We recently had the chance to interview Samantha March and learn more about her and her lifestyle brand, By Samantha March. Not only is March a beauty and lifestyle content creator, she is also the author of nine self-published novels and business brand owner of products focusing on gratitude and incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine. 

She is genuine and truly cares about community and building real friendships over gaining followers. We chatted with March who shared more about her favorite beauty and wellness tips, secrets for success, favorite small brands, and much more.

How did you get started in your career? What has been your secret to success?

I started in 2009 as a blogger focusing on books, beauty, and fitness. What started as a way to hopefully find a few new friends and make contacts in the publishing industry (my dream was to be an author) turned into a 15-year career that I absolutely love. 

When it comes to success, nothing about my career in social media has been overnight. It’s been a very slow and steady race, but I believe that trajectory has been what’s kept me focused, grounded, and made smart decisions over the years. 

What advice do you have for those just starting out in their careers and creating content?

It’s interesting because my answer on this has changed so much over the years. Nowadays and with the landscape of the content creator industry, I would say just create what you want and get it out there. Algorithms are always changing, new platforms are always appearing, and the appetite for what people want to see online is always different. You’ll have to get used to pivoting and being flexible, so instead of worrying about how you’ll look online, just start posting what you like and see what starts to resonate with viewers. 

What inspired the creation of your brand and merch?

My brand By Samantha March was inspired because my own personal life was, to put it lightly, in shambles. I was in IVF treatments, my marriage was declining, and my mental health was at all-time low. I was trying to find any products that could help pull me out of my funk or get me motivated to get out of bed in the morning, and when I couldn’t find what I was looking for, I decided to make my own.

One of the first products I launched was the Deck of Healthy Habits, and that’s the main product I was looking for during my low moments. I wanted something else to tell me what to focus on that day because I was struggling to make sense of a daily routine. I needed one small thing I could think about to get me through those hours and on to the next day, so I created the deck with a healthy habit on each card. You can pull a card daily, weekly, monthly—whatever you are looking for at the time—and focus on that one healthy habit.

Who or what is your inspiration/keeps you motivated?

My online community is a huge inspiration to me. I’m very grateful to have an actual community and not just a big number of followers that I don’t connect with. Hearing other women’s stories consistently keeps me motivated to not only get through the low moments, but to also share my ups and downs publicly. I’ve been able to really see through my years as a content creator how much women want to connect with other women, and how through storytelling we can really achieve that and help one another. 

Beauty/wellness tips to share with our readers?

Sunscreen is your BFF. Don’t sleep in your makeup. Quality sleep is a very overlooked beauty step. And moving your body every day can make such a huge difference. 

Are you working on any upcoming book releases?

Yes, I’m currently writing my 10th novel, “The Six: Nora,” and I cannot wait to release her story this year.

What have you been doing to keep a positive outlook and bring yourself joy?

Over the past couple of years, I really got into gratitude journaling and it’s made a big difference for me. Each might I would take just a few minutes and write down what I was grateful for that day, from the big to the small. It put a lot into perspective for me, especially on the bad days, that I still had so many small wins that could easily be overlooked. I loved gratitude journaling so much I went on to create my own Daily Gratitude Journal, which has been a best-seller for By Samantha March. 

Any women-owned or indie brands you love and want to shout out?

I do also run an event planning company for content creators called Creators and Friends. My partner Cymbre and I started this to help bring creators together in a fun setting and we host retreats and parties for the community. If any creators want to get involved and learn about our upcoming events, you can follow us on Instagram (@CreatorsFriendsEvents) for more details.

I also love Vegas Girls Events for local Vegas ladies wanting to meet friends and do fun things in this city, or if you are visiting Vegas and want a fun meet-up opportunity, you can check out their Instagram page.

For beauty I love my Singe Beauty makeup brushes and Shop Allie Glines has my favorite makeup bags. 

For more information about By Samantha March, visit the website and follow on Instagram: @marchbeautyword. Be sure to check out her Youtube page and TikTok.

[Images courtesy of Samantha March]

Tara KP Troszak is an LA-based lawyer, self-proclaimed cat lady, writer, and freelance makeup artist for MAC cosmetics. She lives in the San Fernando Valley with her husband Nick and her cat Chevy. Follow her on Instagram: @makeupbytkp.