Meet Samantha Thomas | Hair, Makeup, & Brow artist

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

Hi Samantha, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
“Your background & circumstances may have influenced who you are, but you are responsible for who you become.” – Darren Hardy

I’ve always loved all things beauty. My mom sold Mary Kay when I was a kid, and I would play with her makeup all the time. From a young age, I loved doing my own makeup and making my friends feel beautiful, too. But my parents always wanted us to become doctors or lawyers—anything outside of that wasn’t considered a ‘real job.’ I grew up in a tough home, surrounded by verbal and substance abuse, and my mom was sick with cancer from the time I was seven until she passed away when I was twelve. After that, my family went bankrupt, and I was taken in by my current colleague, Stephanie Carlton. She always saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself. She noticed how I was always doing makeup, brows, skincare—you name it. She encouraged me to enroll in the cosmetology program my high school offered, but at the time, I was still influenced by my parents’ mindset, so I pursued law instead. After years of school and working in firms, I realized that law just wasn’t for me. I kept feeling pulled toward beauty, so I finally decided to pursue it as a career. It wasn’t easy—it was a long journey full of late nights at school and long hours studying for board exams. But now, I see that this isn’t a ‘real job’ in the way my parents meant—because it doesn’t feel like work to me. It feels like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. You can find me at Blush & Bloom Beauty Bar in Richmond for all of your hair, makeup, eyebrow, and ear-piercing needs! I love what I do, and I love helping people feel confident and beautiful.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always loved all things beauty—it’s been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. But despite that passion, I initially pursued law because my parents believed that careers in beauty weren’t “real jobs.” After years of working in the legal field, I realized that it wasn’t for me. The beauty industry kept calling me back, and when I finally took the leap, I knew I had found where I truly belonged.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. I grew up in a difficult environment full of judgment & hostility. But breaking away from the mindset that I needed a “traditional” career was a challenge. Once I made the decision to follow my passion, I faced long nights at school, intense board exams, and plenty of self-doubt. But every challenge only reinforced that I was on the right path.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success doesn’t have one definition. I used to think fulfillment only came from careers that were deemed “serious” or “respectable,” but I’ve come to realize that true success is doing what you love—because when you love what you do, it never feels like work.

What sets me apart is my deep connection to my craft. For me, beauty isn’t just about makeup, hair, or brows—it’s about making people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. Every client who sits in my chair is more than just a service; they’re a person with their own story, and I love being part of their journey.

I want the world to know that my story is one of resilience, passion, and the courage to rewrite my own path. If there’s one thing I can share, it’s that you don’t have to follow the script that others have written for you. Find what makes you happy, chase it relentlessly, and don’t let fear hold you back. Today, you can find me at Blush & Bloom Beauty Bar in Richmond, helping people look and feel their best. And I couldn’t be more grateful to be exactly where I’m supposed to be.

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 my best friend were visiting Richmond, TX, for a week, I’d make sure they had the best time experiencing my favorite local spots, from beauty and self-care to amazing food and fun activities.

For starters, I’d take them to Blush & Bloom Beauty Bar—the ultimate one-stop shop for all things beauty and self-care. Whether they want a fresh new hairstyle, a glowing spray tan, a relaxing facial, or even a Japanese head spa treatment, we’ve got it all. We’d also check out our Med Spa, GlowGetter Aesthetics, for top-tier skincare treatments, then shop at our Babe Cave Boutique, design custom pieces at the Hat Bar, and finish with Permanent Jewelry to commemorate the trip.

For food and drinks, I’d definitely take them to Sandy McGee’s—I’ve loved their food since I was a little girl, and it’s always a go-to spot for delicious meals. For coffee, we’d stop by Yung Hustler Coffee, a fantastic small business in Richmond with high-quality drinks and great food options.

To end the night I would stop by Whiskey River West. Whiskey River West is the place to be! With live country music, two-stepping, and a high-energy dance floor, it’s perfect for a fun night out. Enjoy strong drinks, great DJs, and an electric atmosphere that keeps the party going. Whether you’re a pro dancer or just looking to let loose, this spot delivers an authentic Texas nightlife experience. Grab your boots and hit the dance floor—Whiskey River West never disappoints!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes! Going back to my answer regarding my upbringing I mentioned someone who played a huge role in where I am today. I will repost my response below:

I’ve always loved all things beauty. My mom sold Mary Kay when I was a kid, and I would play with her makeup all the time. From a young age, I loved doing my own makeup and making my friends feel beautiful, too. But my parents always wanted us to become doctors or lawyers—anything outside of that wasn’t considered a ‘real job.’ I grew up in a tough home, surrounded by verbal and substance abuse, and my mom was sick with cancer from the time I was seven until she passed away when I was twelve. After that, my family went bankrupt, and I was taken in by my current colleague, Stephanie Carlton. She always saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself. She noticed how I was always doing makeup, brows, skincare—you name it. She encouraged me to enroll in the cosmetology program my high school offered, but at the time, I was still influenced by my parents’ mindset, so I pursued law instead. After years of school and working in firms, I realized that law just wasn’t for me. I kept feeling pulled toward beauty, so I finally decided to pursue it as a career. It wasn’t easy—it was a long journey full of late nights at school and long hours studying for board exams. But now, I see that this isn’t a ‘real job’ in the way my parents meant—because it doesn’t feel like work to me. It feels like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. You can find me at Blush & Bloom Beauty Bar in Richmond for all of your hair, makeup, eyebrow, and ear-piercing needs! I love what I do, and I love helping people feel confident and beautiful.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sincerelyy_sami?igsh=MTdtMTl1dnI3MGpscw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18XPMX58Y4/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Love Her Wilder