Meet Samantha Sao | Poet, Author, & Event Curator

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

Hi Samantha, what do you attribute your success to?
Human connection is truly the essence of what we do. That realization hit home for me when I began curating events with my business partner, Celinda Cruz-Arce (@cellys_sweets). Our first event in March 2024 brought together creatives and small business owners, creating a platform for them to share their stories. We also included an open mic segment, where some poets took the brave step of performing their pieces for the first time. By the end of the night, we were in awe of the vibrant community that had come together.

As Celly and I planned the event, I reflected on my own nerves during my open mic experiences. I had to give myself an introduction and think of what to say, and how. After the 2nd or 3rd time, I found my own flow — “Hi, I’m Samantha Sao. I published my debut poetry book in 2020, which explores the journey of navigating adulthood as a first-generation Cambodian American raised in Los Angeles…” Building confidence through practice is essential. Our goal was to create an environment where artists felt welcomed, safe, and supported. It was vital for speakers to see supportive faces in the audience, uplifting them with warmth and encouragement.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey with poetry began where all good art comes from — experience and dreams. I started by documenting my rants and emotions in response to certain situations. Once I noticed a pattern, I knew it was time to confront it and make a change. Each transformation brought new challenges. When I began sharing my poems with loved ones, I created an Instagram account, allowing me to connect with people from around the world.

Just a few months after launching my poetry social media, the pandemic hit, leading to an interesting experience online. I was fortunate to form connections during that time, bonds that continue to thrive today. We’ve all witnessed each other evolve from sharing poems to publishing our own books, which is a testament to the vital role community plays in helping us achieve our goals. Growing up, I never knew a poet or author, so becoming one has been a transformative journey — not just for me, but for those around me as well.

It has almost been 5 years since I began posting my poetry and I have accomplished a lot. In addition to “silk,” I performed at countless open mics, vendored at a few pop ups, and curated 2 beautiful events. We are currently planning our next one and I am so excited to build this event from zero. It’s like a blank canvas and the possibilities are endless.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As an LA native, I’d divide the trip into two experiences: beach and city.

For our beach day, we’d hike the Los Liones Trail, where ocean views meet the DTLA skyline. Afterward, we’d grab some Cuban food and catch the sunset.

Next, we’d dive into the city life. We’d explore Echo Park for the dodger stadium and city views, then satisfy our cravings with quality carne asada fries from Rodeo Mexican Grill. After a little rest, we’d head to DTLA for dinner or sip cocktails at a rooftop bar, soaking in the rhythm of the night.

And let’s not forget a notable mention: a trip to Long Beach for some fantastic Cambodian noodles at @phnompenhnoodleshack!

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?
I’d like to take a moment to thank our amazing village — family, friends, readers, and everyone who has attended our events, performed, or offered their support. The encouragement I’ve received is what inspired me to start sharing my work and stay consistent. This community drives me to push through self-doubt and strive for the next project. Thank you for being my constant source of inspiration!

Website: https://samanthasao.com/

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