engaged in independent work. While I briefly held hourly jobs during my teenage years when attending college, my entrepreneurial spirit has always driven me to pursue self-employment.

Growing up, I was inspired by my mother, a self-made seamstress who crafted beautiful dresses and wedding gowns, as well as my father, who worked in the textile industry. This background instilled in me a deep comfort and passion for pursuing a long-term career in textiles.

Fast forward to when I was about 30 and ready to start a family, I decided to partner with my sister to create modern comforters and pillows, which we initially sold to family members who owned several furniture stores. Our venture into leather comforters and pillows gained traction for a time. However, as life would have it, my sister eventually moved on to work with her husband.

As the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens. A customer of mine, who owned several linen stores, had a struggling pillow manufacturing business and offered to sell it to me. After some negotiations, we agreed to merge our brands and operate under one roof, leading to the birth of the “Sherry Kine Home Collection” at Pacific Coast Home Furnishings.

I have always been a dreamer, firmly believing that “nothing is impossible.” It’s akin to diving into the water and discovering how far you can swim. Over the past 30 years, we have navigated numerous economic challenges and witnessed both the rise and fall of various companies. I believe that bringing “positive energy” to work each day significantly impacts how a business operates, influencing daily interactions and ultimately driving profitability.

For me, work is not solely about making money; it’s about achieving accomplishments and striving to improve each day. When you focus on success, the financial rewards naturally follow.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Having spent nearly 30 years in business, I’ve experienced a wide range of ups and downs. There have been moments of success and prosperity, as well as challenging times brought on by economic shifts, government policies, and customer missteps. This journey mirrors life itself.

In my view, diversification is crucial. The ability to make swift adjustments and navigate the right path is essential. The recession from 2008 to 2010 taught me invaluable lessons about the realities of being a business owner. Regardless of how successful or meticulous you are in managing your business, unforeseen challenges can arise that are beyond your control and can be life-altering. Surviving those years ultimately led to significant success in the aftermath.

Another pivotal moment for our business came in the early 2000s when globalization shifted the landscape, favoring imports over domestic manufacturing. Despite the difficulties, we remained committed to producing primarily in the U.S. This journey requires resilience and adaptability as we evolve with the times.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a small business owner, it’s well-known that you must wear many hats. You are not only an employer, but also a buyer, a salesperson, a mentor, and often an overtime worker. Above all, driven by your passion, you become a creator and a designer. Regardless of the size of your business, achieving success requires you to choose a clear path. What are your strengths? What is your vision?

For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to the pursuit of excellence. I thrive on styles that challenge me and the intricate formulas for combining designs that sets us apart. The real challenge lies in staying committed to that vision.

There is immense joy in having the freedom to sit down, transform a drawing or an idea into reality, and witness it come to life—especially when it sells. That exhilarating feeling makes all the other responsibilities of being a small business owner worthwhile.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
My inspirations often stem from the lyrics of my favorite songs. I am drawn to music that exudes positive energy and uplifting vibes, and I find myself recalling these songs as a source of motivation. Additionally, I gather many ideas and insights from the movies I watch, particularly documentaries.

I would love the opportunity to participate in a reality show that showcases the journey of building a business from the ground up. I began with a modest 400-square-foot office and factory, and through hard work and determination, I expanded to a 40,000-square-foot facility. I believe this journey would make for an inspiring story, illustrating the idea that if you truly believe in your dreams, you can achieve them.

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