From Military Spouse to Millionaire: How She Built a Business and Made Friends While Moving 30 Times

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In this blog post, we are diving deep into the incredible story of Samara Beth, a highly sought-after event planner, best-selling author, and business coach with a career spanning over 30 years. Samara’s life is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of community. Having moved 30 times and lived in 13 cities, she mastered the art of building connections and overcoming personal and professional obstacles with grace. In our recent interview, Samara shared invaluable lessons about success, creativity, and how to thrive in the face of challenges.

This article will take you through some of the most impactful insights Samara shared about her journey, offering actionable advice that anyone can apply to their own life and career. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a military spouse, or someone looking for motivation, Samara’s experiences are sure to inspire you.

From Military Spouse to Business Mogul: The Story of Samara Beth

Samara’s journey began in a unique way. Growing up, she was inspired by her mother, who organized conferences and events, sparking her interest in event planning. But it was her life as a military spouse that significantly shaped her career and personal growth. Samara moved to 30 homes in 13 cities, often uprooting her family and business. But rather than seeing this constant movement as a setback, she viewed it as an opportunity to grow.

“Making new friends in a new place is always hard,” she explained during our interview. As a self-identified extrovert, Samara initially struggled with insecurity, unsure of how to fit in with new environments and communities. Her experiences as a military spouse taught her the importance of adaptability, something she now considers one of her greatest strengths.

During her time living in places like Hawaii, Florida, South Carolina, and New York City, Samara realized that no matter where you are, building a strong community is key to thriving. “You have to create a village wherever you go,” she said. In fact, Samara became so good at building these communities that she created a course called “Networking with Intention”, aimed at helping others build supportive networks.

How to Build a Community and Network for Success

For Samara, networking is more than just exchanging business cards. It’s about building meaningful relationships that last. She emphasized the importance of joining multiple groups instead of relying on just one organization for connections. Whether it’s industry-specific events, volunteer organizations, or mom groups, being part of a variety of networks opens doors and allows you to meet people from different walks of life.

“Networking is key to success,” Samara stated, pointing out that it has helped her adapt to new environments quickly and effectively. She advises anyone looking to build a career or business to actively seek out and join organizations that resonate with their passions. As she puts it, “The more you join, the more you grow.”

Samara’s commitment to networking and community building extends into her professional life as well. When she founded Samara Beth & Co, she began working closely with venues, transforming ordinary spaces into retreats and event facilities. Her knack for taking something as simple as a parking lot and turning it into a stunning event venue is a skill honed through years of practice, creativity, and networking. “Samara can create something out of nothing,” is something clients have frequently said about her.

The Key Elements of a Successful Event

As an expert event planner, Samara has transformed numerous spaces into memorable and impactful venues. But what makes an event truly memorable? Samara shared some of the key elements that she believes are essential to creating a successful event:

Understand the Client’s Goal
According to Samara, every event begins with understanding what the client wants to achieve. Whether it’s a corporate event, a wedding, or a social retreat, the objectives are different. “What is the client’s main goal?” she always asks. This helps her tailor the event experience to ensure it meets the client’s expectations.
Attention to Detail
From theme creation to logistics, Samara emphasizes the importance of getting every detail right. “Power sources are critical,” she shared, talking about the practical side of event planning. She also highlights that understanding the venue’s rules and regulations is essential to creating a seamless experience.
Creativity
Samara’s favorite projects involve themed events, where she gets to unleash her creativity. Whether it’s a Harry Potter-themed gala or a carnival-like corporate event, she loves taking an idea and turning it into reality. “Get creative, but always within the client’s budget,” she advises.
Branding and Engagement
For corporate clients, branding is key. From creating custom logos to integrating branded elements throughout the event space, Samara ensures that each event not only meets the client’s objectives but also leaves a lasting impression. Engagement activities like interactive stations and photo walls help make events more memorable for guests.

Overcoming Personal Challenges: Raising a Child with Autism

Samara’s professional accomplishments are impressive, but her personal journey of overcoming challenges is equally remarkable. One of the most impactful stories she shared during our interview was about her son, who was diagnosed with autism at just 13 months old. At the time, they were living in Hawaii, far from their extended family on the East Coast.

Despite the difficulties of raising a child with special needs, Samara found support through both the Navy and the state of Hawaii. “We had five different therapists in our home every day, Monday through Friday,” she recalled. While her son was receiving treatments, Samara was running her own business and navigating the challenges of military life.

After moving to Texas, however, she found fewer resources available for children on the autism spectrum, which presented new challenges. Through persistence and dedication, Samara helped mainstream her son into the school system, and he has since thrived. “He graduated high school with a 4.0 and is now studying astronomy at university,” she proudly shared.

Samara’s advice for anyone facing personal challenges is simple yet profound: “No matter what, you’re going to get through it.” She credits resilience, community, and having the right support system as the keys to navigating tough times. “You have to surround yourself with the right people because when you hit rock bottom, they will help lift you up,”she added.

Balancing Family, Business, and Life

For many, balancing family life with a demanding career can feel impossible. But Samara has found a way to manage both successfully. How does she do it? By integrating her personal and professional life.

When her children were younger, Samara volunteered for organizations that involved her kids. “I sat on boards for my kids’ schools, chaired fundraising events, and took part in organizations that allowed me to be close to my children,” she said. By aligning her volunteer work with her family’s needs, she was able to balance both worlds without sacrificing either.

Samara also shared how important it is to stay flexible and adapt to life’s changes. Moving frequently meant restarting her business multiple times, which was financially and emotionally taxing. But each move also presented new opportunities for growth and learning. “You figure it out as you go,” she advised. “It doesn’t always work out the way you plan, but you keep going.”

The Importance of Resilience in Business and Life

Throughout our interview, one theme came up repeatedly: resilience. Samara has faced numerous challenges, from dealing with her son’s health issues to navigating the ups and downs of her business. Yet, she always found a way to keep moving forward. “They call me ‘Lil Bamboo’ because I bend but don’t break,” she said.

One of the most powerful lessons Samara shared is that resilience is not just about bouncing back from adversity; it’s about growing stronger because of it. She believes that every challenge presents an opportunity to learn, grow, and adapt. “You’re going to have ebbs and flows, but you will get through it,” she stated with confidence.

Her advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? “Find your passion, build a supportive community, and be resilient. You’ll be surprised at how much you can achieve when you have the right mindset.”

Samara Beth’s Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

As someone who has successfully built a thriving business in a highly competitive industry, Samara has plenty of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs:

Follow Your Passion
Samara’s love for event planning started early, and she never gave up on that dream, even when life threw her curveballs. “You have to be passionate about what you do,” she emphasized. “Otherwise, it’s hard to keep going when things get tough.”
Be Ready for Challenges
Running a business is not easy, especially when life gets in the way. But Samara’s resilience has helped her push through the tough times. “You’ll hit roadblocks, but you have to keep going,” she advised.
Leverage Your Network
Building strong connections has been instrumental in Samara’s success. Whether it’s finding new clients, seeking advice, or landing a new gig, she credits her networking skills for opening doors throughout her career.
Embrace AI and Technology
Samara is an advocate for using AI and technology to enhance your business strategy. “Stay ahead of the game,”she said. “AI is not going away, and those who know how to use it will get ahead.”

What’s Next for Samara Beth?

Samara’s journey is far from over. She has exciting projects on the horizon, including several upcoming books, such as “Human Empowerment”, a series co-authored with other industry leaders. She is also working on a retreat planning guide and a personal memoir that shares the incredible story of her grandparents, Holocaust survivors.

One of Samara’s big goals is to become a TED Talk speaker by 2025, where she hopes to share her story of resilience and inspire even more people. She’s also launching her “Retreat Revenue Masterclass”, a course designed to teach others how to produce retreats and get paid to go on vacation.

Conclusion

Samara Beth’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and the power of community. Through her personal and professional challenges, she has not only built a successful business but has also inspired countless others to overcome their own obstacles. Her advice on networking, creativity, and perseverance offers valuable insights for anyone looking to succeed in business and life. Whether you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey or facing personal challenges, Samara’s story serves as a powerful reminder that, with the right mindset and support, you can achieve anything.