Meet Sam Parham | Business Owner, Entrepreneur

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

Hi Sam, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
As an entrepreneur or business owner, you’re essentially entering into a marriage—with your business. It’s a relationship that demands time, energy, and commitment on a level that’s hard to grasp until you’re in it. That’s why it’s so important to do something you genuinely enjoy. If you’re not passionate about your work, it becomes infinitely harder to sustain the long hours and emotional investment required to succeed.

Over time, I’ve come to realize that the concept of work-life balance for a business owner looks very different from the traditional nine-to-five model. The truth is, the life of an entrepreneur is not a life of perfect balance. There are employees who rely on me, clients who depend on me, and countless decisions that need my attention, often at unconventional hours. For me, work-life balance isn’t about drawing a strict line between my personal and professional lives—it’s about integrating the two in a way that works.

My work-life balance is my business. It’s not a compartmentalized part of my day; it’s woven into the fabric of my life. Fortunately, I’m blessed with a supportive fiancé and a circle of friends who understand this. They know that my business is not just a job—it’s a priority and a passion. That support system has been instrumental in allowing me to pursue my goals without guilt or resentment.

That said, I’ve also learned the importance of being intentional about creating space for personal moments. Even if it’s something as small as a dinner without checking my phone or taking an hour to go for a hike, those moments help me recharge and bring a fresh perspective to my work. I’ve found that when I embrace this integrated approach—accepting that there will be seasons of intense focus on my business and others where I can lean more into personal time—it feels less like I’m chasing an impossible balance and more like I’m living authentically.

In the end, it’s not about achieving some static state of equilibrium—it’s about being present in whatever role I’m in at that moment and finding joy in both the chaos and the calm.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
1DS Collective is a Marketing Agency that caters Communication, Content and Social for Brands, aswell as Talent Management.
We provide strategy for explosive Social Media growth, effective Brand Positioning and production of highly converting Content.
What makes us different, is our ability to combine incredible Talent (that we manage), with effective Social Media strategy and campaigns.
We have taken brands from 0 Social Presence to literally Millions of followers.
Social Media is a science. We lean into specific Content Pillars and Formats with proven results to help our clients.
We have achieved over 15 Billion views and hundreds of Millions of followers with our clients.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Santa Monica is always a must. I love lunch at True Food Kitchen; healthy, light and energizing just steps away from the pier.
And a great excuse to head down to the beach with the rings, bars and yoga green.
The PCH makes for one of my favorite drives, especially in a convertible car.

Next day calls for a visit to the Grove. A fun walk of the shops followed by the iconic Cheese Cake Factory.
– Cinema to follow!

Personally I love having Universal Studios on our doorstep, even if it is just to take a walk down the City Walk, and grab a donut from Voodoo Donuts!

Final station stops for me include Topanga Mall to walk the shops and enjoy the amazing Chicken Broth at Jinya Ramen.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout has to go to a few key people who have been instrumental in my journey. First and foremost, my fiancé. Her understanding and unwavering support have been a cornerstone for me. She recognizes the long hours and intense focus that my business requires, and instead of feeling like she’s competing for my time, she has become a true partner in my success.

I also want to give immense credit to my business partners and my incredible team. Entrepreneurship is often painted as a solo journey, but in reality, it’s the people you surround yourself with who make all the difference. My business partner shares my vision, drive, and determination, and he’s been with me through the ups and downs, always ready to roll up their sleeves and find solutions when challenges arise.

As for my team, they are nothing short of exceptional. Their tireless work, creativity, and commitment are what transform ideas into reality. They bring passion and expertise to the table every day, and their belief in the business fuels my own motivation to keep pushing forward.

Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t also acknowledge my parents who always encouraged me to chase my passion. No matter where it took me – even to the otherside of the world.

Website: https://www.1dscollective.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samparham

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-parham-64a7981b/

Twitter: https://x.com/samparham

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamParham1/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thesamparham/shorts

Image Credits
2nd Person: John Hyland
Cameraman: Ryan Houchin