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

Hi Sam, how do you think about risk?
Taking a risk to me has always felt about going out of my ‘comfort zone’. My career in entertainment started in my hometown of Austin, TX. Leaving the house everyday and pretending to be an actor or runway model was a hoot when you say the words out loud in Texas circa 1990. Despite having no credits and connections in the biz– I had to start in my mind and work my way out. No one was taking the arts super seriously there as a professional line of work or as a reasonable means of survival. Acting classes, auditions, agents and job bookings would only support my daydream. That all later evolved into my chapter as a fashion stylist and relocating promptly to Los Angeles before the turn of the century. Ignoring the chatter will be at the foundation of risk taking.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My truest art is my sense of style and how I can transfer that confidence over to others. When I realized the alchemy in uplifting an actor or singer for a photo shoot or production, it seemed natural to want to share that with those not as privileged. In my spare time, I ask my public relation handlers and fashion contacts to donate a portion of what we gift to the celebrities and reroute it to everyday women with unique stories of perseverance. To date, I have funneled $170,000 of designer goods and services to cancer survivors, single moms reentering the workforce, to name a few.

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.
The first stop with a dear friend in town would be EDB ( patio garden of the Marriott Hotel– Burbank). Have your guest skip the chaos of LAX and pick them up at Burbank Airport and grab a drink/nosh at Eat-Drink-Be Burbank. Everyone has to see both Getty Museums and Lake Shrine on Sunset blvd. Such a nice surprise for those that think it’s just a concrete jungle here. If I want my guest close to my Pasadena home, I will suggest the Sheraton San Gabriel on Valley Blvd. This beautiful locale has reinvented robotic luxury in the most seductive setting–love the tones/decor of that hotel. If beach side folly is more your speed, everyone loves what Santa Monica does for the senses. That would easily be the lodging choice of Fairmont Miramar –Hotels & Bungalows in Santa Monica. The coveted bungalows are just as generous in size as the ocean views!!  Breakfast or Dinner at Fig Restaurant on site explains why you never left the grounds. Order food-to-go and take that Moscow Mule back to the room for a sunset to remember!!

This is that juncture when your out-of-towner will announce a deep desire to want to relocate to Southern California.
Ah, yes—those moments.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Big thanks is in order to all the artisans that took a chance on me and helped support my creative self. I’ve been blessed to work on big productions & travel with celebrities that have formed my breathe of work. NBC San Diego and the production team there were the very 1st news network to support my charitable work and help me find a true home in Southern CA. Thank you to Sage Kelly from NBC San Diego, Vickie Snow in Houston Texas, Page Parkes, Amanda Tapping from Stargate, Stevie Wonder, Robin Meade from HLN for her support!! My gratitude list is long…….

Website: www.givingcloset.net
Instagram: givingsam
Twitter: givingsam
Facebook: givingsam
Youtube: https://youtu.be/fmhRs5B-CiA

Image Credits
Brie Childers Photography, LA

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