SAMANTHA Briggs shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
SAMANTHA, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I was walking a path of creating the life my soul desired for several years. It began with an idea to create and do something I truly enjoyed. I wanted to do something that didn’t feel like work. Something that felt like play. I began taking action and painting. I then invested in learning and growing my craft. The path felt so aligned and intentional. This year however, something changed. I would normally hit the ground running at the new year planning out my goals and projects, however this year I felt a strong call to rest and take it slow. At first that didn’t sit well with me, I felt like I was procrastinating. I took some time to reflect and ask myself a few questions. I asked myself, why rush to be busy and take action when it was still winter? It was cold out, nature was still sleeping, and I felt like I should be sleeping as well. I gave myself the grace of taking it easy and starting when I felt ready. Here we are towards the end of the year and that feeling hasn’t changed. I have been feeling as if I am wandering around with no direction this year and it was scary at first. It took me some time to realize there will be moments when we need to redirect. We need rest. We need to recharge and get excited all over again. I think sometimes what our minds tell us isn’t what the body and soul needs. I have realized I’m very grateful for moments of rest. When i look back at this year i realize I started my photography journey, I learned to enjoy my home more, I paid attention to what my heart desired and most of all I let my body and mindset rest. I think sometimes before you can take a leap ahead you need to take a step back. Its part of the process. To reground ourselves, to remember what’s important, and to fall in love with life again. I think a little wandering is good and keeps us alive. Life is about wonder, and surprises and finding the magic again. I intend on having the best year in 2026 because I am fully alive and ready!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Samantha! I am the owner and artist of Decorating The Shack. I began with the love of painting furniture. I painted all sorts of things including nightstands, dressers, and China cabinets. It was so fun to create something you couldn’t buy in a store. I also have a love of making jewelry. I began creating things you just can buy anywhere but Decorating The Shack. My ideas and love of colors were coming through and it felt right. The more I practiced and learned from others, my style developed. Today my products consist of furniture, earrings and bracelets, hand painted tote bags, accessories and artwork! Everything is hand painted and hand crafted by myself. My shop is full of bright colors, unique decor, sparkle and LOVE!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I worked in an office for almost all of my working career. I had a 9-5, I had to dress professional, and it honestly felt robotic. I thought I needed to go to college, get a degree and follow a path that most people around me were following. It felt uncomfortable and not like me. I had to wake up at a specific time every day, work, come home and make dinner. All this to just get ready for the next day helping someone else with their business. The weekends felt so rush and busy and then Monday rolled around again just to repeat everything.
I always had this burning desire to do something else. There had to be something else I could do. I knew I was meant for something else, and I never gave up on it. I kept thinking and kept working on myself. I did lots of self development and began to focus on my health. This is when everything shifted.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
This year felt very different. There were many times this year I thought about what direction I wanted to go. I had such a strong urge to slow down and rest. I wondered if this meant I didn’t want to have a business anymore.. Why did I feel so much resistance to setting my goals and taking action? Was I tired of doing so much? Did I feel like I wasn’t good enough?
It took some time but I realized this is so important for every business and could teach me a lot. Sometimes you need to rest and evaluate everything. We have to make time to reflect and pause or life will force you to do it. No one ever said this would be a smooth easy ride. I think some of us forget that. We think when something doesn’t go our way or as planned that it’s ruined or there’s no coming back from it. Life is meant to be a challenge, it’s meant to test us and that’s what makes us come back stronger every time.
We won’t always understand the setbacks, the heartbreak, the loss, the mistakes, but it’s important to learn something from it. What can we take away from it? It’s also important to share these feelings and stories with others because that’s how wisdom is built, learning from others.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I believe we find more joy in surrounding ourselves with colors and art that bring forth childlike wonder. Something another person made with their hands. Something they took the time to imagine and dream about and bring it forth into the world.
I don’t think having something from a big box store that thousands of other people have truly creates joy. You have no idea who created that art, or furniture. There is no emotion attached to that purchase. When you know where your artwork came from you think of that person. You realize the time they took and how important their work is to them. You appreciate hand crafted art more because you see the person behind it. It’s not just about filling up your house to show off to others, it’s about connection and real love you can see and hold in your hands.
I feel that if we see beautiful things everyday that make us feel happy and in appreciation it shifts our thoughts and perspective. As humans we crave connection and our purpose is to love and serve others. What a beautiful service it is to create special art for others, and what a gift it is to support and artist in their craft by purchasing something you love. Everyone is connecting and serving in this transaction.
My mission has always been to help others find joy in their daily life and to create a reality they love and feel wonderful in. It will always remain the same, and I hope to inspire others to do the same, no matter how long it takes.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I feel like I get to do both what I was born to do, and what I was told to do. The truth is, when we are born we aren’t really meant for anything yet, but the people around us will definitely shape our experiences and desires. My father and my grandfather both collected antiques and had a love for restoring old gadgets, cars and radios. My mother was a loving woman that reminded me magic was real and my grandmother always threw the best parties full of family, laughter and lots of food. I was destined to be shaped around these facts.
We grew up without a lot of money, and I was encouraged to go to school and get a good job. Don’t be an artist because they don’t make any money, I heard once or twice. So I did just that. I got an office job and worked my way up. The great thing is I never gave up on my dreams and I get to do both. I started my business painting and creating, while still working in an office. It felt nice to have the structure of a secure income, as well as the freedom to be creative and share it with everyone.
I collect and paint furniture, I create jewelry and art and I keep the magic alive. I like to think I inspire others to find the magic around us and I love to bring people together to create special memories.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://decoratingtheshack.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshack85/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshack85
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@decoratingtheshack
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/decoratingtheshack/painted-by-decorating-the-shack/
Image Credits
Sweet Pea Photography
Decorating The Shack
