We had the good fortune of connecting with Desmond Sam and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Desmond, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is inevitable if you’re trying to be successful. The number one lesson I’ve learned is that I am my most productive when I am uncomfortable within a space. The times I doubt myself and have to fight through that doubt by breaking out of my comfort zone is when I personally feel like I’ve leveled up mentally and physically. Through my life and career I’ve been know to switch paths a lot. I realized that isn’t cause I’m confuse but in retrospect I’m always seeking more out my career and life In general . For myself the sense of knowledge, personal range and finance is always a thought but that’s part of the risk. Not everything you throw on a wall will stick but when it does you surrender to the impact. Risk is the cheat code to pursing your dreams.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am excited about my newest venture of starting my own event production company, Collision Productions and continuing growing my mother model agency, Mute Models. I feel like everything in my life is coming full circle and the dots are finally connecting. I also love being a publicist which has been my newest career path and working for a pioneer in the PR industry like Chris Chambers has been a blessing. Getting to where I am now has definitely not been the easiest, but I believe whole heartedly in my journey. I think everything has come in it’s time and I can’t complain. My story is interesting cause I’ve been able to dip and dabble in many different areas of the fashion/entertainment industry. When I was younger I studied music for over 10 years and graduated LaGuardia High School. My first fashion job was working for Patrica Fields as a stylist. That led me into modeling which helped me build a strong network of connections. I got to shoot campaigns for Barneys to Calvin Klein. Eventually, I got connected to VFILES where I started off as the manager of the store on 12 Mercer then became community director of the VFILES foundation. As you can see I’ve lived many lives and I’ve learned to go with the flow, but always remember your integrity and once you have the proper work ethic you never have to be closed into one category or box!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Hmmm this is a good question! I have a lot of friends who always come to me as the tour guide. On Monday, I’d start with OTA, the Open To All weekly Vogue Ball at 3 Dollar Bill in East Williamsburg. The energy is electric and a great place to show someone the underground vibe of NYC. Then, Tuesdays are good for for shopping, I’d probably take you to some of my favorite thrift shops around the LES then take us to Soho, have lunch at La Esquina for tacos and margaritas cause it’s 5′ o clock somewhere! Wednesday’s are good for dinner at Soho Grand then cocktails in the ball room. After the girls always run to Paul’s Baby Grand across the street, but make sure to have on a look cause the door can be annoying! Thursdays, are very artsy in NY go get some free wine during art gallery hopping in Chelsea, take a stroll on the High-line and grab a slice of Artichoke pizza. During the night I suggest to go to Kind Regards for an amazing Paloma and some oysters. The weekend finale is always complete with some fun Brooklyn raves, brunch and Sunday day parties at Le Bain which is hands down the nest rooftop in NYC!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would personally love to shoutout my phenomenal village of family and friends. I couldn’t be doing anything I do if it wasn’t for my foundation of people, who lend me a ear when I need to vent and flush out my ideas. My family that gives me a shoulder to cry on when I’m overwhelmed and feeling the pressure of the world on my shoulders. My mother who is my soul and lifeline, she helps me see that not even the sky is the limit. Also, shoutout to anyone who has ever felt impacted by anything that I’ve done thus far and will continue to do.

Instagram: dezordie

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desmond-sam-224b95218/

Image Credits:
Photographer: Thomas Gracia (@grizzstudios)
Creative Director: Natalie Orozco

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