Meet Samantha Briggs | Artist & Designer

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

Hi Samantha, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Ever since I was a little girl that love of drawing and making things with craft supplies never died. For many of my younger years, I dreamed of being an artist and having a studio filled with paint and blank canvases everywhere. I would imagine the clothes I would wear and what my lifestyle might be like as an artist. It felt like an out-of-reach dream because I wasn’t recognized by anyone for being a GOOD artist. I just painted and drew things to enjoy myself, you know, for fun. I used to sew simple things and had many creative ideas regarding fashion and interior design. As the years went by and I became an adult that dream felt even further away because the focus shifted to surviving and earning a living.
After hitting a low point in life, I tried to remember what I loved to do that brought me joy. I picked up a paintbrush again and decided to find my happiness again. I was going to paint or create something every day. I began watching painting tutorials and practicing often. I started showing off my work, and day by day I gained confidence and began to feel whole again. I realized this dream wasn’t so far out. I could do this. People that don’t quit, and have love for something can succeed. I promised to follow that inner pulling toward the life I always dreamed of because if I kept showing up and loved what I did, I might make it. I realized it wasn’t just about making art, It was about me and what I could offer the world. I remembered what brought me joy and changed my life and I wanted to remind others to do the same. Find joy in simple things. Find yourself through the eyes of your inner child. It was my destiny.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I hand-paint furniture, interiors, and home décor such as wall art and displays for jewelry. I love to find old antique furniture, as well as plain pieces that feel outdated, and give them new life. I love to create something unique and one-of-a-kind.

My specialty has to be putting an exciting modern spin on antiques. Using bright colors and fun combinations to create something bold artsy and bright. I love to use drippy gold paint as a final touch and I enjoy using colors that light you up, such as bright pinks, bold greens, purples, and blue.

I am so proud of my fun ideas coming to life and not being afraid to express myself. What sets me apart from others is that my pieces are fun and bold, yet they have a touch of elegance. These pieces are painted with clean lines, and almost always have gold accents. I usually paint the back of items even if you won’t see it as well as inside drawers. I love to have the entire piece painted and decorated so no matter how you turn it or flip it, you will see beauty.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is to slow down and remember each piece will have many layers. It will look crazy before it looks finished. There have been so many times when I think a piece is not coming out well, or I messed it up, and the truth is, those are the best pieces I have created. Many layers and lots of pause in between make the best projects. When I take time and let myself be in flow things turn out beautiful. I sometimes want to rush myself and I must remember to let go. This can also be applied to the journey itself. I cannot expect to start a business and BOOM it’s beautiful and perfect. It will look messy along the way, it will have many layers, but I have to take it slow, keep going, and let the layers unfold.

My main mission is to inspire you daily to create a beautiful reality. It will change your life. I want everyone to see the beauty in small things. Surround yourself with furniture and art that delivers a smile, takes you back in time, brightens your day, and lifts your spirits. Something to make you stop, slow down, and just enjoy.
I believe we are affected by our surroundings. It creates a mood, a vibe, and an overall feeling. The more plants and colors you see, the more grounded and peaceful you feel. We get to create these feelings for ourselves. I encourage you to practice setting yourself up for these sweet moments and watch the magic unfold.
I truly thank you for being here. Thank you for reading this and taking the time to let my words grace your thoughts today.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I could take you somewhere for an amazing week in my most favorite places this is what we would do:

I would definitely take you to my town, Spring TX, for a couple days full of small businesses and relaxing vibes. We would go have breakfast at our favorite Unforgettable Italian Gourmet Experience, Tosca Italian Gourmet. We would have some of their fresh baked bread, breakfast, coffee and pastries. We would then stop by Old Town Spring for a stroll down their quaint streets full of small business shops and vendors. We would check out the antique stores, get some fudge from The Little Dutch Girl shop and maybe hear some live music as we walk through the town. We would have lunch at Lynn’s Table and Dinner and Beers at Excalibur Brewery!
Day 2 we would have Brunch at Thistle Draftshop, go see a movie and have lunch at Star Cinema Grill then finish with an amazing Dinner at Belly of the Beast that you will never forget!

Day 3 we will travel to Galveston early in the morning and have breakfast at a coffee shop when we arrive. We will have lunch packed in a cooler for a picnic near the water. There will be a shady area for us to rest and music to jam all day! We will shower before dinner and eat somewhere on the water. We will stay here for 3 days in a condo with a pool! Day 2 we will swim, grill by the pool and walk the beach in the evening. Day 3 we will visit the strand for lunch, get ice cream at La King’s Confectionery, and visit all the wonderful shops. We will stop in Murphy’s Pub for beers, a little game of pool and some pizza!

On day 7 we will head back to spring and get massages before lunch and relax the rest of the day until dinner time. For dinner we will go to Republic Grill in the woodlands for amazing food and drinks.

LETS GO!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Some wonderful people contribute to my story. Early on I was influenced by my family. My dad, Christopher Thrasher, was a painter and had his own painting company. He also did oil and watercolor paintings for fun. I remember always asking him if I could draw in his notepads and I still have some of those old drawings. He also collected antiques that felt like such treasures to me. To this day I paint and collect antiques. One of my aunts, Tomia Bost, is a talented artist as well, and she taught me so many things, including how to cut and color hair! Tomia was the youngest of my grandmother’s children and was more like a sister to me. She used to draw the coolest letters and characters. I would always ask her to draw my name and designs on my school binders and clothes. One of my favorite memories is when she would draw my name but use little dash marks so I could follow the lines and trace it myself. I was able to practice how to make each letter and I eventually learned how to draw letters like her! I looked up to her and she has always encouraged me to dream BIG and follow those dreams.

As I grew older there were a few people who inspired and pushed me to do more. Joining a group on Facebook called, Painting Over Borders, was the best thing I ever did. I learned many new painting techniques, behind-the-scenes processes of owning an Art Business, and much more. I was trying out new products and I found a local art supply store called Patina Lane. Patina Lane provided me with so many tools to create beautiful furniture so I was able to move forward with many projects. The owner, Linda Carter was another inspiring teacher. Linda taught me how to use products, and how to get creative with each project, and she helped me solve problems that arose. Linda also taught me how to make earrings! She was always eager to help me with anything I wanted to learn. I had a mentor to visit with and she pushed me to start my business. I will always be grateful for her guidance.

My husband, my stepson, and my mother-in-law also contributed to my story in a big way!

My husband, Matt Briggs is creative and he’s great at choosing colors that work well together. Matt always gives me the best ideas! He helps me move heavy furniture and always has great business advice. He is such an experienced leader to lean on when I need input. He encourages me to do things I wouldn’t think of and pushes me to think outside the box. We make such a great team.
My stepson, Ethan Briggs, is my little best friend who used to always paint with me and do fun projects with clay and we even started a YouTube Channel! Ethan was always willing to make creative fun videos, record me painting, and be a guest in my painting videos. Ethan is a wonderful artist as well and I love sharing my accomplishments with him. Ethan gets so excited when I finish a piece of furniture or artwork and he cheers me on no matter what. He has celebrated so many milestones with me and is one of my biggest supporters. Ethan inspires me to do my best and to show him what is possible when we follow our dreams.
My Mother-In-Law, Kay Briggs is an artist and business owner. Kay has taught me so many things by being a wonderful example of a Wife, Mother, and Friend. Kay is a great teacher and she is always there when I need advice. Her determination for whatever she sets her heart on is inspiring and impressive. I have learned a lot by watching her live out her own dreams and by asking for advice. The support Kay gives is priceless. She and my Father-In-Law, Charlie Briggs, are always there for me and they both helped me set up my very first booth for my artwork. Having supportive parents has really fueled my dreams. I will be forever grateful for their love.

Of course, I would like to thank my Mom, Grandmother my sisters, and my friends for being there and supporting me as well. They show up to my events and always show love when I need them most. The love of your close community is everything and I am so very thankful to have them all.

Website: https://DecoratingTheShack.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshack85/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshack85

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@decoratingtheshack

Other: Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/decoratingtheshack/painted-by-decorating-the-shack/