Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Salmon.
Samantha, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It’s all still just the beginning, really. I’m 31 years old, from Dallas, TX and a blogger/content creator. Honestly, just a girl who loves her camera. My story began in 2009. After graduating in 2005 doing a couple of years in college, then taking some time living back in my home state of VA; I realized I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do next. I grew up around all things sports, art, and music. I didn’t have a degree in ANY of that, or even a degree… let’s say, I was conflicted. So, at the age of 21, I had moved back to Dallas, Texas, where I began to work, and on the side, dabbled in photography for fun. I continued to work, then decided I wanted to live in Deep Ellum, which is East of Downtown. It’s been a place in Downtown Dallas, where I always knew I wanted to be. A friend of mine from high school got me a restaurant gig, because I was tired of working a 9-5, and in my head I knew I needed to be IN the city. Well, I landed the job, immediately moved to Deep Ellum after my lease was up, and that’s where it all really started. I’ve met some of the greatest people in the Deep Ellum neighborhood, and people who have changed my entire look on life, and my life in general. I loved my job there so much, I have some of my best friends here, and it’s also where I met my husband
Anyways, getting back on track, we all know that everyone always has a dream. Now, whether they follow it, that’s their choice. My best friend from Jr. High introduced me to YouTube, where I would watch ‘vloggers’ vlog, and “blog” their day-to-day life. They would take pictures, post them on Instagram, and so on, but my point is, they had a dream job, and they were making it their reality. I had always had a vision for what I wanted growing up, which was working as a photographer for an Ad agency, for some corporate company. I mean, it sounds amazing; and I’m sure it is, but seeing these people my age, being able to blog their life through the internet & Instagram, or on YouTube in video.. Well, it made me realize that I can do that too. I wouldn’t pursue it full time, but I knew it was possible.
So finally, fast forward about two more years, (last Thanksgiving, 2018) and my husband randomly said to me, “why don’t you just try and do this blogging thing? You know can totally do it.” I thought he was insane because I am currently working a job in the Design/Art world now, which I love so much. I didn’t see how I could juggle it all, but, what the heck, right? You only live once. So, here I am following my dream as a hobby, and hopefully full time one day.
In January 2019, I launched my blog ‘Trends With a Twist’, which features everything I think is trending in my life. From fashion, to music, food, lifestyle – you name it. A lot of my focus goes into Instagram, sharing and creating the content of my journeys around Dallas, TX. It’s been fun so far living in Downtown, Dallas, where I’m surrounded by music, art, fashion, food and an insane community of people – and now an even bigger community of people who love doing the same thing. I definitely am glad I made the choice to leave my desk job, lol. It’s been a blast! I look forward to seeing what the next few years have in store for me.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Life, in general, is never a smooth road. We all have our ups and downs. Also, we are only human, mistakes happen, we are always blindsided by something. It’s all worth it though. It’s worth being able to wake up, know you’re doing what you love on the side as a hobby, and hopefully one day as a full-time job. Haha – It’s still a full time job to me, a lot of work goes into it. Like, the fact that I spend about 4-7 hours per blog post, or depending on how many pictures I have to edit, I spend around 2-3 hours doing that (maybe longer if I’m editing photos from a concert or event). Making sure I’m replying to comments, and staying engaged with my audience. I’m just a small blogger too, I can’t even imagine the work that a lot of these girls put out, it’s honestly insane. I think it’s fun though, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. There are says of struggles when you aren’t feeling creative, it’s hard to come up with content. It’s funny, because my husband and I banter back and forth with each other a lot to figure out what would be good content for the week. He is the man behind the camera for photos of me, and is a huge help when it comes to ideas and working out my crazy visions. Blogging and creating content is a rollercoaster. Like I said before though, I enjoy it so much. It’s allowed and pushed me to do things I wouldn’t have ever done.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I like to write and photograph about places in Dallas – wether it be fashion, food, travel, music. Lately, I’ve been focusing a lot on getting back into more music and action photography, and also building a brand for myself in that department. I have a few projects I’m working on, and excited about.
I didn’t really want to “specialize” in anything, in particular, I wanted to focus my Blog/Instagram around Dallas, Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas, as well as Traveling. My husband and I really enjoy documenting the places we go, and now I have a reason to actually do something with the photos and content we create.
What sets me apart from others… well, I’d say I’m a little funky? I have tattoos, I like the urban area, I have a huge appreciation for fine arts (obv). But, I’m also the girl who loves a frilly dress, thinks walking in heels is easier than tennis shoes, and loves to talk about clothes or going shopping. My goal is to set myself apart from others, I don’t want to be your typical A fashion blogger, I want to do it all, mix it up with music, start showcasing my own photography, and I want people to appreciate it. I’d also say that’s been one of my biggest challenges as well in blogging/being creative. Mixing it up is hard, but I just want to be myself.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Honestly, my husband. He has been my supporter since day one, and I love him for that. He takes most of my pictures and helps me schedule out things that I need help with. He’s amazing. As well as both sides my family and husband family have been super supportive of everything, and it’s fun being able to share things with them! I’d say the second top support through this entire thing though, has been the amazing group of people you get to meet in this community. The people are absolutely amazing, and everyone is usually there to lift each other up, it’s great.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.trendswithatwist.com
- Email: samanthasalmon13@gmail.com
- Instagram: samanthagavoss
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.
