20 things you probably don't know about me
Anyone that knows me knows I'm a fairly introverted soul. Here are 20 things about me that I didn't put on my about me page.
20 things you probably don't know about me
1. I'm a plant Mama to many plants, but I've had to strip them back recently. I'm down to 25.
2. In my other life, I'm a professional freediver. Only, I have a fear of deep open water. Send help.
3. I try to surround myself with honest people, those who practise kindness, compassion, strength and integrity; I guess these are the qualities I value and love.
4. After graduating from The London College of Fashion and later De Montfort University, I began a fashion buying and merchandising career with brands like River Island, Morgan and Figleaves. Years later, I founded my own E-commerce fashion business selling branded and high-street clothing online, and it was through this I discovered a connection with the camera that I couldn't ignore.
5. I have two children. Parenting has brought many pleasant surprises and challenges, too, but being a Mum has been the most rewarding and challenging thing I've ever done.
6. I'd only eat Marzipan if it were the last food source on Earth. However, (dairy-free) carrot cake is sent from the gods.
7. Being creative and having an emotional and meaningful connection to my work are equally important to me. I’m grateful for that and to be able to do something I love. It suits my personality. I find personality testing very interesting. Some think it's all a pile of s***, but I like it. It doesn't mean I box myself in, but it helps me understand things in ways I couldn't otherwise. I'm an INFJ; we represent 1-3% of the population. Figures.
8. I have smile lines, grey strands, and my hair has a mind of its own. There are scars you can see and even deeper scars you cannot. I value close connections and real people.
9. I'm a realist on the whole, and I believe social change is a must to progress in this world.
10. My Auntie Ginny and Uncle Niron cook the best dahl, curry, roti, and Jamaican patties. Period.
11. When I was 15, I did a career/personality test as part of our career focus. I remember it, listing photography as a career, but I ignored it then. 17 years later, I got my first (semi-pro) camera; the rest is history. Oh, the irony.
12. My background is a mixture of Indian and Caribbean. My parents were children when they came to England to start their life from scratch with next to nothing, making me a 1st generation immigrant. The biggest thing I’ve learned from my grandparents and parents is the value of hard work.
13. This is probably the most you will ever read about me.
14. I like to get quiet and peaceful at times, and one of my favourite things to do is to be under a cosy blanket, reading a book or watching something that makes me laugh or cry. On the flip side, I love dark psychological thrillers, intense characters and cinematic masterpieces, so films like The Godfather and the City Of God are top-tier.
15. When I was little, I had a bird - which died suddenly. When I was 19, my cat ran away. I've also had many goldfish and tropical fish die on me. Thankfully, our last cat gave us 15 years of her life and forgave me for my track record.
16. When I was 18, I began a law degree to become a barrister. I don't think my inner me would have allowed that to go anywhere, to be honest. I ended up leaving and later doing Fashion Management at the London College Of Fashion and a degree in Business Studies.
17. Some of my biggest inspirations come from ordinary people and their stories of vulnerability, fear and feminine strength. And I truly know that we never know anyone's story, but when you take the time to listen sometimes, you'll be astounded at what you hear.
18 . After a gruelling interviewing process, I nearly appeared on the second series of The Apprentice. Yet, public speaking turns my stomach. Weird. Please don't ask me how this happened; I don't know.
19. Meditation, yoga and spiritual awareness always have a place in my life and heart. Sometimes, it's less; sometimes, it's more. But it's there. Music is medicine, and Spotify is probably my number one app of all time.
20. I randomly went off red and white meat in 2018. I was vegetarian for almost five years but have settled back into eating fish again. I’m moderately lactose intolerant, but that will never stop me from eating ice cream or cheese. I'm unsure why I included this, but I needed a number 20.
And if you read this whole list of 20 things you probably don't know about me, well, I'm impressed. If you didn't, you're still here, so that's pretty cool too.
I'm Samantha, a London-based Portrait Photographer, Content Marketer, and Educator. I've been capturing the essence of adults, children, and babies since 2012.
My goal is to help individuals, families, and brands forge meaningful connections with themselves and their audiences.
I'm a soulful, creative, and purposeful storyteller. My art is an extension of who I am, rooted in values of connection and creativity.
And yes, I'm always up for a bit of worldwide adventuring with my work.