Hi, Im Samantha, a Northern Nevada native, college graduate, former Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer, and past Washoe County dance teacher.
Over the past five months, I started the HealThySelf brand because I’m ready to take my story and inspire others to heal and be healthy.
Following multiple forms of abuse, toxic relationships, I rebuilt my life. Then, I was hit by a car leaving me disabled.
I’ve faced significant emotional, physical, and financial challenges, which motivated me to create something meaningful.
I began my journey by crafting about 50 beaded keychains, but my vision quickly expanded as I recognized the importance of healing and the impact of self-care.
This realization led me to create an online store where I could share my journey and products that embody comfort and self-expression.
I now offer fuzzy blankets that symbolize comfort, AirPod cases that celebrate the significance of music in my life, and notebooks for journaling, writing, and drawing—tools that allow for self-expression. Each item I’ve created holds special meaning and has played a crucial role in my personal healing journey, and I hope they resonate with you too.
My journey to healing is a remarkable story of resilience and self-love. After enduring years of domestic violence that encompassed not only physical violence, but multiple forms of abuse, I faced immense struggles.
There were many attempts to leave, and I sought refuge in various shelters. I finally was done, healing, then experienced yet another abusive relationship. Breaking free from the cycle of abuse proved to be incredibly challenging. So much to learn, unlearn, and heal. Just when I rebuilt my life for the second time, life threw another curveball my way; I was hit by a drunk driver, while in a crosswalk, leaving me disabled.
In the aftermath of the accident, I found myself feeling sorry for myself and deeply affected by how my life had changed. The emotional scars from my past haunted me too and I began self-medicating, which led to a drinking problem. Recognizing the need for change, I sought sobriety, worked hard to overcome my struggles, and have been sober for a few years now.
Instead of allowing these challenges to define me, I made the courageous decision to rebuild my life, again. Through therapy, inner work, and my commitment to sobriety, I discovered the strength to confront my past and embrace my healing journey.
I learned that true strength comes from vulnerability, self-compassion, and the courage to move forward, ultimately growing into the person I was always meant to be.
Today, I channel my personal transformation into my new business, HealThySelf—a collection of keychains and goods designed to promote self-love, mental health awareness, sobriety, and the importance of healthy relationships.
I want to turn the sensitive chapters of our lives into the positive mindset it takes to change our narratives; dismiss the stigma of experiencing personal struggles, and present it from victim to survivor! HealthySelf celebrates the strength and courage it takes to face and overcome adversity. Its not easy but it's worth every step.
I'm continuing the financial burden from developing more issues following the accident, still continuing treatment with a team of doctors and specialists, and my disability application is still pending. At this time, everything helps, and I plan to pay it forward as the brand HealThy Self continues. I hope my store and brand resonates, you can also donate via Venmo.
Venmo: HealThy--Self
You are Beautiful Loveable Smart Courageous Powerful Glowing Fantastic.
If you've stood up and overcame domestic violence, toxic relationships, abuse, homelessness, sexual assault, active addiction to sobriety, mental health, PTSD, disabilities....you are a warrior. Be proud of yourself.
Our Town Reno, Citizen’s Forum, April 2025