Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Carrera
Hi Samantha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Since I was around the age of 8, I always enjoyed dancing and taking pictures. I started modeling for smaller brands around the age of 18. At first it was just a hobby and something I did for fun. It wasn’t until I was 23 that I decided to take things to the next level and pursue creative direction and wardrobe styling. I had went on a 3 month spiritual journey before I turned 23 and literally manifested working at a studio as a creative director and stylist, and I had soooo much fun doing it and met amazing people! I realized then, that I loved bringing my visions to life, more than I liked being in front of the camera. During summer of 2023 while I was working at the studio, I decided to take a pole class for fun and immediately fell in love with movement and the visuals you can create with your body- pole dancing is a form of art like no other, it takes pure dedication and heart. I enrolled in classes and was on a wait list for 3 months, but once I got into training I never stopped. Being on the pole is indescribable, you feel free yet controlled, it requires so much grace and strength. Every delicate moment is backed up by intense training, and it’s the paradox of something so feminine yet masculine that makes it feel so liberating. When I merge my love of movement and visuals, it feels right. I love being able to create different muses within myself, there’s no box or limitations.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yes and no. My intention to do anything especially a hobby, or a passion is and has always been for fun- to feed my inner child and my creativity. When I did start creative directing, I had to prove that my ideas were worthy because I had no previous experience. You can’t walk into a room and say, “I’m a creative director,” and expect everyone to trust you. A lot of the times, even now I fund everything myself. I pay for studio time, props, etc… Luckily, I’ve came across photographers and models who want to work with me, but aside from that, everything I do is out of my pocket. Physically though, I fractured my big toe in 3 different ways last July while I was pole dancing and had to take a few months off from doing physical activity. I’d say that was the biggest physical struggle, it forced me to slow down, I had never broke a bone in my life. Everything healed perfectly though, so I’ve been blessed in that sense. I look at any obstacle as a moment for growth, there will never be losses just lessons and redirection. I’m a very optimistic person.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m most recognized for my visuals and being a pole dancer. I’d say what sets me apart from others is that I’m not afraid to be raw and vulnerable, I pour 100% of myself into anything I do. Maybe because I’m a Capricorn and a perfectionist, but I seriously work so hard for everything and anything- and you can see it. That’s what I’m most proud of, my authenticity. People and situations will always try to steer you away, but you have to come back to yourself, more faithfully every time. I recently started teaching private pole lessons, and that also makes me proud. It makes me happy knowing that girls are inspired by me and trust me enough to want to learn from me.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Creating makes me happy!! Creative expression always nurtures my inner child. If you’ve never read The Artist’s way by Julia Cameron, you must. One of my mentors gave me this book 3 years ago and it changed my life. I wouldn’t have pursued all my creative ventures if it wasn’t for this book. Once you read it, you’ll understand why creating makes me so happy.
Pricing:
- Basic creative concepts starts at $150
- Modeling $100+ per hour (depends on shoot)
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Photographers include: Goodgirlsbadkarma, Drew Devine, _v3nusonfilm_, 97th Studios
