Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Marie.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Samantha. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always had a passion for good food. Both of my parents served in the Air Force, so being a military brat who was born in Japan, I was open to culturally diverse cuisine from a young age. My father loved to cook and took great joy in showing me around the kitchen. I carried this appreciation for good food with me and even had dreams to be a restaurateur myself as I attended The Culinary Institutes of America in Houston, TX.
Life ended up taking me down a very different path and I instead married and became a stay at home mother to my five amazing children. Being a mom is extremely difficult and gloriously rewarding, but I still carried those dreams in my heart. They just looked a little different at this stage in my life. With the support of my family and children, I had become a skillful photographer using my professional photography and culinary know-how in a way that uplifted local restaurant owners in my area. Instead of bringing joy to my community by preparing and serving food in a professional setting, I was going to point them to those who are doing an outstanding job of it.
I’m a talker by nature and I love a good story, which is why I’ve come to care so deeply for those who are doing back-breaking work to provide us with excellent food and service. When we become patrons of a small business, we aren’t just buying a meal or product, we’re helping to put food on a family’s table, a roof over their heads, send a kid to college, and so much more. I’ve been able to offer my support through photography, word of mouth, contributing writing and photos to local magazines, and my social media page, @smfoodiepoet on Instagram. It has been such a fun journey so far and I am so thankful for the incredible people I’ve met, supported, and have been encouraged by along the way.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For me, the most difficult challenge was putting myself out there and forging new relationships. It has to be a very intentional and consistent practice.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Samantha Marie Photography – what should we know?
As a food blogger, photographer, and writer, I believe that my love for people sets me apart. Viewing life through that lens has been a main focus of mine throughout this process. I want to provide my readers with an insight into the people behind the food. Not just showcase a bunch of food photos. It’s the community that makes everything so much more special.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Compassion. The ability to look past the initial relationship of patron and business owner/employee and actually “see” the person. That is paramount to the success of my cause. Without love for people, I have no purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.samanthamarie-photography.com
- Phone: 832-489-3815
- Email: samantha@samanthamarie-photography.com
- Instagram: @smfoodiepoet
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Samantha-Marie-The-Foodie-197559551141815/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=ImTwwrQ1etZUKewbjNcYCQ
Image Credit:
All photography by Samantha Marie
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
