Creativity Tell All : Samantha Saad

We have loved working with Samantha Saad, event manager at Destination Concepts, over the years and are so happy to share some unique sound bites about her career journey in the event coordination world. 

How do you continually stay inspired and creative?

This is a really fun question because from the outside, our industry is so 'fun' and 'easy'. In theory, my job enables me to be constantly creative. While in some respects it is, my creativity typically happens outside of the work flow. I love learning new skills. My friends are gold and I find myself staying motivated by learning through them. Everyone has different strengths and I not only thrive off the relationships built, but also the creative outlets they can teach me. I'm lately finding the passion to explore photography as my main hobby. Food, nature, and people, the three things I love (besides wine), also inspire me. 

Is there anything special or unique about your morning routine?

Does hitting the alarm until you're late count? If so, then that. :) 

If someone wanted to break into your industry, what advice would you give them?

Find your inner patience and empathy, they will be your best friends. Even the most well thought-out plans will have changes at the 20th hour. It's not about the best plans, it's about the best reactions to change. 

Did you always know this career path was ‘the one’?

Actually, yes. I started modeling in high school and hated it, so when I got the opportunity to work behind the scenes, I fell in love. I have always felt so grateful for "getting it" early on, but you'll never know until you take advantage of the opportunities presented. 

What season inspires you most?

Spring. Always. The energy is contagious and it's amazing to see how people react to spring. Also, spring has the best color palette and the first part of the year, you're generally able to play with color. 

Do you have any funny short stories or embarrassing moments from when you first got started?

I feel like that requires a separate interview! But really, there are so many. And I love that. It's important to understand that perfection does not exist, and failure isn't always something to condemn. My favorite events have always had embarrassing moments, but instead of shaming them, I celebrate learning from my faux pas.

What is the best advice you have been given?

What's the best way to eat an elephant? One bite at a time. I cannot tell you how often I say this to myself. You always have to start somewhere. 

What is your dream project?

Traveling the world connecting people to one another via events and productive programming. 

If there was a song that played every time you worked on your craft, what would it be?

90's hip hop is my favorite station for setup, but specific song would be "Record Year" by Eric church. It's so good and proves that when things get you down, you're still able to fly. 

Is there anything in particular you are obsessed with these days?

I love connecting people. It's heartbreaking because the biggest thing people want is to feel connected. I hope we don't lose that ability to interact. Most people are kind and genuinely good souls. It's disappointing to watch the media sensationalize the negative ones. 

What would you do if you had $40,900 for a vacation?

I would book a one-way ticket to Greece with my boyfriend and continue to travel outside of the country and around the world until I'm completely out of money. 

Hugs,

Suzanne, Mike and the Wanderers

Creativity Tell All // Kico at BoxMade Goods

It was so great running into Kico and Jen at Station in South Park. I follow them on Facebook but it's always good to see old friends face-to-face. Their wedding was almost 10 years ago and it still felt like yesterday. We had so much fun. I knew Kico would be up to something exciting and I was stoked to hear about his new project. Here are some clips of inspiration from Kico of Boxmade Goods, a custom artwork and apparel imprinting company based in San Diego.

How do you continually stay inspired and creative?

Mostly from internet archaeology and curating. There's plenty of easily accessible inspiration out there, too much actually. It helps to be selective. I look at Dribbble, Behance and TheDieLine a lot.

Is there anything special or unique about your morning routine?

I wouldn't say it's unique, but my mornings are special because I get to spend time with my daughter; getting her ready for school and dropping her off. Between getting her ready and entertaining our dog, it's a long morning before I get to do anything for myself, but I'm fortunate to be able to have that time with both of them.

If someone wanted to break into your industry, what advice would you give them?

Find a niche. There's a million screen printers and apparel decorators out there. Specialize in an industry you love and believe in.

Did you always know this career path was ‘the one’?

Nope. I knew I didn't want to be desk bound and I've always enjoyed making things and being creative in general. I also knew I wanted to run my own business someday. Screen printing happened sort of by accident, but was a great fit both on the business and creative fronts.

What season inspires you most?

Fall. I love the anticipation and build-up to the holidays. I also love fall clothing; jackets, blazers, scarves and boots.

What is the best advice you have been given?

"Be the change that you wish to see in the world." - Ghandi. I heard someone repeat this Ghandi quote in a great video podcast I watch regularly called Barbell Shrugged.  It's a simple inspirational quote, but really resonates with me. Be the change. It's become a bit of a mantra.

What is your dream project?

To design and print a logo that transcends it's initial purpose.

If there was a song that played every time you worked on your craft, what would it be?

So many come to mind! "I Ain't No Joke" or "Paid in Full" by Eric B. & Rakim. Also "Home" or "Route 66" by Depeche Mode if I had to narrow it down.

Is there anything in particular you are obsessed with these days? 

Mostly learning more about the art, business and craft of screen printing.  I'm also constantly reading stories about people who completely changed their lives after discovering CrossFit. So many of them not only lose weight and get more fit, but change careers or life paths. I also watch a lot of Barbell Shrugged videos and pretty much everything Aaron Draplin does.

What would you do if you had $40,900 for a vacation?

Take my wife and daughter to New York City and Paris. We would stay in nice hotels and spend the rest on phenomenal food in both cities.

xoxo

Suzanne, Mike and the Wanderers

Creativity Tell All // Heather Balliet from Amorology

Heather Balliet, owner of Amorology, a luxury event coordination and styling company, is such a good story teller. She dreams up and creates events that are so specific to her couples. I always look forward to what she will dream up next. 

How do you continually stay inspired and creative?

Music greatly inspires me. Turning up the tunes and dancing in the kitchen or singing with my family always stirs something in me. Also, most of my ideas tend to come to me while I'm sleeping or dreaming so a good night's rest can make all the difference.

Is there anything special or unique about your morning routine?

Nothing unusual here! My hubby and I typically get up in the morning, get the older kids off to school, have breakfast together and then jump into a fun day of work. 

If someone wanted to break into your industry, what advice would you give them?

Start with an internship. It offers a valuable amount of experience and education that you are unable to get without the risk of trying to go at it alone.

Did you always know this career path was ‘the one’?

No, I often say that this career found me. It wasn't until after my own wedding that people began approaching me to ask for assistance with their weddings.  It quickly grew into something I knew I was supposed to be doing and a career that I was deeply passionate about.  

What season inspires you most?

I love spring when everything is fresh and new again, and the flowers tend to offer the most variety. It's peony season after all, which is always my favorite.

What is the best advice you have been given?  

Breathe and take a moment to slow down and step away. It helps to put everything into perspective.

What is your dream project?  

Our dream project is to eventually open our own wedding venue. One day!

If there was a song that played every time you worked on your craft, what would it be?

It's so hard to choose just one song. We have a wide love for music as we mentioned before, and are often inspired by all types of songs.

Is there anything in particular you are obsessed with these days?

I am currently reading The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton and loving it.  I'm in a book club which forces me to take the time to read each month and allow myself some down time which can often be hard to come by.  Also, I am currently obsessed with the TV show Happy Endings and always obsessed with ice cream.

What would you do if you had $40,900 for a vacation?  

I would love to go to Sweden and visit the home of my heritage.  I have always wanted to experience Sweden first-hand with my children. I would probably also travel all over Europe for a month experiencing the rich cultures with my family.

Thank you Heather!

xoxo

Suzanne, Mike and the Wanderers