Meet Samantha Myer | Fashion Designer & Wardrobe Stylist

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

Hi Samantha, what role has risk played in your life or career?

I am a risk taker by nature so starting my business by happenstance is very on brand.
From dropping out of college to pursue a fashion career in NY, to then starting a styling business and shortly after, launching my first product. Admittedly, I am blinded by my intuition.

Having lost my Dad when I was 14 years old, I had to find ways to get myself out of the darkest place imaginable. The silver lining of feeling like you have nothing left to lose, is you have everything to gain. This perspective made meaning of my career and revealed my much larger purpose.

My brand is the platform to share my unique story, in hopes that anyone who thinks their fate would prevent them from accomplishing their dreams, sees those roadblocks as the catalyst to take them wherever they want to go.

Channeling this energy into my daily practices whether it be yoga, surfing or running the Santa Monica stairs, reminds me of the importance of pushing myself. The confidence gained from intention is magnetic. If you fall, maybe you’ll rip your jeans, but when you get up you’ll see that new hole will be the coolest part about them.

So for me, the biggest risk of all would be not sharing this gift of awareness with the world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I celebrated the 10 year anniversary of my business this month — it’s been quite the ride!
At 22 years old, I started a wardrobe styling business – ranging from red carpet, editorial, runway, etc. With some luck and blinding ambition, I landed my first two clients; Alicia Keys and Lindsay Lohan. That level of exposure so quickly, forced me to align my personal and business values.

Styling and design are my yin and yang.. styling comes from my imagination and design is the foundation. For so long, I believed my past and lack of connections would prevent me from achieving a successful fashion career. Recognizing those finite feelings as core of my motivation put forth a deeper meaning to my work.

My first product design, Leather Thigh-Highs, was an innovative piece made to transform ankle boots into thigh-high boots. This line was picked up by Intermix stores. My design niche and desire to create pieces from a place of necessity gave me a unique lens and a story to tell.

Through finding my purpose, I gained acceptance. This pivotal moment gave me wings.

I began my philanthropic journey with A Caring Hand in 2015. ACH is a NY based non-profit, providing therapy for children who have lost a parent. Hosting fundraising events and volunteering with the kids gave me the platform to connect my head and my heart. Getting to be the person I needed most when I lost my dad was a true full circle moment that makes me so proud.

Entrepreneurship is like putting a puzzle together with a vague idea of what the final picture is supposed to look like.. it takes patience, sacrifice, creativity and an insane amount of discipline.. and little by little it all comes together.

Right before the pandemic, I introduced my first RTW piece, a ‘Feathered Wrap Skirt’. For most artists, the pandemic forced us to re-evaluate everything. I had just started production on a RTW Collection but it all came to a holt during lockdown so I had to change the course.

I relocated from NYC to my moms house in NJ where I began my ‘Mask Mission’. I turned to social media and posted, ‘Who needs masks?’ Then my mom posted to hers, ‘Who has a sewing machine?’. Truth be told, I had very little sewing skills but within hours I had a sewing machine, threads, and tons of fabrics at our front door.

Overwhelmed by the response from all walks of life.. doctors at Mount Sinai, Valley Hospital, educators, police officers. I personally made and donated over 1,000 masks to front line workers and did this for the first 5 months of the pandemic.

Masks were in such high demand, I added them to my website. I used my Nana’s vintage fabrics and bandanas to make stylish/comfy masks to encourage people to want to wear them. I took my jewelry making skills and added beaded sliders to adjust the size and made different style masks chains.
Ironically, masks were the best selling product I had ever designed. Consolidating my design niche; innovative, simple yet stylish products — with a soul.
This idea sparked a new chapter.

I had always idealized a life in LA when I was ready to build my life as a designer. With my new found sewing skills, I put it to test Summer 2020. I sublet a house in Venice Beach where I would create a space for a design studio. To this day, I am still living in that house.

I launched my latest project PAPÀSWEATER December 2020. The pandemic had heightened and it was the first holiday I was ever spending with out my family in NJ. Thankfully I had my sister out here but I wasn’t really meeting new people so I turned inward. I was drawn to the surf culture, farmers market hauls, & designing weekly flower arrangements. I found a yoga community and honed my photography skills chasing every sunrise and sunset.

One problem.. my NYC wardrobe of black leather jackets and designer trench coats were not suitable for this lifestyle. I needed a piece to throw on right out of bed for my morning walks, to wear around the house or after surfing when I’m cold. For years, my Papa’s sweater had been my go-to piece, possessing the multifunctional & transitional uses fit for my day to day. It gave me that chic oversized look while commanding a super relaxed and effortless vibe.

As a stylist, I can easily identify missing links in a wardrobe. As a designer, I get to focus on the smallest details— from the vintage buttons, to the unique packaging & Nana’s handwriting, ‘Snug as a bug in a rug’ on the brand tags. I want the experience to feel like you’re getting something really luxe, with the simplicity of a blanket — a duality I play with a lot in my work.

PAPÀSWEATER was born from necessity and made with integrity. Setting up production during lockdown came with its challenges, but as someone who works well within boundaries, I innovated an out-of-the-box production model. I hired out of work seamstresses / tailors and provided them with wearable sherpa blankets to turn into jackets. It became a true labor of love.

We initially made 100 jackets, hoping to sell in the season. Launch weekend, with a headlining article from Daily Mail: ‘Stylist Samantha Myer Designed a Fashionable Snuggie’, we completely sold out.

What started with one product, one color, one style, and one size is now 3 different styles, 5 colors, and several products. PAPÀSWEATER has become its own brand. Most recently, we are launching a ‘Revived Collection’, pieces made from the scrap fabrics, mixed with vintage garments. It’s as stylish as it is sustainable, a huge value to me.

I know when asked what the demographic is, you’re not supposed to say ‘everyone’.. but every person who wears a PAPÀSWEATER brings it to life in their own unique way. From my Nana, to an 8 year old boy, to even Snoop Dogg (yes, that’s right). It’s just so cozy, you lose all inhibitions. When you calm your mind, you’re able to hear yourself and nothing says radical self love better than wearing a blanket.

But the reality is, and by far one of the hardest lessons to learn..
Not everyone is going to get it.. Not everyone is going to like what you’re doing.. When you put your work out there.. you are putting yourself out for critique, ridicule, judge, and envy. There’s no report card saying you’re doing a good job. All you can do is continue to show up for yourself and keep moving the needle forward.

In turn, if you feel the world needs something, I bet a whole lot of people would agree with you. If you continue to do what you love and make things with meaning.. you will naturally attract the right people. This project has been the most rewarding part of my entire career because it came from the most authentic place. It connected me with the best people. It inspired my most childish and creative self. It’s allowed me to be vulnerable.

My pandemic idea, turned brand, is moving in the coolest direction. It’s also been the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It’s true that the most beautiful things happen when you’re brave enough to cross over into new boundaries and we are just at the beginning. I will continue growing this company until we are a staple in every household. Or at least make it on Oprah’s list. But until then, I will continue making waves.

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.
I moved to Venice because it’s the closest to NY in reference to being able to walk or bike everywhere. Except theres the added bonus of having a beach. I’ll probably be very biased to Venice for the below..

-Intelligentsia Coffee gets me out of bed every morning with my 6:15am online order. Perfect timing for my sunrise beach walk, and watch the surfers at Breakwater, by the Venice sign.

-Bike riding from start to finish on the bike path.. Starting in Venice/MDR and ending in the Palisades. It takes much less time than you’d think and very fulfilling

-Piccolo is my favorite neighborhood restaurant on Abbott Kinney in Venice

-Satine is my favorite fashion boutique in Venice.

-Elyse Walker is my favorite clothing store in LA. They carry all my favorite brands and a very California-chic edit.

-In-N-Out Burger is always my first stop off the plane, not giving away my secret (iykyk)

-Pickwick Market is a vintage trade show that occurs once a month at ROW DTLA, some of the best vintage curators in the world.

-Light on Lotus is my favorite yoga studio. Kate (the owner) has created a really special community.
-I also love any class taught by Dan Ward

-El Matador Beach in Malibu is a dream.

-Surfing at County Line, the most authentic experience to LA surf culture.

-Breakfast at Great White is a must. The blue algae acai bowl.

-Venice Beach Farmers Market every Friday morning 7am-11am. It’s also where I get fresh flowers for my weekly arrangements.

Last, but CERTAINLY not least.. Erewhon. The tofu sticks are my favorite.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Mom. I describe my life & role of my Mom in 2 parts: The Fashion Mom & The CEO Mom.

She was the Mom who wore cowboy boots before they were cool. She made every detail of each holiday and birthday so beautiful to make you feel special. She was always a leader which is why when she took over my dad’s business, she owned the role and did it in her own way. I watched her struggle and I also watched her succeed.

In 2016, I went to an event where she was honored Top 50 Women Entrepreneurs in NJ
& in 2018, she came to my event where I was honored a Philanthropic Achievement Award from A Caring Hand

It is no secret that she paved the roadmap for me to navigate the world with integrity, resilience, and grace. Watching her channel her energy to lead with courage is amongst the most impressionable gifts I’ve learned from her. Most importantly, she has supported me every step of the way and gave me the confidence that anything is possible.

Website: www.samanthamyer.com

Instagram: instagram.com/sammyer

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

Image Credits
Me Snoop Dogg Instagram Dana Daube Me Jean Terman Leven Rambin Nicole Laxton Robert Crissy Jr.