Conversations with Samantha Robson

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

Hi Samantha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I can’t remember a time in my life that I didn’t want to model. I used to look up at women on billboards, walking runways for high fashion houses, posed in storefronts and down makeup aisles… just daydreaming that it could be me. It has, and always will be, my most dearly-held dream. Growing up in a small town in Michigan, I just wasn’t sure how to make my dream a reality and began settling for other goals- dreams those around me held for me instead. Although, I secretly held out hope that one day I would find an opportunity to squeeze into the world where I always felt I belonged. Back in 2020, that opportunity presented itself in the form of my very talented friend De’shawn (@deshawnmauricephotography), who had recently started photography and asked me if I wanted to collaborate on a test shoot. I honestly didn’t think much of it, I was just excited to get some awesome photos and to hang out with De’shawn. A few weeks later, when we both posted the photos to social media, we were flooded with encouraging words from friends and family, but also from influential people in the modeling industry who we never thought would see our photos. I took this as a sort of sign, that maybe backed by the power of social media I could get a taste of my dream. I began building relationships with local photographers, shooting multiple times a week with any and everyone who would give me a chance. Now, nearly two years later I have achieved things I had previously given up on, believing they were no longer possible. I have been published in magazines, walked runways, starred in beauty campaigns that appear on those same aisles I would walk as a kid. More importantly, I have meet the most amazing people along the way., who continue to support me, create with me, and enjoy this life with me every day. I am also just starting to realize that this is only the beginning. I am so excited to see where this journey continues to take me, and I am savoring every minute of it. 

Alright, 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?
Modeling is a though industry. You face a lot of rejection, you meet people who don’t always have your best interest at heart, and you have to put in a lot of work before you even get your “start.” For me personally, it’s been hard to learn the ropes on my own. I was not discovered by an agency, but rather by Instagram. I have been freelancing this whole time, attempting to turn this passion of mine into an actual career. I feel that I’m still quite a newbie, learning something new every day. Luckily for me, I have also met incredible people who have been willing to offer advice and guidance along the way. They have been lifesavers to me. A favor I try to give back as often as I can. 

I think overall the biggest obstacle I’ve faced has been myself. I’ve been learning the hard lesson of not comparing your journey to others. It’s easy to get wrapped up in what people choose to share on social media, I mean it is essentially our job to post the highlights; but what other accomplish, what bookings they get, how often they’re posting, all of that says nothing about you. It’s hard for me to not get down on myself, I always feel like I’m not doing enough or putting myself out there enough. Over time I’m learning to just relax into the ride. Everyone’s journey is their own and unfolds in divine timing. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a full-time model. I try to do it all- from print to commercial, to runway. I do feel like beauty work is what I specialize in. I am usually most proud of those shots. Recently, I have been trying to get into more fashion and editorial work. I grew up as a competitive dancer, and I think this helps me tremendously with modeling. Being on set gives me a similar feeling as when I would perform on stage, and I am in my element in those moments. Modeling is often movement, and I feel my dance experience allows me to own that. 

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the energy of Detroit. This is such an exciting time to be in this city, with so many talented people getting their start. The people I have met and the experiences I’ve had are unlike any other. You couldn’t experience such raw creative energy anywhere else in the world. I truly believe that. It’s all around me. I am constantly inspired. Everyone is just working towards their dreams while encouraging those around them. There’s so much love here to be found- and that is the number one, most important thing to me. The currency that runs the world. Honestly, the only thing I have come to dislike is the parking! 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @samanthalynn1177

Image Credits
Jaylen Panda
Quinten Hull
Christian Najjar
Jewel Dotson
Gabriella Stephanie
Aleex West
Kyle Caraher