Getting Charmed This Summer: Samantha Faye's Fantastic Charms

This Summer I have had the opportunity to intern with Samantha Freedman, owner, creator, and designer of Samantha Faye. Her jewelry has personality and flair that makes them stand out from the crowd and has been worn by Katie Holmes and her daughter and been worn on the shows Girls and The Carrie Diaries. Samantha went from a lawyer to a designer of a flourishing company in a few years. This short interview gives insight into that fantastic and life changing journey!

Q:What prompted you to want to become a jewelry designer after being a lawyer?
S.F: I started designing while studying for the bar exam. I would run to 47th street during breaks and then again when I started practice.  People would stop me on the street and ask where I purchased my necklace... all the time.  So, I knew I was onto something. When I thought of the mother daughter charm idea and it got put on the Today Show, that's when I took the plunge!

Q:How were you inspired to start creating your charms?
S.F:Always thought of ideas -- I wake up often in the middle of the night and draw or write down my ideas. Anything inspires me - every day items to an exotic trip!

Samantha's first charm!

Q:What is your favorite part of designing these charms?

S.F:People wearing them! [That] Makes me really happy.

Q:What has been the most exciting part of starting this company?
S.F: That I did it all on my own.

Q:What was the most difficult part of starting up?
S.F:Same as above, that I did it on my own.   I think the hardest part was not having  a partner that complimented me and had different strengths. That would have been - still would be - helpful!!!

Q:Where would you like seeing the company go in the next five years? 
S.F:Worldwide! I would like to get real brand recognition and make it affordable to all.

Q:What famous person would you like to see wearing your charms?
S.F: Hmm. I want Michelle Obama and her girls!!! Emma Stone, Mila Kunis and others - to name a few.

Mine is in silver :)

I know I love my owl charm with its cute crystal eyes. There is such an amazing range of charms that range from animals to lips to weather charms -- definitely something for every personality- down to your family dentist with a tooth charm!

It's been a whirlwind of a summer so far between my internship and my other job! More posts to come later!

Have a 'charming' week!