Meet Samantha Okazaki

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

Hi Samantha, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
The concept of “work/life balance” is an interesting one to me because I think it implies that work and life should be equals and (as I’ve come to terms with recently) that’s just not my reality. And that’s ok!

In 2013, when I was working at my corporate job at NBC I was all work and no life. There were days when I’d go in to the office before the sun rose and wouldn’t leave until after dark. My job became my whole personality.

When I quit that job in early 2019 and started my own business, I finally began to discover that mystical “work/life balance” people always spoke about. I created my own hours, cultivated my own client roster…and then Covid hit.

Now in 2024, I have relocated my business across the country, started from scratch in a new state, and had a baby. We don’t have childcare so I’m cramming in emails on my phone during stroller walks, editing late into the night after we put my daughter to bed, and picking up shoots here and there rather than having a steady stream of clients. Suddenly I’m all life and little to no work.

And, sure, there are days when I’m frustrated that I’m not working more, but then I remember that my daughter will only be this young for so long. I’m lucky to be able to spend my days with her while I can.

I’ve come to realize that for me it’s not about being able to balance work and life perfectly in harmony every single day. Over time things will settle and change, and the pendulum will shift more towards the work end of the spectrum. My balance is zooming out and knowing that in the greater scheme of life, that time will come when it’s ready.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
First and foremost, I lead with joy!

I show up to every photo shoot overflowing with joy, knowing that I’m doing what I love. And I feel like that energy is contagious! It’s so easy for my clients to get wrapped up in all the details of planning a shoot (picking the perfect outfits, cleaning the house, coordinating nap and feeding schedules, etc.) and my goal is to have all of those little thoughts melt away once I arrive. Photo shoots can and should be fun! I’m not about posing perfectly or checking things off a shot list – the best photos are the ones that authentically capture your life and the tiny snippets of joy and love that you share for your family.

If I walk away from the shoot with my stomach hurting from laughing, and your kids can’t stop talking about how much fun they had the whole way home? That’s when I know I’ve done my job well.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh gosh, admittedly I’m still new(ish) to LA and haven’t branched out of the west side much yet! But if you were to stay with me in Santa Monica? I’d say we should start the morning with a leisurely breakfast at Gjusta, and then take a stroll along the beach through Venice and into Santa Monica. If you have kids, the Cayton Children’s Museum off the promenade is a great little visit. Ooh, or on Wednesdays I love to swing by the Santa Monica farmer’s market to pick up fresh produce for the week! Lunch would have to be a burrito from my favorite street vendor on Lincoln – their al pastor with the spicy orange salsa is to die for! At this point we’ll probably need an afternoon pick me up, so we could bop over to Flowerboy Project to pick up a matcha and make a bouquet of fresh cut flowers. My family is big on an afternoon siesta, but after a little break from the sun and heat, we could catch an early dinner at Felix on Abbot Kinney – don’t sleep on their butterscotch pudding for dessert! Then, after the kids are in bed, I like to walk back out to the beach with a glass of wine and watch the sunset on the ocean. A busy but well-spent day!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To my husband, Andrew – I would not be living my dream without your support. Thank you for devoting yourself to being the best partner and father you can be.

To my daughter – it’s all for you.

And to mothers everywhere – you are fucking badass!! Seriously, who you are is nothing short of a miracle and I am blown away by all that you are. You make this world turn.

Website: samanthaokazaki.com

Instagram: @samanthaokazaki